Question about BLW

[lucylookout]

DS is 5 1/2 months, and when he's 6 months I plan to do BLW with him. However, he's much more curious about food than DS1 was and if he's sitting on my lap when we're eating he always tries to grab things off my plate. Should I be very strict about waiting until 6 months, or if it's something suitable (today it was a boiled green bean) is it OK to let him play with it and put it in his mouth?
Am reading Gill Rapley BTW, so know about suitable shapes and what food to avoid.
Thanks!

I am doing blw. My ds was obsessed with food from about 4 months old. When he tried to start weaning himself on a king prawn complete with shell which he stole off my plate when I wasn't looking I decided it was time to give him food. I started with steamed veg-carrots, courgettes, mini sweetcorn, beans, also roasted parsnips etc and then quickly moved on to toast and crumpets with non salted butter. He is now 6 months old and eats literally everything, he adores trying new food.
My ds sat up unaided at 5 months, if you think your child is ready give it ago blw has been one of the best and most interesting parts of parenting for me so far. I love seeing my son try new textures and tastes.
Do look up the gag reflex first, gagging is not chocking it is just a very effective way of bringing food to the front of their mouths that has gone to far back. They stop doing it regularly very quickly and even when they do it you don't panic at all as you know it is ok, it is very different to choking.

It's about following your baby. 6 months is a guide: if they're sitting and grasping I'd be inclined to have a go. I was with DS - at just over 5 mo he grabbed a cucumber stick off my plate and poked it around in his mouth although very little actual eating went on for a while

Are you sure he's curious about food, or just curious? Mine put everything in his mouth at that age - it didn't have to be food.

Yep, he sounds ready.
Let him start to play and handle foods if that's what he wants.
Second looking up the gag reflex. It takes some getting used to but is normal and so different from choking.
I would avoid giving him gluten before 6 months though. Bread, toast, pasta, cereal, etc.
Be led by him. Try and relax and go at his pace.
Good luck.

Thanks all.

Just looked at gag films. I felt panicky even watching them. but am sure I'll get used to it!

I think I won't prepare any food with him in mind, but if we're eating something suitable and he makes a pass, then he can have some to play with.

Miffy - he is curious about everything, but he watched us so intently when we eat (especially his big brother) that I think it is food he's interested in!