As a first time mum it was the first question I asked myself. I had no idea what to do and how to do it, what made it worse was the lack of support I got from the health visitor or GP due to the coronavirus pandemic, so I had to rely on Facebook, online forums, and google to find all the information I needed.
I hope all I have learnt during our weaning journey can help other new mums out there.
These are just normal baby behaviour signs, maybe caused by teething, growth spurt, or simply just for comfort.
Make sure when you start to wean your baby she is not too tired, but a moment she is relaxed and happy. Offer solid foods before baby’s usual milk, formula or breast, this way she will be more hungry and more keen to try the new food. Do not worry if for the first year baby doesn’t eat much because he will still be having his usual milk feeds so he will not be missing out on any important nutrition. The first 6 months are all about trying new textures and tastes, so if you see him just touching are playing with his foods its all in the norm, he will eventually try it . Some babies start to eat immediately some don’t try till they are 8 months old or older, don’t feel bad or guilty it’s a normal process.
There is no right or wrong, do what suits you and your family. You can also start weaning by doing both, puree foods and some finger foods. Weaning can be a very stressful time for mums so just do what you feel like doing. Do not look at what other mums do, because you know what is best. There were times I would see on social media these perfect baby led weaning dishes and it made me feel like I wasn’t giving my baby enough, not the right things, or not spending enough time searching for the perfect recipe. However, then I saw my baby was happy while eating and I felt confident with what I was doing which made me feel better, and I stopped comparing myself to others.
If you start with puree, try and introduce lumpier foods in the first couple of weeks and then try and move towards some finger foods. This way baby can start getting used to the textures of the food, but always do what you feel confident doing. It will make the process so much easier for you and baby, and don’t be afraid to ask your health visitor if you need any advice.
You can try with some vegetables cut into strips first. I started with carrots and broccoli that were steamed very softly because I was terrified of her choking (we will talk about this after). and she loved it! in fact, broccoli is still her favourite vegetable at 13 months!
When you feel confident enough move on to other vegetables and fruits. It’s your choice if you want to start with breakfast, lunch or dinner. Some say its best not to start with dinner because starting with breakfast or lunch means you will have the time to see if baby has any allergic reaction to any new foods they ave been given. My little girl was on 3 meals a day by 9 months, but if you want you can give baby some food every time you eat. It’s a personal choice.
Important to remember to avoid choking. Baby’s food should always be cut in strips, this way it’s also easy for him to pick up and bring it toward his mouth.
Every parents worse nightmare when starting baby led weaning is that their baby will choke. The first month of weaning I was absolutely terrified of my baby girl choking, I was like a hawk while eating, sometimes I wouldn’t even finish my dinner cause I was just too nervous. I even got to the point that I would have stomach aches from fear! luckily the fear went away and I am very happy I continued the baby led weaning route. Now she eats absolutely anything, and I eat my dinner without being worried even if I’m always checking her ( never leave baby unattended while eating).
I have seen my girl swallow whole fusilli pasta without chewing on it. Yes, I do not know how that is possible but she did it all the time, but this is when my fear of choking started to fade because when she would swallow the pasta sometimes it automatically came right back up. This is her body reacting to avoid the food going down the wrong way and choking. its her natural gagging reflex. When you baby is gagging IT DOESN’T MEAN SHE’S CHOKING! It is very different. See the table below for the difference between gagging and choking.
I recommend all parents and grandparents to do a first aid course because in the event that baby is choking you would know exactly what to do to help your baby. The first reaction you will have when you see your baby gagging is to intervene, but you should not do this. Instead, let baby work it out for themselves. If baby starts to turn blue and is being silent then baby needs your help.