Is my health visitor mad?

[ManchesterMummy]

Started 6 mo DD on solids last weekend. After a couple of days of her gagging on everything I offered, yesterday she took some mushed up butternut squash but generally seems not too keen on the idea of taking food from a spoon. I also gave her a piece of banana to see what she did and that went in too. So today I gave her chunks of cooked sweet potato and those went in and even got a bit chewed. Mentioned this to the hv who told me that all she needs is some distraction - ie playing with the chunks of veg - so that I can get the spoon in.

Is this right? I'm to force it in? She will take the spoon from me and put that in her mouth. Surely it's better for her to feed herself?

Confused!

no don't force it in!! Leave her to eat the chunks, that is fine. BLW is a great way to wean. At 6 months she won't actually eat much anyway, it's about learnign the taste and texture of real food.

You need to practise some baby led weaning. Sounds to me like your DD is perfectly happy to feed herself and not at all keen on spoons. No reason at all why (unless it's soup lol) her food needs to be on a spoon.

You need to look at www.babyledweaning.com

If she's happy feeding her self chunks then let her continue that way. You are doing what is right for your baby. As she has only just started weaning it's about getting her used to flavours ans textures not shovelling vast amounts into her.

Sorry, meant to link it

Yes. Mad.

Does your HV have children herself???

Probably not.

An utter loon (which I knew before reading thread.)
FGS, you don't need to force food in.
When ready,she will eat.

As a hatter.

pmsl. have to admit that thought crossed my mind too MD just on seeing the thread title . carry on as you were, sounds like she's doing great.

Never mention things to the Health Visitor if there is a chance that it may sound as if you are asking for advice or reassurance - unless you are. I rarely see mine, but if asked direct questions I reply in a very confident and friendly manner, unless I want advice or a discussion.

of course she is mad, arnt they all?

Yes (imo). Why create a big issue around food when you don't have to. Let her feed herself. It saves you a tonne of time too.