Congratulations! You've successfully navigated the challenging wilderness months and now have a baby who is no longer a newborn. At this stage, your little one may be showing signs of teething and readiness for weaning, which usually starts around 6 months.
When it comes to weaning, there are two approaches: traditional puree-led weaning or baby-led weaning (BLW). With BLW, your baby takes the lead and starts with whole, wholesome foods, rather than purees. This approach allows your baby to enjoy food on their own terms while developing important skills like food navigation, chewing, and mealtime etiquette.
Here are some tips for successful BLW:
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Let your baby take control and enjoy food on their own terms.
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Offer finger foods that are the length of your finger.
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Encourage your baby to use all their senses to learn about food, including touch, smell, sight, taste, and sound.
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Make a dedicated eating area and sit together as a family.
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Embrace the mess and use a coverall bib to make clean up easier.
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Remember that throwing food is a normal part of development and provide a clean surface for messes to fall on so you can re offer.
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Offer a variety of finger foods, but avoid overwhelming your baby with too many tastes at once.
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Understand the difference between gagging and choking and learn what to do in case of an emergency.
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Always supervise your baby while they are eating and be prepared to act quickly if necessary.
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Remember that BLW can help your baby develop a healthy relationship with food, but don't expect them to eat much until around 8 months