The health visitor came to do the 8month check last week and we got talking about finger food and what I give Ellie. I give her no finger foods because I am way to worried to, I am so worried of her chaoking. I did give her some toast once just a small bit and she choaked a little and I got so scared and didnt dare give her any again.
The hv had a little go at me tbh, She sai that if I dont give her finger food that she will never learn and that if I stared giving it to her that it will bring on and start helping with her speech etc.............

I have got some of those Ella's Kitchen cookies and I have given her one but my heart was pounding the whole time, Ellie loved it but I kept taking it off he because I though she was breaking off to much in her mouth. She screamd the place down everytime I took it off her, she really enjoyed the cookie but I didnt enjoy her having it.
I also tried her with some melon but I cut it up way to small.

I dont know what to do, is this normal?? Does she REALLY need to have finger food? and what finger foods do people give to their lo's????

Yes she does need finger foods and the longer you leave it the more difficult it will be in the long run. Remember that babies have their gag reflex much further forward on their tongues than adults do, so there is much less risk of food blocking their airway. Another really good thing to remember is that if you can hear them then they aren't actually choking, they are just gagging. True choking is almost silent. Learn about what to do in the event of choking, even though it's unlikely to happen it will help to set your mind at ease. Steamed veg sticks, roast veg, fruit slices, cheese, toast, oatcakes, ricecakes, pasta, sliced omelette and sandwiches are just a few ideas for finger foods.

I found it really difficult with my son he would gag on everything and anything. He's 10 mths now and I stll have to be careful but they do have to learn. So we have to try. He is so much better now he's that little bit older.

Your LO isn't choking, just gagging which is perfectly normal while they learn depth and how far to shove the food. Emma has never had puree and has only ever had finger food so I am obviously a bit biased. But you can take it slow and try something simple like a banana or avocado that is easily chewed if you are super nervous. Check the weaning section because those women are awesome with advice.

I understand how you feel, I am completely terrified of choking as well. What I did the first few times she had finger food was get my mum to give it to her whilst I pottered in the background...so I could see she could manage without having to sit there with my heart in my mouth!

i started kacey on finger food at 6 months and she loves it. The gagging scared me at 1st. But now i just watch her. She is fine after a gag. If your worried start with toast and rice cakes things that should melt in her mouth. When we 1st started kacey pushed big lumps out her mouth. Now she put as much in as her mouth will take

We started doing finger foods at 5 months... Like the others have said she is probably gagging. My lo has never choked yet from finger foods!!

Things we give... Mini apple rice cakes, raisins, cheese, banana, orange segments, toast soldiers, avacado, organix carrot crisps, sweetcorns, breadsticks

I'm sure there are more but can't think of them now XX

Thankyou for all your replys
I feel a little silly now I really am just soooo scared to tell the truth and when I tried the last finger fod with her I got all worked up my heart was pounding and I kept taking it off her and if she put a big bit in her mout I would fish it back out. I guess I just need to chill out as it is something she needs to do.