Dear Dorie,

When is it OK to give Cheerios to my 9-month old? She has two top teeth and two bottom, and I’ve seen other parents give them out but can’t find anything in writing.

Cheerio Challenged



Dear Challenged,

You’re not challenged at all, and you’re right on track for the introduction of all finger foods. Children are usually ready somewhere between eight months and a year, but it depends on a few things.

1) Is your daughter pretty good and gumming and swallowing so far? If she’s gagging a lot, she may still be learning to swallow and you should hold off.

2) Is she watching you while you eat or reaching to your food? This usually indicates an interest and readiness in hand-to-mouth feeding.

3) How are her fine motor skills; is she picking up small items with her thumb and finger, and not her fist? This is another indicator of readiness.

You will know the answers to these questions and can take it from there. As long as the food item is easily dissolvable, you’re not limited to Cheerios. Use your culinary creativity and have fun. Good luck.

Dorie

Dorie Meek is director of the Infant & Family Support Program, provided by Saint John’s Health Center in partnership with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. Submit your questions to meek@smmusd.org.