Won't eat finger foods

[hiann]

Hi Lorna97!

Just keep offering him food by putting it down on the tray. Moving his hand to his mouth with food in it isnt a good idea as they dont like it as you've found out unfortunately: like would we like someone to do that to us?!

Try him with things like lightly steamed broccoli or a chunk of cheese or big chunks of soft pear or something "wet": he might well suck it first to get used to the idea of putting it in his mouth. You could also try sitting him on your knee when you are having dinner: its amazing what they will grab and try from YOUR plate!!!!

Maybe you could try letting him feed himself with stuff on a spoon: fromage frais rather than yogurt is a good one as its not as runny so wont go splat as easily! Just put a bit on a plastic spoon and place the spoon in his hand. He might stick his fingers in it but dont worry. Just keep trying. You may have to use two spoons: give him another loaded one when you try and take the empty one off him!

Google for baby led weaning sites for info on finger foods: this is where you give finger foods from the start rather than purees: I've used this method with DD and its been v successful. Try looking at their starting ideas: I know their starting ideas are from 6 months but you can do it with 10 month olds too as its the same principle: explore and eventually they will eat it and these starting foods are all soft enough to eat.

I do find even with DD feeding herself from the start the finger foods you buy aimed at babies all tend to be too dry: the biscuits etc. Even scone and butter might be worth a try or a bun/muffin style of thing: DD loves blueberry muffins!

GL!