Before DS turned 6 months, I posted in the general chatter thread that I was going to do BLS. Fast forward almost two months later, and DS is refusing his purees and I'm wishing I'd gone with my first instincts. He started off as a great little eater, but now ... I'm not sure if it's teething or whatever, but he just doesn't want to eat.

So, my first question is - is it okay to start BLS at DS's age (he's 9 days off turning 8 months)? Even after he's been on purees since starting solids?

Second question is this - can anyone please help me understand the gagging reflex? Part of the reason I decided not to do BLS to start with (aside from family and friends telling me I was mad for thinking of giving my 6 month old "real" food) is I have a serious anxiety about choking - myself and watching others. I've watched YouTube clips of BLS and read all about it (have Gill Rapley's book right here), but I just panic when I see it. This morning, after his porridge, I offered DS toast with avocado. He sucked on it and played with it - all good. Then he went bright red, his eyes went wide and he started "choking". I panicked. He was okay, but I felt sick and was shaking. So, what does normal gagging look like? Do they go red? Is it supposed to look like choking?! How long does it last for?

Thank you!