Baby-Led Weaning
What is baby-led weaning?
Baby led weaning (BLW) is a feeding method where babies are fed solid foods first, as opposed to beginning with purees and mashes.
Benefits of baby-led weaning:
encourage independent feeding from the child.
Practice chewing
Assists in broadening their palette as well as fine motor skills
Allows for regulation of amount of food
cook fewer meals, since baby can eat what the rest of the family is eating
When Is My Baby Ready for Baby-Led Weaning?
Usually babies six months old are ready to try starting to eat solids and baby-led weaning.
You should also look for these signs that they are ready to start solids:
sitting up on their own, unsupported (decreases choking risk considerably)
showing interest in food (following the food with their eyes when you eat).
able to pick up objects and bring them to their mouth
So How Do I Start?
Place food directly onto the tray or mat. No need for bowls.
Safety is first. It's important to note that babies gag frequently when learning to eat. It can be scary, but it teaches them how to chew! Gagging is not choking.
Make sure all vegetables and hard fruits (like apples) are STEAMED and cut all larger foods (chicken, cheese, bread) into strips.
Consider crinkle cutting food for extra grip!
Expect a mess!! Baby-led weaning. works best with a large bib, mat on the floor, and a baby in just their diaper or a onesie.
Never leave your baby unattended with food in front of them. Even for just a moment.
Safety with Baby Led Weaning
Gagging is not the same as choking, but can still be scary.
Babies who are gagging will:
make noise
cough
chew
Babies who are choking will:
not make any noise
look frightened
unable to breathe.
Know how to perform the Heimlich Maneuver, and other first aid / CPR for emergencies.
Never give your child choke-able foods like: grapes, seeds, frozen berries, cherry tomatoes, hot dogs, raw veggies, crunchy snacks or popcorn.
13 Great Foods for Baby Led Weaning
Here are 13 great foods for baby led weaning!
Cheese (shredded)
Sweet Potatoes - you can keep the skin on!
Chicken (cooked and cut in strips or shredded)
Green Beans (steamed)
Tomatoes (cut safely)
Broccoli (steamed)
Hummus
Strawberries
Zucchini (steamed and sliced into strips)
Pasta (cooked)
Avocado
Blueberries (smashed)
Carrots (steamed)
Disclaimer: Doulas are not medical personnel and do not diagnose, perform any medical exams or clinical tasks. Information presented above is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice of a properly licensed health care professional.
For more help navigating the seismic shift into parenthood, reach out to the Boston Area Doulas team.
www.bostonareadoulas.com
