We did it! A question and some reassurance please! : )

[spongebrainbigpants]

Started BLW this weekend, yesterday to be precise when my DS was 25 wks and 6 days old. I know I should have waited until today when he was 26 wks but I have no patience!

He got on with it really well I think. Over the last couple of days he's had: rice cakes, pittas, carrot, butternut squash, sweet potato, roast potato, turkey, apple and toast.

So two quick questions, am I on the right lines in terms of what I'm offering him? And, a few times he couldn't pick up the food, or get it to his mouth and got really frustrated and started banging the highchair and crying . What would you do in these circumstances? Do I pick up the food and give it to him, or put it in his mouth? Seems to completely defeat the purpose of BLW, but he was having a bit of a meltdown .

Any advice or guidance gratefully received.

Otherwise, happy with how it went and thank you to those who have given me the confidence to give it a go!

[spongebrainbigpants]

Oh, and pic on my profile of my DS mangling a rice cake if anyone's interested!

[MrsJamin]

sounds great re: the types of food offered, roasted veg and toast were our first hits. Re: frustration, how hungry is your LO at mealtime? I'd offer food pretty soon after milk in the early days as they should just be investigating texture, taste etc initially. Your DS shouldn't be at all hungry otherwise you might head for a mealtime meltdown.

I would definitely not put any food in his mouth, either - yes that does defeat the whole object of BLW and would present a choking hazard as they need to learn to get it in their own mouth.

[spongebrainbigpants]

He had had some milk just beforehand - think he was getting frustrated cos he would get the food in his mouth, seemed to be enjoying the taste and then it would fall out and he would struggle to get it back in. That's when he got cross .

I kind of put it back in his hand and tried to guide it to his mouth, but appreciate this isn't really what I should have done - just didn't want him to get too upset with himself .

[wenceslasmyeducation]

If something is difficult to pick up, I might hold it out for him to take from me, but that's as far as it goes. They learn quickly though, I'm amazed at what DS can pick up and get to his mouth five weeks on.

[spongebrainbigpants]

Thanks wenceslas, we had more tears and frustration today, but also more food consumed! It's hard to know what he's trying to tell me .

[pispirispis]

My dd cried at the start too, and did ear-piercing screams too, shame there's no emoticon for wincing and covering your ears! She also cried when the food was in her mouth at the start as she didn't really know what to do with it! So maybe it could be getting used to chewing too? Now we're both used to the whole thing and my dd knows what it's all about she really enjoys it. I think it helps that I'm more relaxed about it too and just get on with eating my own food rather than staring at her!

Personally I don't mind helping her with something slippery, like holding it for her to pick up or to get it to her mouth, but it's true you shouldn't actually put anything in their mouth as apparently it's a choking hazard.

As for frustration, is everything you offer him in a big piece and sort of chip-shaped so it's easy to hold? Plus I've realised if the veg is too cooked it breaks up in their hands. It sounds like if he's frustrated now when he gets good at holding stuff he'll be wolfing it down!

[spongebrainbigpants]

Thanks pispirispis - I think I probably do stare at him too much!

I do offer everything in chip shaped pieces, but I did overcook some of the veg so they crumbled up. I'm not a good cook so all this is a bit of a challenge!

We had fromage frais today and he was very good at spoon feeding himself (I just loaded the spoon and gave it to him) which he loved!

It is all such a new experience I suppose and he does look a bit surprised sometimes as the food dissolves in his mouth .

[pispirispis]

DD is good at feeding herself with the spoon too! I'm sure he'll settle when he gets into the swing of things. You just have to make sure they aren't hungry or tired and not take it too personally if they complain a bit to begin with. I suppose they don't know what to expect at the start! If you think he's fed up you could always try again later anyway.

The food you're giving him sounds great to me, sounds he's tried loads already. He's got plenty of time to get used to it all too. I was nervous about it at the start, especially when my lo cried and looked a bit fed up and unimpressed with her steamed carrot! But now she knows what to expect and enjoys the whole thing and eats quite a lot too! I only did BLW because my lo refused to be spoonfed, but it's amazing, I'll definitely do BLW again if I'm blessed with another baby.

Have fun!

[spongebrainbigpants]

I liked the idea of BLW from the start, but I can see why people go for purees instead - it can be a bit daunting!

But I think he's doing well and seems to be getting the hang of it, and like you say it's very early days!

Thank you for the support .