Your baby is learning to feed himself. Does your baby hold most foods while eating? Does your baby drink from a cup with a little help? Does your baby hold and lick the spoon after it is dipped into food? These are the first steps in learning how to eat by himself. You can help him practice by giving him some of the following finger foods: Dry, unsweetened round and puffed cereals Small pieces of soft, mild cheese Cooked vegetable strips or slices (carrot, peas, green or waxed beans, zucchini, or sweet potato) Peeled, soft fruit wedges or slices (banana, peach, pear, plum, avocado, or melon). Be sure they will “mush easily” in your baby’s mouth. Cottage cheese, shredded cheese and small pieces of soft tofu. No seasonings go in your baby's food. Although you may find your baby's foods bland or tasteless, your baby likes it that way.
Your baby can now eat most of the things you cook for the rest of the family. Just take out your baby's food before you add salt or other seasonings for the rest of the family. Praise your baby while he is feeding himself, even if he is very messy. If the mess really bothers you, spread some newspapers or a plastic tablecloth under your baby's chair to catch any food that he drops.

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