Hi,

CAn you just reassure me that it is ok for him just to play with his food at this stage? Wll he get better at actually eating it? I just really don't want to force feed him with a spoon its horrible.
The Breastfeeding Association have told me "food is for fun until they are one" - a great mantra! They say that introducing solids is more about a baby exploring tastes and textures and developing technique. My DS has a great time exploring and experimenting with his food now.

I must say, I've come a long way in the month since posting this thread. I now have great confidence in my son's ability to feed himself. I watched my MIL today hovering over him and getting agitated over every little cough or movement - thinking he was going to choke - and he wasn't. He's constantly refining his techniques and is becoming better at feeding himself as time has passed. Having said that, he doesn't have 3 meals a day every day and eats varying amounts each time. He's still a BF baby, with no intention of stopping (from my perspective or his).

I tried some rice cereal with him one day because I was eating porridge - and he hated it. Why bother with the hassle? He'd much rather feed himself a nice 1/4 pear or finger of zucchini (his fav atm).

Don't be afraid to be a bit different. I'm now asking mums when I see them feeding their babies mush, something like: "why are you feeding him/her that?" (nicely, of course). It's got them thinking!