Introducing Table Food ??

Introducing Table Food ??

I know we've talked about good ideas for which foods to start with, but how much do you start with and what is reasonable? My dr. told me to start Ryan with 'chew foods' around the 8/9 month mark. Well, he just turned 9 months on Friday ( !) and so far he's not overly thrilled about 'chewing'.

He's pretty good with the Cheerios (now that I break them up). I've given him some soy yogurt which he didn't love, but I can't say I blame him there. He can't have regular egg pastina because of the allergy so I tried the tubettini which he took a few, but again not so thrilled. I'm trying the stage 3 baby food but he's not too thrilled with it...

How much do you 'push' the table food in the beginning? It's hard to tell how much he is eating of anything now and if a few pieces of pasta is too much or too little. Plus, he still doesn't have that pincer grasp down so I'm still putting pieces in his mouth myself. Any advice on how you start this and how much you push it? Or should I wait until he shows more interest himself??

Re: Introducing Table Food ??

Have you tried any of the Gerber Snacks like Wagon Wheels or Biter Biscuits? I started giving them to Annalise between baby food meals before she started baby food. This got her used to mashing the food in her mouth. She was on all table food by 9 months except for pureed fruit because she wanted what was on my plate. It did make things hard for a while so I would not push table food at all. You know they are getting the nutrition they need if they have 2.5 jars baby food a day. She hated to take anything off a spoon except for YoBaby Yogurt. I gave her bite size versions of any plain foods we were eating. She had no allergies so I am not sure if you can do this with Ryan. I think a few pieces of pasta was enough for her at 9 months. I let her have things like mashed potato, avocado, well cooked veggies like carrots, and shredded chicken. For breakfast at the sitter she has convenience foods like mini pancakes, toast, and french toast sticks. I also keep Pasta Pickups for her to have when she cannot eat what we are having for dinner. Is there some kind of ravioli with veggies inside that he can eat? I find it helps if you can give them one food with a meat, veggie and starch all together. I will keep my eyes open for some foods that he is not allergic too and let you know what I find.

Re: Introducing Table Food ??

Thanks Victoria! I haven't tried the Gerber snacks, because I'm pretty sure the wagon wheels have either egg or milk ingredients -- or both...I'm going to have to keep looking for more foods he can eat.

He is actually eating more than 2.5 jars of baby food a day so I'm not too worried about the nutrition, I'm more worried about him eating 'chew' foods - he's not even really interested in picking up food for himself - he just runs his fingers in it when I give him the opportunity. Maybe this is something he's a little slow with...

The ravioli with veggies is a great idea - I have to see if there is an egg-free one somewhere...

Thanks for the tips!!

Re: Introducing Table Food ??

How about trying peas and carrots (diced). The ones in cans are very soft but not mashed. We put some on Joseph's high chair tray and let him try and pick them up (he tends to mash them in his fingers before they get to his mouth!) and eat them. We also give him tiny little pieces of banana to eat.