What happens with big bits of squashy things (like banana or avocado)? At least they are harder to choke on...
Or things that really need to be chewed (like asparagus stalks or broccoli trees)?
With my DS, who is nearly 8 months, we make chewing faces and he imitates us. We share his food - so hopefully he gets the idea. We haven't tried giving him harder stuff yet though.