We've Begun Baby Led Weaning

Ever since we got back from the US a couple of weeks ago, we have been casually doing the whole solid food thing.  We are doing Baby Led Weaning(basically, skipping purees and going straight to finger food).

 The first thing we gave him was a stick of banana.  Turns out that banana is very slippery and he could barely keep it in his hand.  He did attempt to suck on it though, but didn't really ingest anything.  Avocado was also too slippery and he did not want sweet potato.  I even tried rice cereal one day and he kept turning his head away.  I don't blame him, it looks pretty gross and bland! He seems to like apple, watermelon, and rock melon (cantaloupe), but only really just sucks and tastes, no eating has happened yet. 

 Basic Concepts for BLW (Baby Led Weaning):
* No need to slow down with breastmilk or formula.  This time is about exploration, not a replacement for milk  
* Meals should not be hurried and should not take place when baby is hungry
* Food should be offered in stick-shaped pieces or in natural shapes that have a handle (like broccoli florets)
* Baby is allowed to reject food, offer it again at a later date
* Baby is allowed to decide how much they want to eat.  No spoon feeding to "fill them up" at the end of the meal
* Foods with clear danger (like peanuts) should not be offered
* Non-finger foods (like oatmeal or yoghurt) should be offered with a spoon and so baby can learn to self-feed with a spoon
* No foods should be offered until baby can sit upright (no eating in a reclining position)
* Don't push it, don't force it, and don't stare!  Offer foods at mealtimes when you are eating.  Baby will be more likely to experiment if he's watching you eating

Helpful Websites:
What is BLW? from Baby Centre
Great photos from a BLW mom-- really helpful to visualize!
Baby Led Weaning forum 
Baby-led weaning site to compliment the book 
Top 10 starter foods 

Allergy info: In general, you can offer just about anything, but if you are worried about allergies, here are some guidelines.  You should really do your own research though...
* No earlier than about 9 months: strawberries, citrus fruits, kiwi, tomato, pork, various herbs and spices, seafood, shellfish, wheat (ensure other grains are tolerated first)
* No earlier than 12 months: eggs, nuts, peanuts, honey, whole milk as a drink, grapes (may pose choking hazard)