choking fear

[sadie_sabot]

I'm a paranoid momma! I'm afraid to give my dd foods b/c I'm afraid of choking. Is it safe to give her things like rice cakes, bread, other things that aren't chopped into little bitty peices? ( I know which things to definitely avoid)

she's 9 1/2 months old and loves to feed herself. I just can't get over the fear that she'll tear off too big a chunk and choke.

[Quirky]

I think that things like bread, rice cakes, etc. dissolve pretty well, and babies get very good at gumming things. My ds is definitely a feed himself type of boy, and has had the same 6 teeth for months now (no molars) and seems to do fine with a wide range of foods.

I would definitely keep an eye on her at all times, and don't give her things like whole grapes and big chunks of food, but let her practice on her own. If she does the chipmunk thing (stores more and more in her cheeks without swallowing) then only give her a bite or two at a time. But I wouldn't worry too much about it when she has demonstrated she's pretty good at swallowing without choking.

[cathe]

At 9 1/2 months, things like bread, rice cakes should be fine. That's great that she loves to feed herself and you definitely want to encourage that. If you are nervous give her diced things like avocado, banana, tofu. Rip the bread into chunks. Oatios are also a great finger food. (They don't have to be too small). Also, if you're still nervous. Just put a few pieces on her tray or plate at a time so she can't stuff.