Hello, fellow moms! I'm Taylor, a pediatrician, mom of two wonderful girls, and a big believer in baby-led weaning, or BLW. It's a way of introducing solid foods that lets your little one take the lead. Today I want to talk about BLW and how great it can be for your baby.
What is Baby-Led Weaning?
Baby-led weaning means letting your baby feed themselves right from the start of starting solids. They get to pick up and eat soft, safe pieces of food on their own. It is different from the traditional spoon-feeding with purees.
Why I Love Baby-Led Weaning
As a pediatrician and a mom, I've seen firsthand how great BLW can be. Here's why I'm such a fan:
- It helps them learn to eat on their own. When babies feed themselves, they feel more in control. They learn to make their own choices about what and how much to eat.
- It's great for their little hands. Picking up food and bringing it to their mouths helps babies get better with their hands and fingers.
- It might make them less picky. Babies who do BLW get to try lots of different foods and textures. This can make them more open to trying new things as they get older.
- It helps them learn when they're full. BLW lets babies decide when they've had enough to eat. This can help them develop healthier eating habits.
- It makes mealtime a family affair. With BLW, your baby can eat many of the same foods as the rest of the family. This means you can all enjoy meals together.
- It can save you time and money. Since your baby eats what you eat, you don't have to make separate baby food. That's a win for busy moms!
I remember when I started BLW with my oldest daughter, she loved trying different foods and I loved seeing her becoming more independent. It was messy, yes, but so much fun!
Common Worries About Baby-Led Weaning
It's normal to have some concerns about BLW. I had them too! Let's talk about some of the most common ones.
Is Baby-Led Weaning Safe? Will My Baby Choke?
This is probably the biggest worry moms have about BLW. It's totally normal to be concerned about choking. But studies show that BLW is just as safe as spoon-feeding, as long as you do it right. Babies have a natural gag reflex that helps them bring food forward in their mouths if it goes too far back. This is different from choking, where the airway is blocked.
When my youngest daughter started solids, she gagged a few times in the first weeks. It was a bit scary, but I knew it was normal and part of her learning.
How to Make Baby-Led Weaning Safer
- Always watch your baby while they're eating.
- Make sure they're sitting up straight.
- Give them foods that are soft and easy to chew.
- Learn the difference between gagging and choking, and know what to do if your baby chokes.
Will My Baby Get Enough to Eat with Baby-Led Weaning?
Another common worry is that babies might not get enough nutrients with BLW. The key is to offer a wide variety of healthy foods. Think fruits, veggies, whole grains, and foods with iron like meat, beans, and lentils. Remember, breast milk or formula is still the main source of nutrition for the first year.
If you are worried about iron, talk to your pediatrician. They can help you make sure your baby is getting enough.
Isn't Baby-Led Weaning Super Messy?
Okay, I won't lie – BLW can be messy! But it's also a wonderful way for your baby to explore food with all their senses. Think of the mess as a sign of their curiosity.
Here are a few tips to handle the mess:
- Put a mat under the highchair.
- Use big bibs that cover their clothes.
- Get a highchair that's easy to clean.
When my girls were little, I used to put an old shower curtain under their highchairs. It made cleanup so much easier!
Will Baby-Led Weaning Make My Baby a Picky Eater?
Some moms worry that skipping purees might make babies picky later on. But actually, BLW might help prevent picky eating. When babies try lots of different flavors and textures early on, they might be more willing to try new foods as they grow. Research shows that babies who started eating lumpy foods after nine months were pickier eaters later in childhood.
Tips for Getting Started with Baby-Led Weaning
If you're ready to give BLW a try, here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Wait until your baby is ready. Most babies are ready to start solids around six months old. Look for signs like sitting up without support, showing interest in food, and reaching for objects.
- Start with safe foods. Offer soft foods that your baby can easily pick up and chew. Cut food into sticks or pieces about the size of your finger.
- Always watch your baby while they eat.
- Offer lots of different foods. This helps your baby get all the nutrients they need.
- Don't worry about how much they eat at first. BLW is all about exploring and learning.
- Be patient. It takes time for babies to learn how to eat.
- You can still offer some purees if you want to. Some moms like to combine BLW with some spoon-feeding.
What Size and Texture Should Foods Be?
Here's a simple guide to help you know what size and texture foods to give your baby:
- 6-7 months: Long strips, about the size of your pinky finger. Foods should be soft enough to mash between your fingers.
- 8-10 months: Smaller, diced pieces, about the size of a chickpea. Foods should still be soft and mashable.
- 10-12 months: Bite-sized pieces in different shapes. Foods should be soft enough to chew with their gums or teeth.
Remember, these are just guidelines. Every baby is different, so always think about your baby's own development.
Baby-Led Weaning: You've Got This!
Starting solids is a big step for both you and your baby. Baby-led weaning can be a wonderful way to help your little one become a happy, healthy eater. It's all about letting them explore, learn, and enjoy food at their own pace.
Remember, every baby is different. What works for one might not work for another. The most important thing is to find what works best for you and your baby. Trust your instincts, be patient, and enjoy this special time with your little one.
Do you have any tips or stories about baby-led weaning? I'd love to hear them! Share them in the comments below. Let's learn from each other!
