We have a 16 month old that we are teaching to eat by mouth.  Our feeding therapist said to put finger foods in the cheeks of his mouth where he will chew so he could get used to food being there.  She also said to put finger foods on the hight chair tray.  She said to have him always eat at the table with the family and to be consistant.  He is making steady progress and doesn't gag when I put things in his mouth.  I use freeze dried fruits because they dissolve quickly and puffs.  www.justtomatoes.com has great fruits and vegetables freeze dried and they are really sweet.  I hope this helps.

We haven't had feeding therapy in a month now.  First the therapist had to cancel due to a family issue, then the next week she threw out her back, then Hailey was sick, and now me.  But I do talk to her on the phone.  One thing she told me to do was to take food out of the feeding environment and let her play with it.  So for foods that she won't touch (mostly wet slimy things like pasta etc.) I make a big bowlful and then take it to the bathroom and let her throw it around and make a big mess with it.  The idea is that the more comfortable they are playing with it, the more comfortable they'll be eating it.  What about you guys... any new tips to share?