My DD2 is just a little older than yours and was doing the same things at that stage. We introduced family food a couple of weeks ago at six months and tbh she still doesn't 'get' it. She puts the food in her mouth and sucks and explores it, but she's not really eating it properly. Mostly it's playing and getting used to tastes. Swallowing still makes her gag, so even though there's been the odd bit in her nappy, I really think she's a good few weeks off using food for eating rather than just the sensations.

Which is just fine by me and as it should be! DD1 took about six weeks between introducing food and properly eating it. And then there was no holding her back! She has always been a fantastic eater and I think controlling it herself is a factor.