Baby led weaning, (BLW), is a way of introducing solids, that, essentially, skips the icky part of baby feeding! It brings babies straight from breastmilk to real food.
The whole "crunchy" essence of BLW is to let your baby choose his/her first food. It would be whenever she starts reaching for/showing interest in food. Of course, her options must be within reason.
My personal favorite BLW first food is avocado--it's high in healthy fats that your tiny needs, it's mushy, and it's easy to hold. Another similar option is bananas.
The beauty of BLW is that you can really introduce whatever small, easy to eat items from your own plate to baby's plate. Eating a salad? You could put a tiny piece of a mushy tomato (without the skin) on baby's tray and see what she does. Cheerios, fruits, veggies, mashed potatoes--anything small, hand held, and mushy or dissolvable.
Before a year, tinies will really eat for "practice" and "fun" as opposed to eating for real nutrition. Before 12 months of age, breastmilk is all they really need.
*Remember to avoid honey before 12 months!*
How do we know she's really ready?
You'll know she's ready when she can grab things and put them in her mouth. If you do give her a chunk of banana, and she puts it in her mouth, makes a funny face and spits it out, that's okay! Like I said, it's not really for nutrition at this point, but more for practice and enjoyment. The days of shoveling purees from baby's chin and bib back into her mouth because she "HAS to finish this jar of food" are looonnnng in the past! If she's ready, she'll eat it! If she's not, she won't! Simple as that.
Should I breastfeed beforehand?
Always breastfeed beforehand! Again, eating is for fun and practice. You don't want to give a frustrated, hungry baby food because if they are fussing or hungry they may aspirate or choke. Feed baby when she is in a good mood, and interested in what you're eating!
Eating food is fun for tinies! It's a sensory experience, fine motor practice,
hand-eye coordination, and play time!
Every Monday, I will be happy to answer reader questions! Email questions to sarafaith42@gmail.com
Topics can include NFP, pregnancy, newborns, toddlers, all the way through preschool.
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