Hey, I know this thread is a week old now but I've just seen it.
Want to clarify, choking and gagging are two different things. choking is a block or partial block of the airway, is not normal and highly dangerous. First aid would need to be given immediately to remove the obstruction.
Gagging on the other hand is normal and does not obstruct the airway. LO's gag reflex is further forward than an adult's which is very handy when learning to eat. A gag shows that Lo is handling the food in the way that is expected, ie they are bringing it back to the front of their mouth to chew/gum/suck on again prior to swallowing. They can also sometimes swallow pieces that are too big (also not choking) and this can be brought back up almost like a vomit (but not real vomiting as it hasn't reached the stomach). LO is generally not bothered by either the gag or the hacking up of large pieces and may even pick up the same piece to re-eat (yuck!) where as choking will show immediate alarm in their face as they struggle to breath.
At that age and with his limited experience of solid food I would ensure that finger foods are big enough for him to hold in his hand (size of an adult finger as a gauge). I don't know how big dried pear is. You could also make some baked pear wedges (quarter and core, lay on baking tray pop in oven, check with a fork to see if they have softened) which are great finger food. Baked wedges (apple, pear) have a nice dry outside which is easy for LO to grip, whilst the inside is quite soft and easily gummed. They transport pretty well for snacking out and about too, not as messy as some foods.
If he continually has a gag, cough or difficulty with any one food type I would probably give it a miss for a while. As example my DS could eat almost anything from 6 months but always struggled with dried apricot, it wasn't a one off gag but repeated gags and struggles which didn't look comfortable. I avoided dried apricots until 12 months and still rarely offer them unless they are cooked in a muffin.
hth a bit Elise. And hope your little man has a positive experience with his solids v soon xx
