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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To really not understand baby led weaning?

187 replies

Leavetowean · 08/02/2024 17:50

I’ve been trying it with my baby (with some trepidation) but I really can’t understand at all how they are meant to not choke.

She just gagged and vomited on some food because she obviously took it straight to the back of her throat as she hasn’t got any teeth to chew it.

I feel like it’s a massive step back for us. I’m really not enjoying the weaning journey one bit, I find it so stressful (and no she isn’t picking up on my stress) but AIBU to think the whole let them eat what you eat just doesn’t work for some babies? What am I missing?

OP posts:
museumum · 08/02/2024 17:58

Did she really vomit a whole feed? That’s not something I’ve seen before from blw gagging. Maybe her gag reflex is particularly sensitive. How old is she?
for my ds and his friend any gagging was just a reminder to them to move the food further forward in their mouth and chew more. Has she no teeth at all? My ds had teeth coming in by the time we started weaning.

Original poster
Leavetowean · 08/02/2024 17:57

She’s 7 months on the 18th feb.

OP posts:
Overthebow · 08/02/2024 17:57

Leavetowean · 08/02/2024 17:56

I thought it was worth a try as she just spits purées out, so I don’t really know what to do next. I’m tempted just to leave it for a while but she seems enthusiastic enough about going for the actual food, it just never seems to go down her throat.

How old is she?

Original poster
Leavetowean · 08/02/2024 17:56

I thought it was worth a try as she just spits purées out, so I don’t really know what to do next. I’m tempted just to leave it for a while but she seems enthusiastic enough about going for the actual food, it just never seems to go down her throat.

OP posts:
SisterMichaelsHabit · 08/02/2024 17:54

It's a parenting fad. We did purees. Both kids turned out great. One is 4 and eats pretty much anything, even things he doesn't like. One is 2 and still fussy but getting there. No issues with chewing/jaw/other nonsense that gets trotted out on BLW threads by people who forget they have none of these issues despite being weaned on purees.
Do what works for you and don't listen to people pushing a certain parenting style on you.

Lammveg · 08/02/2024 17:54

Another vote for solid starts. It is stressful though and weaning is tedious. DD didn't start consistently eating meaningful amounts until about 12 months. I did a mixture of BLW and purees.

Thementalloadisreal · 08/02/2024 17:54

The food ideally should be too big to choke on, chewable texture, gagging is fine as it’s teaching their bodies to recognise obstructions. But food like bits of dry cereal, fingers of toast, chopped up omelette, fingers of banana, avocado etc are chewable with gums and shouldn’t cause choking. You can also give porridge, yoghurt (with or without spoon, whatever is your preference)

Edited to add, When I started weaning I took an infant and child first aid course. Would highly recommend this to every parent.

Maxus · 08/02/2024 17:54

Your not missing anything. I fed mine a combination of puree and finger foods. They mostly liked the puree for the first month then changed to everything. In my mind that was baby led weaning because they chose the puree. Just do what works for you.

Original poster
Leavetowean · 08/02/2024 17:53

BrokenButNotFinished · 08/02/2024 17:52

What is it you're actually feeding her? I did it (successfully) - but it isn't quite as simple as they eat what you eat

I’ve tried her with porridge and some fruit and veg, a bit of pasta.

OP posts:
Original poster
Leavetowean · 08/02/2024 17:53

I know - I’ve seen all that, but she still vomited, and not only does that mean she’s a feed down which she’ll doubtless want to make up for overnight, it’s not exactly a pleasant experience for anyone.

OP posts:
BrokenButNotFinished · 08/02/2024 17:52

What is it you're actually feeding her? I did it (successfully) - but it isn't quite as simple as they eat what you eat

Bootoagoose123 · 08/02/2024 17:52

I really recommend checking out Solid Starts (especially their guide on gagging vs. choking) - it really helped me when I was anxious about weaning.

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