Baby Led Weaning
It is important that we give our little ones the necessary tools to have a healthy relationship with food as they grow.
Many parents choose to followBaby Led Weaning (BLW), but what does that actually mean?
What does it entail?
Baby Led Weaning is when you let your baby feed themselves, instead of being spoon fed.
Mashed foods as well as finger foods are offered, like sticks of fruit and vegetables, rather than the traditional smooth purees.
Some families combine the two and offer spoon feeding along side Baby Led Weaning, while others opt for a full Baby Led Weaning approach.
There is no right or wrong way! You just have to decide what's right for your family.
Let’s take a closer look at baby led weaning....
You can begin the process of baby led weaning around 6 months old.
At first your little one will only need a small amount of solid food, just once a day; as well as their regular diet of breast milk or formula.
You can choose a time that best suits your families needs, Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner.
How to Start Baby Led Weaning....
It may feel daunting and like a huge step, but it can be a transitional step in your babies routine.
Begin with Fruit and Vegetables
To begin with choose a small amount of fruit and vegetables.
Cut these into sticks, suitable for hand grasping and boil them until they’re soft for your baby to eat.
Introduce other Food Groups
Foods that could cause an allergic reaction, should be introduced in small quantities, introduced slowly.
The options really are endless and you can introduce any foods to your baby.
Babies love flavour and there is no need to stick to bland foods either, they enjoy trying out new textures and tastes allowing them to explore their senses.
Vary Flavours and Textures
Nobody wants their child to be a fussy eater, but as almost any parent can tell you, most children will flatly refuse some foods at sometime.
To ensure your child is willing to try new foods and have a wide variety diet, you should offer your baby a wide range of flavours and consistencies. This helps them become more accepting of a different range of foods as they become older.
Maintain Consistency with Foods
Once you’ve introduced an item of food and no allergies have been identified, make sure you regularly include it in meals.
Research has shown that children may become allergic to foods such as eggs and peanuts if an introduction to those foods is delayed by six to twelve months.
Whatever journey you choose for your little one, embrace it and enjoy it! :)
