Starting solids and baby led weaning

older babyfeeding

18 Sept

1. What Is Baby-Led Weaning?

Definition: Baby-led weaning (BLW) involves allowing your baby to self-feed from the start, skipping purees and spoon-feeding.
Benefits:
- Development: BLW encourages fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and chewing abilities.
- Independence: Babies learn to regulate their own appetite and explore different textures.
- Family Meals: BLW promotes family meals, as your little one joins you at the table.

Timing: Begin around 6 months when your baby shows signs of readiness (sitting up, reaching for food).
Food Choices:
- Soft and Safe: Opt for soft, finger-sized pieces of food (e.g., steamed veggies, ripe fruits, toast).
- Avoid Choking Hazards: Skip small, hard foods (like nuts) and foods with added salt or sugar.
Mealtime Environment:
- Mess Is Okay: BLW can get messy, but it’s part of the learning process.
- Supervision: Always supervise your baby during meals to prevent choking.

Texture Variety: Offer a mix of textures—crunchy, smooth, and squishy.
Family Foods: Share your meals with your baby (minus added salt or spices).
Patience: Let your baby explore at their own pace. It’s not about how much they eat but the experience.

Gagging vs. Choking:
- Gagging: Normal and protective. Babies learn to manage food in their mouths.
- Choking: Rare but serious. Learn infant CPR and first aid.
Growth: Monitor your baby’s growth and development. They’ll gradually consume more solids but milk is still their main source of nutrition for the first year.

Mess: Invest in a good bib and embrace the mess—it’s part of the fun!
Nutrition: Trust that your baby will get what they need over time.
Allergies: Introduce common allergens one at a time and watch for reactions.Make it stand out.

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