When I discuss introducing finger foods with Mothers, some invariably cringe at the thought and tell me they are frightened the baby will choke. Some babies are quite capable of chewing from about 6 to 7 mths. Of course the baby will 'gag' at times if the piece of food goes back a little too far and hits the gag reflex at the back of the tongue. The gagging actually has the effect of bringing the food piece forward, enabling the baby to have another shot at chewing or spitting it out.

I usually recommend giving finger foods to try before giving the mashed food. That, if the baby is inclined to gag a little too much and cause a vomit, it would not be the whole meal. Maybe a little of the milk already consumed.

Don't let your fear hold a child back from what they are capable of doing. A baby can develope good tongue skills and will also enhance teething, and future speech skills. The better a baby can use their tongue to move food around its mouth will also have less chance of choking. Gagging and choking are not the same.