Why it's NB to introduce Finger Foods at 6 months

I am all for trying to get your child to start eating grown up food asap, I think that is the goal with feeding solids, but posting a topic that creates the idea (that was my interpretation of it) that all babies will be able to handle finger foods at 6 months might have a few moms thinking their must be something wrong with your child if they can't handle finger foods at 5,5 months, and I don't think that is the case.

gloeiwurmpie, I think this is all just trail and error. It does work for some and maybe not with others.

In the beginning, I didnt think Kyle would be able to handle the same foods as what we eat but was suprised that he loves it and didnt choke just as Marijke had told me. I tried it with Kyle when he was just over 7 months and dont look back. I just dont add salt and all that. When we used to eat, he would always eat out our plates and thats when I realised its time to do things differently. When I wanted to give him purity last night, he refused and wanted what we are eating.

But as I said, what worked for me, might not work for others.

mmm...i find your ideas on finger foods a bit confusing. Your theory is directly opposite to almost every book or article I have read regarding starting solids. Everything I have read (and advised by my clinic sister) pointed to starting with smooth pureed foods like rice porridge or veggies. This method you described clearly worked for you, but every time from around 6 months I tried adding more texture it ended like the colourfull scenes RM described. It was clear that she wasn't ready for more textured foods (although I kept trying). Only about 2 weeks ago (at 11 months) it seemed as if something clicked in her mind with the more textured finger foods. I could be wrong, but I think not all babies are ready at the same age regarding finger foods. I agree with the theory that one should try and introduce more textured foods as soon as they will tolerate it, but trying to get your child to eat food that makes them vomit 99% of the time seems wrong to me. I know you mean well by the info you post regarding the importance of introducing finger foods at 6 months, but I wonder if other mothers (like me) feel as if their must be something wrong with their babies if they can't handle finger foods at 5 and a half months. Maybe other moms can share when their babies could manage more textured foods?

It's a pity the weather is so bad otherwise you could have just put her outside

I'll call home now and warn the dog and the cat what we have planned for the weekend - I think they need to be forewarned, it seems the least I can do!!

hahaha RM..but that is it why I though maybe trying out the banana would help somehow..you can give her a piece to feed herself and then let her sit in the middle of the tiles in the kitchen while she figures out whether she wants it or not and should she finally decide to eat it and she vomits..she can just continue to do so far from anything that might become soiled by the vomit..hahaha..and you..

Just trying out all avenues hey..lol

But GOODLUCK..
Let us know how it works out

Good luck.