Baby Led Weaning - What is it?

So many people are amazed that my now 9 month old is sitting at the table eating with us. Usually people ask if I brought something for him to eat or ask "What is Sean going to eat?" Our reply is always w.e. we are eating. People are typically shocked and/or give us a look that implies "yea right."

I'm sure some of you are wondering how is this possible? The answer is:

**Baby Led Weaning! Otherwise known as BLW**

Show of hands....who doesn't know what baby led weaning is?

No surprise that a lot of people do not know what BLW is. To be honest I did not know what BLW was until 5 months into my pregnancy.

To be short and to the point. BLW means that baby eats what you eat but cut into finger shaped bites, as opposed to purees/baby food (traditional weaning).

Typically when we think of "weaning" we think removing something from the everyday. For example, you wean your child from a bottle, meaning you're teaching the baby to go without the bottle. The word weaning in this sense means to add. So adding solids to your child's diet.

This means: baby is an active member of meal time, sits at the table with the family, and eats with them.

Before starting this however, baby MUST meet all signs of readiness. These signs are:

1. Baby must be at least 6 month old (Premature babies: go by adjusted age not actual age)

2. Baby must be able to sit up unassisted on the floor, for at LEAST one minute. This helps prevent choking.

3. Baby must not longer have tongue thrust reflex (where they push things out of their mouth involuntarily with tongue)

4. Baby should show an interest in food. Such as reaching for your food.

5. Baby should be able to pick up objects/food and bring it to their mouths.

Now just because baby is starting solids does NOT mean baby should no longer drink breast milk or formula. The opposite is actually true in this situation. Baby should be offered breast milk or formula at least 30 minutes before solid food.

Breast milk/formula is still baby's primary source of nutrition. This also helps because baby doesnt understand that solid foods can make them full and will be fussy (due to being hungry) during mealtime without this BM/formula feed.

Our son has had over 150 different foods since 6 months. We actually did 100 foods before 1 year old. We didnt think we would accomplish it so fast. But it only took about 2 months.

We love baby led weaning. To get more information this Facebook page is amazing: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blwbb1/?ref=share

They answer questions and they have files of information.

If you have any questions or want to read more about BLW please leave a comment! No question is a stupid question!