Baby led weaning
We have officially started our baby led weaning journey with Miss Evie. I get questions about this all the time so I hope this post helps any new moms who may be on the fence about it.
Baby led weaning is scary, it’s putting trust that your babies body will know what to do with the things given to them. But many people don’t understand the benefits to baby led weaning and I’m here to tell you the pros and cons.
Baby led weaning is not for nutritional purposes!!! The benefits go deeper than nutrition.
Motor skills: Baby led weaning helps babies learn motor skills, such as learning how to grasp the food and learning how to bring the food to their mouth. Then learning to chew the food before swallowing.
Gagging is not choking!!!
Allergens: Baby led weaning introduces common allergens to babies early on and can possibly prevent these allergens.
Independence: Baby led weaning teaches independence not only while eating but also in play and problem solving.
Picky eating: If you are lucky, introducing your baby to different textures and taste early on, could give you a less picky eater in the future.
“But there’s a high choking risk”. Yes you are right, but knowing the correct way to do baby led weaning lowers that risk significantly. Solid Starts is a great app to help you know how to serve food to your baby. We also bought a lifevac to keep with us at all times, in the case that something does go wrong.
Here are the requirements needed to be met before starting baby led weaning.
* baby must be 6 months of age
*baby should be able to sit up in the high chair, unassisted, without slouching
*baby should show interest in the food you eat(watches your food go from your plate to your mouth, fuss when they see you eating, etc)
If you choose to baby led wean, Masure baby is supervised at all times!!
Most importantly, do what is best for you. This may not be for everyone, and that’s okay. Every baby may take to it differently!🫶🏼#babyledweaning
Starting baby led weaning can feel overwhelming for new parents, but the rewards go far beyond just feeding your little one. One key advantage of baby led weaning is the promotion of fine motor skills. As babies grasp and bring food to their mouths themselves, they develop hand-eye coordination and improve their dexterity. This self-feeding practice also encourages chewing, which strengthens jaw muscles and prepares them for a broader range of textures. It's common to worry about choking, but it's important to understand the difference between gagging and choking. Gagging is a natural reflex that helps keep infants safe while learning to handle food textures, whereas choking involves airway blockage and requires immediate intervention. Educating yourself on correct food sizes and shapes is essential; for instance, offering soft-cooked vegetables, sliced fruits, or appropriately sized pieces helps reduce risks. Introducing common allergens early via baby led weaning may help reduce the chance of allergies developing. Including foods like eggs, peanuts (in safe forms like smooth peanut butter thinly spread), and dairy after discussing with a pediatrician supports immune tolerance. Of course, always observe your baby closely during mealtimes. Independence is another significant benefit—babies learn to control their eating pace and develop preferences by being involved in the process. Alongside eating, this empowerment spills into other developmental areas like problem-solving and confidence in exploration. Safety is paramount, and supervision cannot be overstated. Using tools like the Solid Starts app provides guidance on how to prepare and serve baby-safe foods effectively. Additionally, having emergency equipment such as a LifeVac nearby offers peace of mind should an urgent situation arise. Before you start, ensure your baby meets key milestones: sitting upright without support, showing interest in family meals, and being around 6 months old. Using a supportive high chair helps maintain good posture crucial for safe swallowing. Every child is unique; baby led weaning might work wonders for some and feel challenging for others. The best approach is to stay flexible, trust your instincts, and tailor feeding strategies to what suits you and your baby the most. Remember, the goal is not just nutrition but fostering a happy and healthy relationship with food.