Baby Led Weaning

Ever wonder if there is a different way to go about introducing foods to our little ones? 

As time got closer to introducing little H to solids I started to wonder how to go about it all. I didn't feel comfortable with starting with cereal at such a young age. It seemed so early to me and so heavy for a little tummy that was just used to breast milk. Also, in our home we like to get our vitamins from the foods we eat and nothing that is synthetic and "fortified".

So I started doing a lot of research! I came across something called baby led weaning and knew right away that it was for us. It made SO much sense to me and put my mommy heart at ease. 

You can do a lot of research on baby led weaning and also purchase a baby led weaning cook book. So I'm just here to lay out the basics so you can see if you're interested in doing the same with your sweet babies!

Basically to start solids its all about baby meeting certain milestones and has nothing to do with a certain age or date on the calendar. Which to me makes perfect sense because not every baby is going to be ready at the exact same time. The AAP recently changed their stance on when babies should start solids and recommend waiting until at least 6 months old. They have also stated that skipping cereals is preferred as well....Here are the milestone!

• Baby is sitting up completely unassisted. Pretty self explanatory!
• Baby no longer has a tongue thrust. This is the pushing motion that babies do when you put something near their mouth and they push it out over and over with their tongue. That's why baby food gets everywhere!
• Perfected pincer grasp. Since baby led weaning is all about baby feeding themselves, they should be able to pincer grasp in order to take food from plate to mouth. 
• Interested in food. If baby isn't interested then there is no reason at all to start! They will let you know when they want it!

Here are some signs baby is not ready for solids.

• Constipation. This is a HUGE sign that babies digestive system needs a little extra time to mature. So if you start solids and this happens just stop all solids and go back to straight breast milk or formula and try again in another week or so!
• No interest. If you offer and have to pressure them to open their mouths and try the food, just take a step back and offer again at a later date.

If baby has met all of these milestones...now what?!

Bring on the foods!! Baby led weaning is not about those mushed up foods at all. Instead you start with soft foods that you cut into bite sized pieces. Some great ones to start with are avocados, bananas, steamed sweet potatoes or carrots, blueberries etc. Hudson's first food was avocado! 

Doesn't it sound so so nice to skip all of those baby food jars or making your own and just go straight to baby eating foods that you already buy and are in your home?! That is another thing that made sense to me! We have saved so much money not investing in all of the baby food brands out there. Score!

Hud didn't start solids until his body was ready and I have loved the results! He loves all the healthy foods and thinks peas and pomegranates are candy haha. He has fed himself from the start (with a little help here and there) and is now learning to use forks and spoons! It has been so fun and has brought us little to no stress doing it the baby led weaning way!

Now this way of introducing solids is definitely messy yet also hilarious! There will be food everywhere including babies hair and nose but hey thats part of the learning and the fun! 

When it comes down to it you'll know what is best for your baby and how to go about this super fun milestone in their lives! It is so exciting to watching them learn to eat and see what they like and dislike. 

xo

Love,Lo