BLW - Do I need to buy the Book?

[Chunkamatic]

Just wondering... I plan to do BLW with DS2 after managing to produce the worlds most fussy eater with DS1 and purees.

I'm pretty confident I know all the theory and some of the practice from lurking on threads on here... so is it worth buying the Gill Rapley book? Will it teach me mouch more than I can glean from here? I have lots of questions about suitable things to try at first, does the book offer such specific advice or is it more about the theory behind it?

I also note she has a recipe book coming out, which I think is a great idea, but is only realeased 2 months after we start!

I didn't use it. Aitch's blog - babyledweaning.com/ was all I used, plus basic common sense. I'm not sure about all the books n' stuff, tbh. It's pretty straightforward - stick food in front of them and let them get on with it.

There's a book??

I bought the book but it repeats itself A LOT and I don't think it's necessary - just use your common sense and ask on here or Aitch's blog if you have questions!

The blog is very good. I wouldn't buy the book, but it may well be available through your local library if you want to have a look but aren't sure if you want to buy it.

I had to reserve a copy which came from another library in my county - cost me 60p - and I couldn't renew it as they had too many other people wanting to reserve it!

The most useful things in it were what counts as high / low salt foods, and ideas for what to give at meals. You can find all the latter on the blog, though.

I got it out from the library as it came out when DS1 was 9 months, it was good on the theory but not hugely practical as far as I can remember. there's so much advice on the web which meets you where you're at that you don't really need the book unless you need convincing.

borrow it from the library

Cool thanks everyone. I suppose like a lot of people I'm looking for more practical ideas for first things to give. Will check out the blog for that.

I'm sure I will be back on this board with lots more daft and obvious questions!

Some first BLW foods we tried with DS1:

• roasted veg sticks (tastier than steamed) - sweet potato, butternut squash, parsnip etc cut into chips and roasted with olive oil and rosemary
• homemade bread and Philly
• Chunky veg from a casserole (that the rest of you can eat)
• shredded wheat bitesize for breakfast

there's bound to be a thread you can search for on MN with other ideas. I'm trying to remember all this as DS2 will probably be ready soon for weaning.

Thanks MRsJ, that's very helpful!

Toast, bananas, cucumber sticks, big chunks of bread dipped in homemade soup, beef roast dinner (one of DD favourites back then and now at 4) - the list is endless.

The blog is fabulous!

Oh yes, come and join some of us here on the baby led weaning thread!

The book is interesting but very definitely not necessary. If you're looking for a book with more specific ideas finger foods, I'd recommend Finger Food for Babies and Toddlers by Jennie Maizels -- although again not necessary. I'd just try to stick to feeding the baby what you're eating in most cases.

PLIMLS - I just found this book at a local Nearly New Sale and I can't recommend it enough - lots of fun ideas that will grow up with them. And loads of vegetarian ideas too. I found the BLW book really repetitive and a bit over zealous and ranting.

The book is great for the basics on how to get started but you'll find alot of info on www.itsyummymummy.com Great tips and recipes. We had great fun with it.