Help needed with 11 month old

Babycelt · #1 (**permalink**) 14-09-11, 09:18

Hi hope ye can help? DS is 11 months now, and he is good enough at eating a wide variety of tastes etc But I am a bit worried about him moving on from purees and slightly lumpy foods. Some days he seems to manage fine, even eating a toast soldier or a good lumpy dinner. However on the other hand he chokes on anything too lumpy and some days if teething or tired just gags on anything not quite soft enough.

My mother keeps saying it's fine, but I've friends with babies the same age able to eat much more "normal" food eg chew actual pieces of meat etc.

I am not sure if he's doing grand for 11 months and will get there in his own time or if my ever constant fear of him choking is holding him back.
I suppose I just want to know, what does the average 11 month old manage? and how far behind we are, if we are behind.
thanks in advance!!

DrP · #2 (**permalink**) 14-09-11, 09:53

If your LO is able to manage lumpy dinners and toast fine some days then he generally doesn't have a problem with lumpier foods. I wouldn't be afraid to give him plenty of finger foods and just let him get on with it. If you do have a fear of him choking then maybe look into doing a first aid course so that oyu know exactly how to deal with a choking episode should it occur, although tbh most children will gag and cough or sick back up whatever is the problem before it becomes an issue.

Teething is naturally going to make things more difficult for him, he won't want to chew much if his gums are sore so it's only natural that he might have problmes then. Same goes for when he is tired. If he is too tired to chew properly then he will try to swallow tihngs that are too big and gag on them.

Try not to have meal times when he is particularly tired, and if he is suffering with his teeth then give him things he can manage.

Babycelt · #3 (**permalink**) 14-09-11, 12:50

Thanks for the reply DrP. I was more wondering, what does the average 11 month old manage, what is "average"?

DrP · #4 (**permalink**) 14-09-11, 14:57

There is no such thing as average really. They are all so different. I know people who's LOs didn't start solids till they were more than a year old, others were probably eating everything in sight at that stage. I really wouldn't worry about trying to compare how your LO is doing in comparison to other children. As long as your LO is happy and healthy then everything is fine. Just keep offering variety and he will get there in his own time.

Babycelt · #5 (**permalink**) 15-09-11, 11:30

thanks - I suppose he's getting there, albeit slowly.