BLW

Coughing isn’t choking, they will cough and gag a lot, that is OK don’t panic.

My little boy is 8.5 months and we’ve just started too, I’m terrified. It’s strange as he actually seems to manage toast better than roasted veg and pancakes which has really surprised me. We’re doing puree and adding in a finger food or two each time to do it slowly

I’d recommend going Solid Starts - it is a paid program but then they send you a really detailed recipe plan which you can take as slowly or fast as you like. https://solidstarts.com

We did that with our daughter, now 21m, and she has a fantastic relationship with food. The program gives you detailed information and when they give you a recipe for a particular vegetable (say broccoli), they give you several different recipes for broccoli, so it won’t go to waste. They also consider the parents, including a few family meals too. The program also helps you to introduce allergens (nuts, dairy, eggs, soya etc).

A few additional recommendations: 1) allow your little one to feed themselves but stay with them while they’re eating 2) don’t expect them to always finish their food - they won’t necessarily enjoy all foods. 3) where possible, try to eat together as a family (it really helps them) 4) bamboo plates are worth their weight in gold. Silicone are a good start but they do release a plastic taste into the food (from experience). You’ll need a plate and a bowl 5) silicone bibs are fantastic purchase- we still use them 15 months later. 6) for spoons, get a few different types (if possible). You’ll notice it can impact how well your LO feeds. 7) for the plate & bowl, get the ones that stick to the table. They will try to pick it up, throw it, move it closer. They’re just exploring their space (and gravity lol) 8) try not to react when your little one throws food on the floor or when they pour water into their bib lol 😂 There’s likely loads more, so you’re welcome to dm me :)

In relation to items 1 & 2, let your LO listen to their hunger cues. Their body will tell them when they’ve had enough food. They need to learn to listen to, and respect, their body’s internal cues.

My son started BLW at 5.5 months. I didn’t really put much thought into it tbh, I let him try everything he went for and if I was concerned about choking I’d squash things a bit, do strips of chicken, gave grains as is but initially a grain or two at a time. As he started getting more confident I would increase the amount and when he started actually eating meat I’d make sure it was very tender

They will cough and gag^ this is okay (ignore my laughing I find it so cute) she hates this don’t worry it’s just new tastes