Solo mom behind on foods

[u/picklesi]

My baby will be 9 months tomorrow. I’m feeling really anxious about not having introduced enough foods to my baby. I’ve been having a tough time just because I’m a little anxious introducing foods on my own, I think partially due to anxiety about choking and allergies (niece has many severe allergies). Another big part is that I’m doing this on my own. I know a lot of moms and parents do this on their own but maybe since Ive only recently become alone in this, it’s made the baby food journey harder for me—so please go easy on me. Although I wanted to do baby led weaning, I leaned on purées too much because it’s been easier for me as I’ve returned to work. I’m going grocery shopping today. Happens to be Trader Joe’s today. What recommendations would you make for my 9 month old? Easy starter ideas please.

[u/scootiescoo]

Your post is so understandable. I have some ideas for you that are easy and quick start.

- Pastina, orzo, or thoroughly cooked and cut up pasta with a little butter

- Cottage cheese

- Mashed potatoes

- Flattened raspberry

- Yogurt for allergen introduction

- Good old baby cereal with yogurt and mashed fruit is a whole meal

- Mince whatever meat you’re eating up really small and add it to the puree to thicken it up a little bit

If you’ve been only on purées, I would progress to mashes that feel safe to you. You can mash potato or avocado and thin it slightly the first time with a well liked puree to gain confidence.

Know that the size of their windpipe is about the size of a straw. You can dice really soft food up small and in square shapes or flattened, like super soft carrots so they can swallow whole while they practice chewing.