Introducing solid foods to your baby is an exciting milestone, and for many parents, baby-led weaning may be the approach you have chosen. But what is baby-led weaning or BLW you may be asking yourself?
Instead of spoon-feeding purees, BLW allows babies to self-feed right from the start. This promotes independence, fine motor skills, and healthy eating habits. If you’re thinking about baby-led weaning for your little one, here are five tips to support you in a smooth and successful journey.
1. Start at the Right Time
The timing of introducing solid foods is important. Most experts recommend beginning BLW when your baby is around 6 months old, as this is typically when they are developmentally ready. Signs that your baby is ready for BLW include being able to sit up unassisted, showing interest in what you’re eating, and
having good hand-eye coordination to pick up food and bring it to their mouth. Starting too early can increase the risk of choking, while starting too late may make it harder for your baby to develop the necessary skills.
2. Offer a Variety of Soft Foods
When you begin baby-led weaning, it’s important to offer a wide variety of soft, easy-to-grasp foods. Start with foods that are naturally soft or can be cooked until they’re tender, such as avocado, steamed broccoli, or soft banana pieces. Cut foods into shapes that are easy for little hands to hold, like sticks or wedges. Avoid foods that pose a choking hazard, such as whole grapes, nuts, or large chunks of raw vegetables. Offering a variety of foods will help your baby explore different textures and flavours, creating a positive relationship with food.
3. Safety First
Safety is paramount when it comes to baby-led weaning. Always supervise your baby while they’re eating and ensure they’re seated upright in a high chair, never leave your baby alone with eating. Avoid distractions, like toys or screens, so your baby can focus on eating. It’s normal for babies to gag occasionally as they learn to manage food in their mouth, but it’s important to know the difference between gagging and choking. Gagging is a natural reflex that helps prevent choking, whereas choking is when the airway is blocked. We always recommend to familiarise yourself with infant first aid and know what to do in case of an emergency.
4. Let Your Baby Lead the Way
As the name suggests, baby-led weaning is all about letting your baby take the lead. Allow your baby to explore the food at their own pace, without pressure. Some days they may eat a lot, and other days they might just play with their food. This is completely normal and 100% okay. The goal of BLW is to help your baby develop a healthy relationship with food, so it is important to follow their cues. If they are not interested in a particular food, do not force it. Trust that your baby knows how much they need to eat.
5. Embrace the Mess
One of the challenges of baby-led weaning is the mess, but it is an essential part of the learning process. Your baby will likely drop, smear, and squish food as they experiment with different textures. Embrace the mess as a sign that your baby is exploring and learning. You can minimize the clean-up by using one of the MUSHIE SPLAT MATS and choosing foods that are less likely to stain. Over time, your baby's skills will improve, and the mess will lessen. We also love the MUSHIE LONG SLEEVE BIBS for easy mealtime clean-ups.
Baby-led weaning is a wonderful way to introduce your baby to the world of solid foods, fostering independence and a love for healthy eating. Remember, every baby is different, so be patient and enjoy this exciting journey together. And as with all milestones for your baby, please chat with your health care support with any questions concerning your little one.