what is baby-led weaning?

Whattoexpect.com has a great article about baby led weaning by Marygrace Taylor. She defines baby-led weaning as “a practice where babies 6 months old or older jump straight to finger foods as soon as solids are introduced, bypassing purées and mashed-up foods”

I personally had never heard of BLW until I became pregnant and started reading about it EVERYWHERE! It is amazing to see how perspectives, studies, and knowledge on topics such as feeding are ever changing. I was fed baby food, rice cereal, and all of the pureed type foods, as I am sure you were as well. This practice of starting solids and no purees right away started in the U.K and has become super popular in the U.S recently. BLW is a convenient and safe way to feed your baby exactly what you are eating when introducing solid foods.

tips, tricks and resources

1. Become knowledgeable on the topic to ensure a safe and pleasant experience for you and baby

Here are some places I went to do my research:

• Youtube- wow there is so much amazing information out there! I personally looked up videos on gagging versus choking (a very important things to be able to distinguish between), infant CPR, and how to cut foods for baby led weaning.

• Instagram- the main accounts I follow for BLW are @feedinglittles and @babyledweanteam. These women are all experts on this topic and make you feel more at ease diving into this sometimes nerve-racking adventure with your baby

• Apps like What to Expect and The Bump have very valuable articles and discussion boards you can become a part of.

• Facebook groups - look up “baby led weaning for beginners” and there are so many awesome groups full of parents who have amazing tips, meal ideas, and advice.

2. Wait until your baby is ready

Most resources you will find will tell you to wait until baby has mastered the signs of readiness:

• baby can sit up independently

• is 6 months old or older

• baby has lost the tongue thrust reflex

• can grab for things and bring them to their mouth

• make sure baby is interested in food!

Now I am not a doctor or an expert in this area, this is just what I have researched and what I have been told by experts. Always talk to your doctor before starting BLW. It is SO exciting and I know I wanted to start way before he was ready, but it really is so important for the safety of your little one to wait!

3. Trust those motherly instincts, but also realize that baby is capable of doing more than you think he can

I was extremely nervous of my baby choking when starting BLW. It has not happened once to us in the 6+ months he has been eating solids. I do think this has a lot to do with the research and persistence it takes to get started with the process. It is hard to trust that your baby will be able to figure out what to do without your intervention. It is scary! But I promise, baby is so so capable of more things than you think. It is so amazing to watch the curiosity of your baby bloom as they explore their senses of taste, smell and touch more than they ever have! It’s a messy, fun, sensory experience each meal and lets them learn even more about this new world they have just entered.

4. Let baby feed himself/herself

You will be tempted to bring food to baby’s mouth for them, but it is so important for them to learn this skill! Baby’s are so adaptable and are able to learn regulate how much food they have in their mouth and how to spit out food if they have to much. In the beginning, I had trouble not picking up the spoon or food and trying to put it directly in Baylor’s mouth. This can cause more opportunity for choking if you are force feeding. It is also amazing to watch baby’s sense of independence once they get the hang of it!

5. Accept the mess, there is really no getting around it!

I don’t know about you ladies, but I get on a mean cleaning streak from time to time. I am not at all a clean freak or a perfectionist, but watching my baby smear food all over the tray, his hair, and up his nose sent me into a little bit of a frenzy the first few times! Know that with BLW baby’s are having a sensory experience. It is crucial that they feel the food they are eating and have a chance to get to know it! We usually do a quick bath after dinner no matter what, so I try to leave the messiest meal for dinner time, but sometimes you just can’t avoid the mess! Embrace it and know that baby is learning so much and being exposed to all kinds of goodness.

We are at the point where B is throwing food and it is really hard not to get a reaction. Following @feedinglittles on instagram helps me with so many tips regarding that! They also have amazing recommendations for feeding products.

Some things we can’t live without and help with the mess are:

• Any brand silicone bibs with a pouch - what a lifesaver! Just scoop out whatever food falls in and put it back on baby’s tray! Also, these come in handy at restaurants!

• Any brand baby smock - these are helpful too for messy meals like spaghetti or soup

• Munchkin utensils with metal ends - help baby get used to metal texture without being dangerous

• Munchkin silicone mat - again, perfect for on the go!

• Munchkin straw cup - it has a lid that covers the straw too!

• Gootensils utensils - help with foods like applesauce, yogurt or mashed potatoes! These are great in the first few months.

• IKEA ANTILOP High Chair - only 20 bucks and can be hosed off so easily! BEST HIGHCHAIR! You can buy a wooden footrest and beautiful accessories from @yeahbabygoods on instagram.

• Grape slicer - game changer! I waited wayyyyy too long to snag this off of Amazon! Grapes are a chocking hazard and need to be cut into fourths.

Let me know what questions you have about BLW @motherhoodbymalorie on instagram and Pinterest. I hope you found this blog helpful!