Ask:
When did you start your baby on finger foods? What did you give them? I am asking because at my dd 6 month checkup the doctor gave me a sheet that talks about things she should be doing and eating on it. It says to introduce finger foods such as zwieback toast, teething biscuits, and melba toast. I did not ask the doctor because I didn't have a chance to look at the sheet until I got home. My dd was also getting her shots and you know how that can be. She is already on Stage 2 of her baby food. She also sits very well in her highchair. I have also started her on a sippy cup. I just thought you were suppose to wait until they are older to start finger foods.
Answer:
For me, it depends on how many teeth she has. Ds is 1 and still only has 6 front teeth, but he can now eat just about anything!
I would start with those star snacks from gerber. They disolve very fast and I don't think they would choke her at all. I did break them in half for ds because he only had 2 teeth then.
I tried the toast and stuff, but I found that they bit off more than they could chew and swallow, so I stuck to foods that easily dissolved.
As far as other things, you can smoosh up peas and other veggies. She should be able to eat them, just make sure you smoosh them flat, otherwise I think they can inhale the peas? Also, check with the dr to make sure, but if she has had bannana, she can have raw bannana that is very ripe. Our dr also said that as long as they have had it in baby food form , they can have it in finger food form, just be a little more careful w/raw fruit (I'm not sure why, but it is an allergy thing I think).
Answer:
I totally nursed mine until 6 months. Then, I started on babyfood AND finger food at the same time. Introducing different textures, as long as it is SAFE food, is a good thing. I agree with mommytosa on her suggestions. Cheerios and small gerber snacks are not only good for her to eat, but they are also good for her hand/eye coordination. Oh...and I think the raw fruit thing is because of how easy it is to choke on it. An apple wedge will break apart in a second, etc. just from them gumming it.
Answer:
I agree with everyone here!
I too was shocked after my 6 month appointment that I needed to start on finger foods so soon. My son did not have very many teeth at that point. I tried the melba toast, but he also bit off more than he could chew and I worried that he might choke.
The Gerber Stars are GREAT for starting out. They kind of melt in babies mouth if they don't chew them up real well. Plus, I agree, I think that it is more about getting baby used to the hand eye cordination. This way they can begin learning to feed themselves. Just be sure to monitor you little one while they eat, and take away anything that makes you nervouse (ie. choking hazards).
I would not push the finger foods, but just try it out if you feel that your little one can handle it.
Answer:
I didn't really start finger food until about 9-10 months. DS had 8 teeth by then and we started small. Now at 11 months he eats all sorts of things from cherrios, to small pieces of cheese, little toast pieces etc.
Answer:
Gerber star snacks that come in the yellow container is the best!!!
Answer:
I also started Aidan on the snacks from Gerber, he 's them and when he sees the container in the cupboard he knows what they are and wants some. I also gave him small bites of banana.
Answer:
I didn't start baby food until about 5 months and I waited till she did well with that then I started with cheerios broken in half, and little pieces of bananas. I love the gerber graduates but they are pricey when you compare them to a box of cheerios and what you get. Don't worry about how may teeth they have. There gums are very strong and can smash the food up too.
Answer:
She can be eating all kinds of things!! Personally I did not like the teething bisquits and such. As someone else said, if they do manage to get a big chunk, they are really hard!!! I like things like ritz type crackers, saltines, graham crackers and such. I never really liked Cheerios either just because they are round! Once she gets good at cracker type things you can use small pieces of canned fruits and veggies.
Answer:
My kids began wanting food at around 5 months. They would reach and whine every time I ate in front of them. Around 6 months is when they started eating the gerber finger foods, and crackers. my first dd had teeth really early, while my second was almost 12 months before she ahd any, and they were both alright.