I learned something interesting watching my little guy last month as he was introduced to finger foods (well, as much finger foods as a 7 or 8 month old cares about, lol). Baby G had gotten a container of the new flavored "puffs" from Grandma in his Easter basket. When I felt he was ready to try picking up food, I tried a few of them on the high chair tray. As I watched over the next few days, I grew a little concerned. It seemed as though something was lacking from his small motor skills. He could not get those puffs into his mouth for some reason, but was fine if I stuck them in his mouth for him.
So, I watched him closer (learned to watch processes closer when there are problems as I taught my sister to drive my standard transmission car forever ago). I realized it was not necessarily that he could not pick them up or that he was not getting them to his mouth. The issue was something wholly different - the "puffs" are made to disintigrate into baby's mouth (to prevent choking, I guess). But, that was a problem here. Baby G's fingers (and hands) were damp often (teething) or got that way trying to feed himself. The "puffs" would start to disintegrate on his fingers and stick there - making them unmanagable for him.
What to do about this interesting situation? I went back to the old, non-sticky standby - Cheerio's! And Baby G learned how to handle those much, much easier. He has not choked on them yet (neither did his older siblings). And so, Baby G has developed those, oh so important small motor skills that he needed. He now can manage those "puffs" with ease. So, my lesson learned to pass onto new mom's - rather than start with the "puffs", start with the Cheerio's - they are better for your baby, lol!
My little ones are still having troubles; they gag so easily. Whatever those puffs are they could be helpful to them, although I have to keep them off certain allergens, so therein lies a dilemma...(sigh)
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• Jun. 29, 2009 - Untitled Comment
Karie