My daughter will be 10 mo next week, and since she still doesn't have any teeth, I was hesitant on starting her on 'real' food. My dr gave me the go ahead, and she's been doing good (avocado and a veggie burger was a hit the other night). But, since I waited so long, she doesn't quite have the 'pincer' grasp I've been hearing about. She'll grab the puffs or whatever I'm trying to get her to eat in her hand, but she'll put it in her fist and won't try to feed herself. Practice practice? She knows it's food because I'll feed it to her (plus she'll feed the dogs :) ). How can I teach her to pick the food up and feed herself?
Just set some puffs in front of her, and then let her go at it. Don't give in and start feeding them to her. Maybe do it at a time where she isn't really hungry, but she'll snack, that way she doesn't get too frustrated. Sometimes you just have to step back and let them learn things on their own. She knows they're food, and she'll want to get them in her mouth, so she'll figure it out!
She will catch on. Just keep giving it to her.
Just like the other's said, just give her time and keep putting it in front of her. When she has it "mastered" start giving her a spoon (we started around 15 months, fork at 18 mos) and eventually they just get it!
Our dogs have to leave during meal times, otherwise they eat most of my toddlers food. He thinks it is hysterical!
As for giving her "real" food ... A good friend of mine's daughter had only her front 2 bottom teeth until she was 13 months old and pizza was her favorite food! You would be amazed at what they can eat.
Good luck!
My daughter is the same age as yours...and I thought she wouldn't get it either, but lo and behold, she did! You're right...practice, practice...she will get it! My daughter only has the bottom two teeth, but she eats just fine! Good luck!