First foods

My 8 month old is still only eating purées. I’ve tried giving him mushed up banana but turns out he’s allergic 🤦🏻‍♀️ since then, I’ve gone back to just purées and since I’ve waited so long now I’m nervous about starting other foods. What foods did you start with? Most things I’ve read said large finger sized pieces but I’ve also read small pieces so the baby doesn’t choke so I get confused and just keep putting it off! Help!