Answer: Hi Paula,
We used to look at babies and solids in terms of their digestive system but today we know that in fact it is more about their ability to handle food (orally) and swallow it. Most bubs under six months for example still have a tongue protrusion reflex which is biologically designed for sucking not chomping, which is one reason purees are first and not till about six months. Closer to six months a baby’s oral development is such that they can chomp foods, move it about to the back of the mouth and swallow without gagging on it. Around, not necessarily at 9 months bubs have now enough oral mechanical skills and dexterity with their fingers to handle chunks of food.

Keep giving your bub opportunities to handle food and become accustomed to it, he may just need a little more time to get used to it. Pop some finger foods on his plate or try before offer him his meal. In the meantime keep offering him roughly chopped foods so she is getting lumpy food and try popping some of the finger foods in yourself, this way you will know it isnt that he cant cope with the food but more likely it could be the feel of it. Also try a feeding mesh as a starter it may help. Keep trialing new ideas, you may just happen upon something he loves and this can be the motivator.

Below is a link to a tip sheet on finger foods.
Finger foods and beyond and healthy eating habits

If you find that things don’t improve in a few weeks pop into see your CHN.

All the best,
Leanne