Baby only eats purees because of my fear

Try speaking to your GP. I know it is very very scary and I’ve been there. A baby’s reflux starts at the top of their tongue when they’re born and as they grow it moves further back. But at this age it’s isn’t all the way back in their throat, so if they were to gag on something they will quickly spit it out. It’s also good for them to practice spitting the food out if they’re gagging. I know a lot of people don’t use food pouches, but why don’t you try one for 7 months plus because it’s a good consistency. You can see how your baby handles it, and it might give you a bit of confidence to start making your own foods. It will be scary at first because it will be a whole new world of textures and flavours for them but honestly she will get it and start to chew and swallow it without any gagging. And if she does start to gag just let her lead and see if she can spit it out herself…because I bet she will. You’re not alone as I was like this with my first x

Following im feeling the exact same 😞😫🤷🏼‍♀️

One piece advice although sound bad remember gagging is good as they aren't choking and bring food to front of mouth. Do not pat on back if making noise as if making noise they can breathe and aren't choking, if pat on back when making noise they are more likely to choke remember noise is good, silence is bad.

Hello! Totally get this and I’m a health professional so even though I’m trained on what to do, cpr etc still scared of it happening to my own child! I do give finger foods like banana and toast and biscotti but the gagging is never an easy watch A few things that have gone down well as different textures that encourage baby to chew but are still soft are: Mash potato with tuna mixed in or shredded chicken, lentil daal, normal or giant couscous with blended roasted veg, orzo pasta with tomato or pesto sauce The 7 month plus pouches and melty sticks are a great way to start though to build up confidence

I found starting off with the melt puffs you can buy in shops was a good way to wean me into using the softer food like potato, courgette etc. And it made me feel better as baby was then still learning to feed themselves

My baby is about 8.5 months as well and I've been so scared too. He loves his pouches, well most of them. He doesn't like ones with meat or fish or spices yet, but they say keep trying. What we have tried are melty sticks and melty puffs. You can hold it the whole time for your LO and let her explore the texture and learn how to suck and chomp. My LO has no sign of teeth yet, but also has tried avocado and banana. He still hates both lol. I'll keep trying. He does love mashed potato, the inside of a roast potato. We started these with some of his milk mixed in. I've also let him chomp on carrot and cucumber. I didn't let go the whole time, but his gums too in some of the inside juices or flavours. It's a start. We will get there and so will you x

Melty sticks / wafers really helped me with my comfort too xx

My first child seemed to loved purées and I got away with that for a long as possible because I was scared. My second is just over 9 months and he has never liked the purées so I had to just go for it and although it is scary he is such a good eater and fast learner. I would say try as soon as possible because my son although liking all the purées hates most foods now and has since he moved off of purées. My 9 month old has loved banana so maybe start with that.

I purchased a life vac kit to relieve my anxiety somewhat around worst case scenario choking incidents.. if you have a look at LifeVac on social media you will see just how many babies and children it has saved.. its not the cheapest but it gives peace of mind. I got the travel kit so it can go with her to nursery etc. At the end of the day we can’t stop something like choking happening but we can be prepared for it if it ever does happen, it’s helped me move forward with the weaning phase so much better but I’ll be honest there is still certain foods like grapes and peas that I’ve continued to avoid😅 https://www.lifevac.uk/product/lifevac-travel-kit/?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAoZEJGEOhQau-p_EEznhAaksBKE6G&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI493vmqXNjAMVN5BQBh2VCT0iEAQYASABEgLQP_D_BwE

Also if she wasn't coping very well with food, she'd even struggle with the purées. I still have anxiety but you can make foods work for you and the baby and take the pressure off yourself. We started on super super soft broccoli which he just mushed up in this fingers before it made it into his mouth anyway. Now he'll do some poos and like entire unchewed stuff will come out...peas are pretty funny... but they're capable of more than you think.

Try feeding something really soft first and build up. I feel like my fear didn’t go away until I actually saw him eat solids. He didn’t gag on things for a while but now when he does it actually makes me feel better as they’re actually really good at coughing things up

Could you work your way through the Ella pouches (or similar / your own version) which very gradually get more chunky? It’s so gradual, and all soft?

If it helps...I have been so amazed at how well my baby is managing since I started veering away from puree. She's doing great. Try starting with a banana. Don't mash. She can chew x

I felt very nervous about choking too so I did a baby first aid course. It was only two hours long but covered choking, amongst other things. The company was Mini First Aid and they do courses across the country. This helped me to feel more prepared and reassured. I completely understand how you feel.