there's a woman who writes cookbooks for kids and she's done them for babies too... Annabel Karmel. And she's British, so there shouldn't be any difficulty about you getting it in Waterstones or wherever.

According to the "Family Meal Planner" cookbook I have, she's done at least two which might be suitable: "Baby and Toddler Cookbook" and "The New Complete Baby and Toddler Meal Planner".

I am NOT saying buy them. I would say go and get them in the library or flick through them in the book shop. See if you can get any ideas, see if it's interesting to you.

And the cheerios suggestion reminded me of the fact that Stephanie started to learn how to use a spoon with Rice Krispies - the plain cereals should be fine, but probably not cornflakes as she could swallow it whole and choke Stick with the smaller types.

looking in health food shops is a good idea.

A lump of bread is probably as good as any too! By that age, as long as you don't give her the obvious allergy triggers, she should be pretty tough!

Kerri.