I have written these FAQs from questions I have come across throughout my blw ventures and chats with other mums. If you have a question or would like to chat more about Baby Led Weaning then why not join our MSN Group where you can share tips, pictures and recipes.

 

http://groups.msn.com/BabycentreBLW

 

Why should I wait until my baby is 6 months old?

Whether you go the traditional puree route or BLW it is important to try and hold out for as close to 6 months as possible. There are many factors to this guidline recommended by the government and World Health Organization (WHO). The main gist of this is that a baby is not ready physically both inside and out. Their tummies are not mature and introducing solids before it is ready can lead to allergies, bad digestion and un-necessary discomfort and wind. 

Have a look at this link for further information on the above details:-

 

Why Delay Solids

 

Your baby should be able to sit up properly. This helps the digestion process and prevents choking as the baby is in control and can sit forward when they want something out of their mouth.  

Your babies tongue thrust reflex starts to diminish around 6 months so no clamming and pushing food out!

Before 6 months there’s not an awful lot your baby is allowed to eat. Milk is and should still be the main source of nutrition in your babies diet. It is the most calorific. Growth spurts are often mistaken for the want of solids when in actual fact your baby just needs more milk. 

Weaning is all about learning to eat and trying new tastes rather than filling their tummies. It can also be a fun time for you both.

 

Where do I start? 

We started long before any food passed my daughter’s palm! We would sit her with us at meal times in my nephew’s bumbo and she would watch us eat and bang a toy against the table.

Babies mimic their parents and family that is why we decided it was important for her to be apart of the family meal.  

When she was around 6 months we started giving her sticks of food and she proceeded to suck, chew, slobber and dribble all over them. She picked it up (scuse the pun) so quickly and although to start it took ages, she now eats her dinner at about the same pace as us adults!

 

What Foods?

Roasted or steamed veg sticks like (parnsip and carrot) and fruit is a good place to start. We did roasted as they stay in their stick form better, yet still soft enough for my daughter to eat.  

Once she had got the hang of this eating lark we moved onto toast, sandwiches, pittas, cheeses.

Later we just started giving her what we ate… spaghetti bolognaise was a favourite… and yes she uses her hands! But since found out she is allergic to tomato!

Things to look out for is processed foods and salt content etc. I would say that I have always been a pretty good eater yet since doing BLW I have found we all have a fantastic diet of freshly prepared food with an extremely varied amount of fruits and veg etc 

Have a look at the diary for more inspiration

 

Is any of this actually food reaching her mouth? 

I know it is hard to see what goes in their mouths especially when it’s sqished into their hair and thrown on the floor but the proof is in the nappy! You’d be surprised how much goes in and equally surprised when you see you first carrot chunk poo!

 

What about drinks?

If you are excl breast feeding then it isn’t necessary to offer water as you foremilk is their thrist quencher. However I have spoke to many women that do offer water in a cup more for the baby to get used to using a cup.

If you are forumla feeding then yes offer water with every meal. Unlike breastmilk formula stays the same consistency throughout a feed so they will need the water with their meals.

Babies do not need juice. Juice is generally full of sugar and if not then processed sweetners that can be worse. Water is all you little one will need for now. If you do offer juice then it is advised not to do so in a bottle as it is bad for their teeth. If you really do want to give juice then the best way is to highly dilute some pure apple juice rather than use cordials etc

 

Should I worry about weight gain?

Milk provides most of the calories and nutrition until around one year old.  Solid food (e.g. Baby rice and vegetables) is not as nutrient-dense as milk. Many babies seem incapable of digesting food until much later than 6 months, as you may notice the colourful and chunky pieces in their nappies!

The weight charts used by health professionals are biased toward bottle-fed babies.  Breast-fed babies tend to gain weight more slowly once they get to about 6 months. If you are concerned about the chart then have a look at this link

Baby Growth Charts

Weight gain is important but sometimes I think it is forgotten that some babies are naturally thin/chubby, tall/short not only that some are more active than others. It is important that your baby is happy and healthy and feeding well if you are worried then speak to a healthcare professional.

 

What about choking?

Have a look at the Choke Vs Gag article:

 

http://www.babybanana.biz/page34.htm

 

Does my baby need Iron & Vitamin Supplements?

Vitamin supplements are usually unnecessary, unless a particular deficiency has been identified. There is sufficient iron in breastmilk to sustain a baby to 12 months and beyond and the only other vitamin concern is D, which is not an issue to a baby who is out in the fresh air regularly as they can make their own Vit D by exposure to sunlight.