Desperately need help with solids

Ok, so the twins have been eating solids since right around 6 months (shortly after started the cereals and then moved on). They've had just about all of the vegetables they are supposed to, as well as the fruits.

I've given them some cheese, yogurt, and graham crackers (per my pediatrician's request).

Now what?

Everyone says offer them "soft fruits" and "soft" vegetables. I've tried it with pears and bananas but they can't pick them up, it slips out of their hands.

I'm worried that I'm giving them too much pureed stuff. But, I tried a little pasta the other day and one got a little choked up on it. Although, she kind of does that with everything. But, it scared me to death! I freaked and threw the pasta out!

I will take ANY food ideas.

As always, thanks!

 

green beans, peas, blueberries, ground beef, ditalini pasta, broccoli

www.wholesomebabyfood.com has great recipes and suggestions

You can also coat the fruit with "cheerio dust" or wheat germ to make it easier to pick up.

We did purees along with finger foods until about 13 months when they were finally feeding themselves enough by hand to fill them up and not get frustrated.

ETA: HERE is a list of finger foods compiled from FY Moms.

 

Here is what we are doing right now for finger foods:

toast with butter
french toast (I made it without egg whites)
fish (cod or salmon has worked well)
steamed broccoli and cauliflower
peas
black olives
we have coated avacado and banana with wheat germ, and it helped a little - they really liked it!
mango (I feed them b/c its slippery)
cheese
kidney beans that I cut long-ways ( a hassle, but makes me feel better, and they like it)
tofu
steamed beets (they had these at a salad bar the other day, and loved them, so I am planning on buying these....)
whole wheat noodles with butter and parmesan
small pieces of chicken
mini multigrain pancakes with bananas (I dipped into applesauce so it wouldn't be so dry)

Thats all I can think of right now....

 

I used those mess feeders (oops, I mean MESH feeders) for slippery fruits and it got them used to the idea of holding something they wanted to eat. They are a pain to clean, but worth it I think. We were on mushy stuff for a long time. Actually this may be the first month the boys haven't had at least 1 stage 3 jar a week. They don't always eat well, so I know if I can get them to share one that at least they are getting something! Have you tried Puffs yet? They dissolve in their mouth, but still help them work on their pincher grasp when picking them up. They are addictive though, so beware!

 

[SIZE=14pt]At what age did you start finger foods? I've read that they aren't supposed to start until they're crawling and mine aren't there yet. . .[/SIZE]

 

QUOTE(trustinHim @ May 5 2009, 11:07 AM) [snapback]1301105[/snapback]
[SIZE=14pt]At what age did you start finger foods? I've read that they aren't supposed to start until they're crawling and mine aren't there yet. . .[/SIZE]

We didn't start until almost 10 months. Our pedi took the food thing really slow b/c of their adjusted age. The weren't crawling yet though.

 

QUOTE(trustinHim @ May 5 2009, 08:07 AM) [snapback]1301105[/snapback]
[SIZE=14pt]At what age did you start finger foods? I've read that they aren't supposed to start until they're crawling and mine aren't there yet. . .[/SIZE]



Mine are not crawling yet - although they try. We started on puffs at 6.5-7months I think. We started to do a lot more finger food this past month (so about 8 months)

 

I look back through posts liket this and honestly, genuinely wonder how my first son lived to see three. Honestly. I broke Every. Single. Rule. I just did what felt right when he seemed ready, and if it didn't go well, we just stopped and tried again in a few more weeks or months. Thank God he has no food allergies to speak of, loves everything, and never, ever was picky. It really is a wonder he didn't explode or come over in hives or something.

 

QUOTE
look back through posts liket this and honestly, genuinely wonder how my first son lived to see three. Honestly. I broke Every. Single. Rule. I just did what felt right when he seemed ready, and if it didn't go well, we just stopped and tried again in a few more weeks or months. Thank God he has no food allergies to speak of, loves everything, and never, ever was picky. It really is a wonder he didn't explode or come over in hives or something.


LOL........my mom says the same thing everytime I tell her what the pedi said or something I have read. She says its a wonder you and your brother are alive today!! I can say, with my DS, I have done abit more solids with than everyone else recomends because he EATS THE HOUSE DOWN!!!! If I let him he would eat my food too.