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Weaning

Find weaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Weaning forum. Use our child development calendar for more information.

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Original poster

How to wean..? Torn.

13 replies

lizzywig · 30/04/2012 12:10

DD is 25w/o on Thursday, she has met the criteria for 'being ready' for about 3 or 4 weeks but I've been reluctant to start weaning as I wanted to get as close to 6 months as possible. Although we've felt she's been ready I have been too scared to get her started sooner than 6 months because I feel so responsible for her wellbeing that I didn't want to cause her any harm in starting her too soon. We have however had her in her high chair at our meal times for about two weeks and we give her a sippy cup to practice drinking water. She's doing really well and knows how to hold it and does actually get some water out too. Anyhoo we started her on some baby rice 4 days ago, she had 3 days of 1 spoon and yesterday we stepped it up to two spoons. She eats like a pro, mouth is wide open as the spoon approaches and she eats it up in one clean swoop.

The plan had been to gradually increase it until veg purees at 26 weeks and then to give her a small amount at lunch and dinner. I have been starting to look at recipes and also had a better look at BLW. I am now torn. I have always wanted to do purees and like the idea of gradually introducing her to food by slowly getting lumpier, I also felt this would suit me well as I don't think I'm mentally geared up to the gagging right away. I'd like to put that off for as long as possible. I've also been really looking forward to making all of the different purees and have gone out and bought all of the parafinalia....ice cube trays, baby blender, pots etc etc. It occured to me the other day that I will be going back to work before we get into the throws of exciting 'real' food, you know toast with breakfast and more grown up food. The thought of it made me feel quite sad and I realised that I want to be there to do all of that with her.

So really I am now feeling torn between the two. BLW and purees. If I could get away with it I'd like to do a bit of both from around 7 months. Is that even possible, or is that too confusing for little babies to cope with?

OP posts:

BlackOutTheSun · 30/04/2012 12:12

why don't you do the purees with finger food?

Original poster

lizzywig · 30/04/2012 12:46

This is what I am thinking of doing but being a novice not got a clue as to whether that's ok? I had always thought that a baby on purees would get used to purees and so you had to introduce finger foods slowly, whereas BLW babies know from the offset what lumpy food is (well once they get used to it). For these reasons I sort of thought you couldn't combine but If I can then I think that's what I'd like to do.

OP posts:

NaughtyElephantsSquirtWater · 30/04/2012 13:02

I did both OP. Purees and then used to give DD a few pieces of steamed veg etc to play with and get used to. After time she started putting them in her mouth and I was able to give more combined things - so more finger foods and a puree to fill her up. She now (at 12months) won't eat purees or mushed up things (mashed potato, mince etc) because she likes eating all by herself So she now has exactly what we eat just cut up a bit smaller and I can leave her to it. It definitely made her confident in trying new foods and she is certainly not a fussy eater.

I started her off at 5 months and by 8 months she was pretty much eating what we ate. My best advice though is to go with YOUR instinct.

Wheresmycaffeinedrip · 30/04/2012 13:08

It's fine! Your baby will soon tell u what they prefer. Its all about what makes your baby happy and enjoying trying new things. :)

OneLittleBabyTerror · 30/04/2012 13:14

You do know that purees with finger food is traditional weaning. Have a look at NHS start4life. It recommends by 8-9mo they should have started with some soft finger foods. Since you like the idea of pureeing, why don't you do this instead of agonising?

By the way, you can't have do a bit of both because the definition of BLW is exclusive self feeding. If you puree, you give the spoon to the baby in BLW.

But it's normal to give finger food.

FredFredGeorge · 30/04/2012 15:11

You just feed your baby, exactly how you do it doesn't matter, she'll soon make it clear and it will soon become obvious what is easiest for everyone. She's 6 months old, there's not much you can do wrong unless you're extremely neglectful (force feeding or giving grossly inappropriate food, or refusing her any food mad things like that)

Nevercan · 30/04/2012 17:46

I gave purées on a spoon and then out pieces of bread and cooked veg on her tray and she loves both. I like giving the purée as it makes sure she is full up in the early stages. Entirely up to you how you do it

Mombojombo · 02/05/2012 10:43

Even with BLW it's not a given that there'll be lots of gagging! Every baby is different of course, but DS (8mo) hardly ever gags and if he does it's only to get the food back to the front of his mouth so he can start again. It's over very quickly and isn't scary, and can even be a little bit amusing!

It's really very different to choking which is silent and a tad scary (luckily DS has never done it but I've seen friends' babies). Give baby a stick of something - if you're worried about texture, try something like avocado with a bit of the skin left on as a 'handle', and if she likes it - you're away! I'm also very grateful for finger foods when DS is teething. Cold cucumber or celery sticks out of the fridge (or frozen banana) are very soothing when they're in pain.

JiltedJohnsJulie · 02/05/2012 10:50

You might find that your DD decides for you anyway. My DD took a sandwich and ate it and then screamed blue murder if we ever tried to feed her ourselves so she chose BLW. There are other threads on MN where the DC refuse to put anything in their mouths themselves and will only be spoon fed.

Agree with the others, if you are unsure why not offer purees and finger food or give BLW a try and see how it goes?

girliefriend · 02/05/2012 10:58

I think you answered your own question, go with what you're comfortable with, the more relaxed and happy you can be around them and food the better!

I did purees and lots of finger food as this was what felt right for me and dd, she enjoyed a really wide range of foods, tastes and textures from an early age and continues to eat pretty much anything (except mushrooms!!)

hodgiebreeder · 02/05/2012 13:34

I do a bit of both too. I tend to just give DS a little of what I have. Toast/porridge/yogurt at breakfast; a bit of my sandwich or pasta etc. at lunch and then a purée dinner as I don't eat with him then. I don't see the problem with spoon feeding him. He sometimes want to spoon feed himself but often by dinner he's tired and would rather me do it and just sit there with his mouth open! I love the idea and ease of BLW (which is why when we eat together he just has a little of my meal..... Saves preparing two lunches ) but don't see why they have to religiously self feed if they don't want to. Go with the flow if you can, take things slowly and you and your baby will have great fun. Oh, and please try not to worry about gagging. As a previous poster said this is often just their way of moving food around their mouths (in fact DS tends to gag more with the spoon which he seems to enjoy ramming down his throat!). DS gags every so often and it honestly doesn't bother him as he just continues eating as if nothing has happened. As he's clearly not bothered, I'm trying (and failing) not to be too. Relax and enjoy I say

Original poster

lizzywig · 02/05/2012 21:23

Thank you everyone, I feel soooooooooo much better now. Why did I think that it was one way or the other??! I think I'll try purees with finger foods and let her tell me what she likes. I'm officially excited now!!

OP posts:

Wheresmycaffeinedrip · 02/05/2012 22:22

:o just enjoy' doesn't matter how much she does or doesn't eat it's all about trying, and enjoying the experience :)

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