Finger foods
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I’m the same I’m nervous about food. I give my son wafer sticks and corn sticks that he can chew and they dissolve. I also use the feeders to put fruit into. I gave him straight up banana to eat and he started choking on it. I’m also nervous about introducing allergens because I gave him dairy and he was allergic and I’ve had to book him into the allergist so I totally get your nerves.
I’ve already done first aid courses, but thank you, it’s important stuff to know
My babes done baby led weaning with finger foods from day 1. I think the number one thing for me was following “solid starts” serving guidelines (it’s a great app!) to make sure I’m not offering a things he’s likely to choke on. They also give tips on how to serve things in a way to reduce gagging too. And second watching him move stuff around in his mouth has given me the confidence to know he can maneuver things away if it feels like it’s too big. try to remember that the gagging is more about them going “yikes! It feels scary to swallow that!” And bailing on the idea than it is about them actually having difficulty.
Could you go for a stay or day stay at Tresillian or a private clinic? My friend went for sleep for the 5 days and they also helped her with feeding and introducing allergens. I was so worried about introducing solids aswell, I've been offering solids since 7 months and I'm still a little bit anxious. The only thing that helped me was actually practicing what I would do in a choking situation but also just time, every day it's just that little bit easier, it's pretty amazing how quickly they learn. Good luck lovely 🩷
Here is a private clinic for Brisbane https://www.northwestprivatehospital.com.au/Early-Parenting-Centre/About-Us and the public https://www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/services/child-youth-and-family-health/child-youth-and-family-health-ellen-barron-family-centre
Finger foods made my girl gag less quicker than purées that were thicker consistency. It was actually better to move onto more finger foods. Give chunky firm foods for bun to map their mouth and gagging will stop pretty quick!
This is my second bub and I’m anxious af, just as I was with my first - no advice I’m sorry - like you I’ve educated myself… solidarity I guess!! X
Doing a first aid course gave me the confidence with my first. I was able to ask loads of questions during it and it was aimed at babies / young children.