Self-feeding and baby-led weaning

Self-feeding is a major developmental task from 6 months on. Offer safe finger foods — soft, cooked strips of vegetables, fruit, or protein cut longer than a finger (not coin-shaped). Let baby control pace and quantity. Baby-led weaning skips purees entirely, going straight to finger foods. It's evidence-supported and popular. Traditional purees also work, and many families combine both. There's no wrong choice. The difference between gagging and choking is critical. Gagging (loud, red-faced, coughing, sometimes vomiting) is a normal safety reflex and means food is being cleared. Choking (silent, blue-tinged, no sound) requires immediate intervention. Take an infant CPR class. Never leave baby unattended while eating.