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So, you’ve gotten the green light from your pediatrician, and you’re excited to see your baby’s reaction to their first food. It’s a big milestone for both of you, and it can feel like a whirlwind of emotions—from excitement to nervousness. As a new parent, one of the first decisions you’ll have to make is whether to go the pureed route or try baby-led weaning. For me, it was a tough choice. Purees seem like a safe and controlled way to introduce solids, while baby-led weaning can feel like a more laid-back, natural method. Both have their pros and cons, and there’s no right or wrong way to go about it. For us, I decided to try baby-led weaning because it felt like a great way to encourage my baby’s independence and help him develop healthy eating habits. But I know many parents find purees easier and less stressful, especially when starting out. No matter which path you choose, the key is to stay flexible and be patient as your baby discovers the world of food. In this post, I’ll share my simple method for baby-led weaning and how I approach this exciting new chapter in my baby’s life.
What is Baby Led Weaning? A Beginner’s Guide
Baby-led weaning is a method of introducing solids to babies where they are allowed to feed themselves right from the start. Instead of spoon-feeding purees, babies are given finger foods that they can hold, explore, and eat at their own pace. This method encourages independence and fine motor skills development while giving babies the chance to explore textures, flavors, and different food experiences.
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics
Why Choose Baby Led Weaning? Benefits and Considerations
Baby-led weaning offers several benefits. It promotes the development of self-feeding skills, enhances hand-eye coordination, and can help prevent picky eating later on. Additionally, it allows babies to explore food at their own pace, fostering a positive relationship with eating. Baby-led weaning is also linked to better weight control and the prevention of obesity. By giving babies the power to control their food intake, they learn to listen to their hunger and fullness cues.
Source: National Health Service
My Simple Approach to Baby Led Weaning
My approach to baby-led weaning is very simple. I give my baby whatever my husband and I are eating. I do make sure to omit certain spices, such as cayenne pepper, which could be too intense for a baby, and I let my husband know to add it to his own plate if he wants that extra kick. I also take care to avoid choking hazards, ensuring all food is prepared in a safe manner. You can use tools like the Solid Starts app or website to determine the best way to prepare foods to reduce choking risks.
A Typical Baby Led Weaning Eating Day for My Baby
Here’s an example of what my baby ate today on a Monday (I don’t really cook on Mondays, so there are lots of leftovers on this particular day). If you want more meal planning inspiration, check out my Meal Planning Made Simple and Dinner Ideas posts.
- Breakfast: 30 minutes after the first breastfeeding session
- Yogurt with berries
- Lunch: 30 minutes after the first nap and breastfeeding
- Leftover BBQ chicken and baked beans
- Dinner: 30 minutes before the start of bedtime
- Leftover ribs, broccoli, and potato salad
Introducing Allergens During Baby Led Weaning
Introducing allergens to your baby can be scary, but it’s a necessary step in the weaning process. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing common allergens, such as peanuts, eggs, and dairy, as soon as your baby is ready for solids (typically around 6 months). I was very nervous about this, too, but giving allergens in the morning, 30 minutes after breastfeeding, gave me peace of mind. This timing allowed enough space between the allergen introduction and the next nap, so I could monitor any potential reactions.
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics
What to Do if Your Baby Has an Allergic Reaction
It’s crucial to know what to do if your baby has an allergic reaction. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include swelling, hives, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing. If you suspect your baby is having a reaction, immediately stop feeding the food and call emergency services (911 or your country’s emergency number). You should always have an action plan in place, including knowing where your nearest hospital is and keeping an emergency contact list handy.
Source: American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
Essentials for Baby Led Weaning
Here are some products that have made baby-led weaning easier for me
- Bib with a pocket: These are great for catching food and minimizing mess, plus the cloth bibs stain.
- Baby utensils: Some babies are ready to start using utensils early.
- Suction plates and bowls : TTrust me, your baby will try to throw the plate! That’s why I recommend suction plates to help keep mealtime messes to a minimum. The ones linked here are made of glass, which is a safer and more sustainable option than plastic. Curious why glass is the better choice? Check out my Best Baby Bottles post to learn why I prefer glass over plastic for both bottles and plates.
- High chair: A sturdy high chair with a tray makes meal times easier and safer for your baby.
- Solid Starts app: This app has been invaluable in helping me navigate which foods are safe and how to prepare them to reduce choking risks.
Conclusion
Baby-led weaning is an exciting and rewarding experience for both you and your baby. With the right approach and the right mindset, it can be a fun and stress-free way to introduce solids. Always remember to be patient, go at your baby’s pace, and take safety precautions seriously. If you follow these tips and use helpful tools, baby-led weaning can be a smooth process that helps foster a positive relationship with food for your little one.
Ready to start your baby-led weaning journey?
Take it one step at a time and trust your instincts! If you’re feeling confident and prepared, go ahead and introduce your little one to the world of solids. For more helpful tips and inspiration, don’t forget to check out my Meal Planning Made Simple, Dinner Ideas posts, and don’t forget to join my newsletter for exclusive content and resources. Join the conversation—share your baby-led weaning experience in the comments below or connect with me on social media for more tips!
