This is Jill: Baby Led Weaning

Let me apologize for the lack of posts over the last four weeks. I am terrible. I checked out the stats and it looks like there are still many people checking back daily for new reads so here I am promising you guys that I will be starting to post more frequently. I.am.a.jerk.

Now onto the post...

Peanut was ready for solids around Thanksgiving - BOOYA! Talk about good timing - best food ever! She has been loving the process as much as her Dad and I have enjoyed watching her experience new flavours and textures. After too much research, I decided that Baby Led Weaning (BLW) was the approach I wanted to take with introducing peanut to solids. BLW is basically letting your child take the lead with their feeding by giving them whole, healthy, homemade foods that can be easily held by them. She has done amazing with it! We don't have any food allergies in our family so we haven't been waiting in between foods. She has tried so many things - hardboiled eggs, coconut curry broccoli, chili, turkey stew - she as loved it all! BLW is definitely a messy process but it is a great opportunity to help develop fine motor skills while giving parents a little freedom to eat a meal along with their little one. Don't get me wrong, we are helping her here and there so we aren't following the BLW rules to a tee. We have really been enjoying the process. BLW definitely isn't for everyone so do your research before you decided you want to go this route. I personally love being able to feed her whatever it is I'm eating - it's especially nice when we are out and about for mealtime and I don't have to plan ahead and pack food for her. YIPPEE! Here are some helpful Pointers and a few pictures of some meals we've had;

Only begin BLW when your baby is showing signs of readiness
Preloading spoons with sticky things like squash, avocado and oatmeal and handing them over
Having two spoons at each meal time
Baking veggies (sweet potato, squash, turnip, asperagus, etc.) into spear shape for easy holding
Ripping meat into little pieces and sticking it to avocado wedges, or spoonful's of squash
Be prepared for gagging!
Naked eating has been easiest for us for now
Bumbo & tray has made it so easy for clean up
Don't be afraid to season food!
Avoid adding lots of extra salt - a little salt is fine
If you have a history of food allergies in the family space out introducing new foods
Give water after each meal to help wash down food
Provide variety! I give at least two items per meal
Don't walk away! They are learning to chew so there is a risk for choking.
Make it fun! Clap and praise when they feed themselves
Talk to them and tell them what they are eating
Have a wash cloth close by!
Let them eat what you are eating
Eat with them. Starting family mealtime early will help establish the routine