10 Tips For Baby-Led Weaning & Must-Have Items
I was very determined to feed my daughter the same type of food as I had as a baby. I talked to my mom and found that baby-led weaning was what she did for me. It looked slightly different because it was in Burundi and in the '90s. I also found that my first foods were Bananas and Avocados.
We started feeding her the day she turned six months. On the first day, we began with mashed Bananas. She didn't like the spoon and would grab it and bang it on the high chair table like an instrument. We then tried to give her a piece of banana. She showed interest by touching it and holding it. Daddy was eating a banana next to us to show her how to do it. She watched and began to feel and wanted to keep the banana. Once she became interested, we cut the banana into slices, and she grabbed it and put it in her mouth. We have been applying the baby-led weaning approach ever since.
Ten Tips
Find out the best way to prepare each food before feeding it to the baby.
Research, talk to your pediatrician, watch youtube videos, or read about each item you are uncomfortable with before giving it to the baby.
Encourage the baby to touch the food, smell it, and play with it by doing it yourself.
Babies will gag because they are not used to solids going down their throats. Take a baby CPR class if you are uncomfortable and make sure to keep your eye on the baby at all times while they are eating.
In the beginning, the goal is to be interested in the food, not eat the food. I found this helpful because it took the pressure off, and I enjoyed the process with my baby. We bonded over food.
Try the same food 3-4 times. I started with a banana for two days and then an avocado for two days.
Be consistent with feeding. I started feeding her twice a day, once in the morning and again in the evening.
Eat with the baby. Eating with the baby will encourage them to eat as well. When my daughter saw me chew, she did it too.
Remember that eating is supposed to be messy. The more familiar the baby gets with the food, the better.
Be patient with yourself and the baby. This approach is a new challenge for both of you. Take it meal by meal.
Messy eating is a normal part of your baby’s development
Must-have items
Silicone Baby Bib
This Bib is a lifesaver. It catches the food that she misses to put in her mouth.
Silicone Baby plates with suction
These plates are great because they suction onto the high chair table and she cant move the plate.