Kahlan, we just gave A chunks from the start. He didn't eat much at first, but that's ok, they eat it when they need it, know what I mean? Practice makes perfect, as they say

As for the carers - they should be doing things as you wish. That includes the way she feeds your DD. It's less time consuming if you give them pieces to feed themselves anyway - though, yes, it does still leave the messy cleanup.