When your baby is slowly ready for solid food, you are faced with the question of how best to introduce solid food. An increasingly popular method that brings joy to both babies and parents is baby-led weaning (BLW) . In this blog post, you will learn everything you need to know about this method and how you can implement it successfully.
What is baby-led weaning?
Baby-led weaning is an approach to introducing solid foods where your baby decides what and how much to eat. Instead of feeding pureed food with a spoon, you offer your baby soft, finger-friendly foods. Your baby reaches for the food, explores it and puts it in his mouth himself. This not only promotes independence, but also motor skills.
Why baby-led weaning?
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Promotes independence : Your baby learns to decide for himself when he is full. This can help him develop a healthy relationship with food later on.
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Less stress for parents : You don't have to prepare or feed baby food separately. Your baby simply eats with you at the family table.
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Promotes development : By grasping, touching and chewing, your baby trains his fine motor skills and strengthens the jaw muscles at the same time.
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Variety from the start : Because your baby is exposed to different textures and flavors from the start, he or she is likely to become a varied eater.
When is the right time for baby-led weaning?
The ideal time to start baby-led weaning is usually around the sixth month of life. Your baby should be able to sit independently and show interest in your food. It is also important that he or she can grasp things safely and put them in his or her mouth.
The first steps: How to start with baby-led weaning
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Offer finger foods : Start with soft, easy-to-grasp foods such as steamed vegetables (e.g. carrots or broccoli), soft pieces of fruit (e.g. banana or pear), or boiled sweet potatoes.
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Safety first : Never let your baby eat unsupervised. Make sure the food is of a safe shape and size to avoid the risk of choking.
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Be patient : At first, more food will end up on the floor than in the mouth. This is normal! Your baby needs to learn to deal with the new textures and chewing.
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Offer water : In addition to breast milk or formula, you can offer your baby water in a small cup at mealtimes.
Tips for a successful transition
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Stay relaxed : It's perfectly fine if your baby doesn't eat much at first. He will still get his main nutrients from milk.
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Shared meals : Let your baby eat with the family. This way he or she can learn through imitation and feel part of the community.
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Food choices : Avoid spicy, salty or sugary foods. Your baby should develop healthy eating habits from the beginning.
Frequently asked questions about baby-led weaning
1. Is my baby really full?
Yes, your baby will let you know when he or she has had enough. Trust that he or she can assess his or her own needs.
2. What if my baby chokes?
Mild gagging is normal and a sign that your baby is learning to control the food in his mouth. However, be sure to be safe and offer only appropriate foods.
3. How do I integrate baby-led weaning into our everyday life?
It can be helpful to prepare larger quantities of vegetables and fruits for your baby to eat over several days. This saves you time and always has healthy options on hand.
Conclusion
Baby-led weaning is a wonderful way to ease your baby's transition to solid food. It promotes independence, learning eating skills and strengthens the family feeling when eating together. If you approach the matter in a relaxed manner and pay attention to your baby's needs, nothing stands in the way of a successful start.
Just try it out and enjoy the new mealtime with your little explorer!