<p>Well, first I tested to see if Cecilia had lost the infant tongue reflex by putting a dab of mashed potato (just potato, nothing added to it) on my fingertip and holding it in front of her face. She grabbed my hand and sucked the finger in, and quickly swallowed the potatoes, so I deemed she was ready. <img alt="wink1.gif" class="bbcode_smiley" src="http://files.mothering.com//images/smilies/wink1.gif"></p>
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<p>Her first food that she self-fed was avocado slices. She did a great job once she could pick up the slices, but that was the hard part. They stuck to her highchair tray <em>really</em> well. So when I give her avocado now I do it in the mesh feeder. Besides avocado, she has had butternut squash, apple slices that have been softened in the microwave, sweet potato, and Asian pear. We're not doing any grains or dairy until over 1, we'll see about meat (probably holding off until at least 9 months for that).</p>