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Watching your baby grow is an incredible adventure with surprises and developmental changes. One major milestone is the introduction of solid foods.
Have you heard of baby-led weaning? It’s an enjoyable and straightforward method to help your baby discover different flavours and sensations. Let’s look at baby-led weaning and how you may start this exciting journey with your child!
Baby-led weaning (BLW) introduces solid meals that allow your baby to feed themselves from the beginning. Instead of spoon-feeding purees, give your infant soft chunks of food to pick up and eat independently. They can eat with family members, making it more fun.
This method allows your kid to explore food at their speed and improve eating skills spontaneously. It is mainly done due to baby preference, family life, or parenting styles. Some parents find this method convenient and friendly and don’t spend too much time preparing their baby’s food. It is also helpful in the long term.
There are several reasons why parents prefer BLW:
Encourages Independence: As your infant learns to feed itself, their confidence grows.
Develops Fine Motor Skills: Picking up food improves hand-eye coordination.
Encourages Healthy Eating Habits: Babies can try various foods and flavours, potentially making them less picky.
Family Meals Together: Your infant can join the family members at mealtimes by eating foods similar to the rest of the family and making them enjoyable. Remember, moms and dads are role models.
Are you ready to give BLW a try? Here are a few easy steps to get you started:
Wait for the Right Time: Most newborns are ready for solid foods around six months old. Look for signals such as sitting up without assistance and being interested in food.
Choose the Right Foods: Begin with foods your baby can feed themselves. These are soft, easy-to-handle foods such as cooked vegetables (carrots, broccoli), soft fruits (banana, avocado), and cooked meat or pasta.
Prepare Safe Sizes: Cut food into forms your infant can easily grip, such as thick strips or finger-sized chunks.
Create a Safe Eating Environment: Always supervise your baby when eating. Ensure your baby is sitting upright; you can use a high chair.
Embrace the Mess: Eating with your hands may be messy! Use a bib and place a pad beneath the high chair to catch spills.
Be patient: Your infant may take time to eat the meal as this is all new to them. At first, your baby might play with food while getting used to it, but with time, they will enjoy the food pieces.
To avoid choking hazards, stay away from firm, tiny meals like entire almonds or raw carrots.
Avoid processed foods and adding salt or sugar to foods to preserve your baby’s health.
Allergenic foods like eggs and peanuts can be introduced early on, but monitor for adverse reactions as you do so.
Keep Calm While Gagging: Gagging is a common reflex as babies learn to handle food. Stay calm and let them figure it out and be there in case of an emergency.
Enjoy the journey
Baby-led weaning is about more than simply food; it’s about discovery and learning. Every meal presents a new opportunity for your baby to learn textures, tastes, and the joy of eating.
Remember, each infant is unique. What works for one may not work for another, which is fine! Baby-led weaning is also good for parent child relationship, having meals together is good for bonding.
Starting baby-led weaning might raise many questions. This is where Parenting Genie comes in! They offer various services to help you navigate your parenting experience.
Genie Chat or Parenting Live Expert is available 24/7. Do you have a question in the middle of the night? You can use our Genie Chat at any moment!
One-on-One Consultations: Get personalised/individualised counsel from our Registered Midwives, Certified Lactation Consultants, and Maternal Child Health Nurses.
Allow us to guide you as you explore the beautiful world of parenthood. Visit Parenting Genie today, and let’s take this trip together!
Enjoy the mess, the chuckles, and the happy weaning.
Raising Children has more tips for baby-led weaning.
