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Baby Led Weaning

Baby Led Weaning

We understand that as parents, one of your most cherished milestones is introducing your little ones to solid foods. Babies will naturally transition off a diet of full breast milk or formula to a diet of varied solid foods. That transition can look different for each family. One of the options is baby-led weaning or baby-led feeding. Baby-led weaning is a revolutionary approach that encourages self-feeding and allows your baby to explore a world of flavors and textures at their own pace. 

What is Baby-Led Weaning? 
Baby-led weaning is a method of introducing solid foods to your baby that emphasizes their self-discovery and development of feeding skills. Unlike traditional weaning methods, which involve spoon-feeding purees, baby-led weaning allows your little one to take the lead by offering them appropriately sized finger foods from the very beginning of their solid food journey. 

This doesn’t mean that your little one will be chowing down a full slice of pizza. Instead, it allows your baby to in charge of mealtime. By offering the same food that the rest of the family is eating it allows your child to lean into the family eating habits from the get go. 

How to Do Baby-Led Weaning:
1.    Introducing the Right Time: Before embarking on the baby-led weaning journey, it's important to wait until your baby is around six months old and showing signs of readiness, such as sitting up with support, good head control, and showing an interest in food. 


2.    Choosing the Right Foods: Offer a variety of healthy, age-appropriate foods that are soft and easy to grasp. Opt for cooked vegetables, fruits, soft meats, fish, grains, and dairy products (if not lactose intolerant). Avoid foods that pose a choking hazard, such as whole nuts, large chunks of raw vegetables or fruits, and sticky or hard foods.


3.    Providing a Safe Environment: Make sure your baby is seated in an upright position, either on your lap or in a highchair, during mealtimes. Ensure the area is clean and free of distractions. Keep a close eye on your little one to prevent any mishaps.


4.    Encouraging Exploration: Allow your baby to explore and manipulate the food with their hands. Offer a variety of textures and shapes to stimulate their senses. It's common for babies to play with their food initially, but this is a vital part of their learning process.


5.    Encouraging Self-Feeding: Let your baby feed themselves at their own pace. Resist the urge to intervene or spoon-feed them. It's normal for them to eat smaller amounts in the beginning as they develop their chewing and swallowing skills.


6.    Maintaining a Balanced Diet: While baby-led weaning is all about self-feeding, it's crucial to ensure a balanced diet for your little one. Continue to breastfeed or provide formula milk until at least one year of age, as this remains their primary source of nutrition. Gradually introduce a wide range of foods from different food groups to meet their nutritional needs.


7.    Promoting Family Meals: Encourage family mealtimes where your baby can observe and imitate your eating habits. This helps foster healthy eating patterns and promotes social interaction.

Remember, every baby is unique, and their journey with baby-led weaning will be a personal one. It may take time for your baby to become comfortable with solid foods, so patience and encouragement are key. Baby-led weaning is not just about nourishment; it's an opportunity to nurture your baby's independence, fine motor skills, and healthy relationship with food.

We hope this introduction to baby-led weaning has piqued your interest and empowered you to embark on this exciting journey with your little one. Trust their instincts, celebrate their milestones, and cherish the memories created around the dinner table.