trying finger food and choking

[mmom]

My LO is almost 8 months and has been eating pureed solids since he was 4 months.  His doctor wanted me to start trying finger foods around this time and we tried giving him some banana this week, which resulted in him choking and throwing up.  After that, I tried putting the banana in one of those feeders and that is just one big mess.  How are babies supposed to "chew" and not choke?  Is he just supposed to chew on it and not swallow?  I read the BLW thread and I get what foods are good to try.  I just wonder if I am missing something.

[Mimi 2]

How about giving him something that will melt in his mouth or goes very soft from the saliva till he gets the hang of it?  Gagging is normal as it is his way of clearing the food.  Don't look scared or over react as he will pick up on your anxiety and be afraid of trying to feed himself.  I know it's tough but he will figure it out.  Give him plenty of practice with baby rice rusks or rice puffs.  They melt as soon as they touch something moist.  Also, when you give him some finger food show him how to chew it.  Make really exaggerated chewing motions so that he can copy you.  It sounds silly but he will learn from watching you.

HTH

[mmom]

Thanks!  That is a good idea.  I will try that.

[mum101]

I think it just takes time, also experiment with how you cut things up.  Maybe he likes long thin slivers, or long thick pieces, or just the size it is.

Really ripe pear seems to go well for DS.

[mmom]

Thanks.  I tried those rice puff things last night and while he normally puts everything in his mouth, this time he just played with them.  I kept showing him and he did end up eating a few, but like you said, it will probably take time for him to get it.  At least he didn't choke this time.  I also baked sweet potatoes that are really soft for him to try today.  Do they always have to be long?  I think I did it wrong and cut them in small pieces for the babysitter.

[woopster]

Hi, it's very hard for a baby to choke. The gag reflex is there to STOP them choking. They don't gag because they are choking.  As Mimi said try not to have a reaction when he gags. They do get it eventually.

[Mimi 2]

The long pieces (fries or chip like) just make it easier for babies to hold until their pincer grip is mastered.  You could even put it into his hand to help him along with part of the food sticking out.