Baby led weaning

[YouFoundMe]

How popular is baby led weaning.. did you do it?

All I see on Tiktok is baby led weaning videos and I'm curious to know if this is becoming a norm.

My baby just turned 7 months and she's only been having purrees and the odd melty stick here and there. She has her two bottom teeth.

If you tried baby led weaning, what foods are easiest to start with without too much risk of chocking?

@TinyMouseTheatre

Not too bad! I have been giving her finger foods: banana, avocado, potatoes, carrots and pancakes cut up into strips and although she doesn't eat a lot she is picking it up and putting it in her mouth (and thankfully hasn't chocked on anything).

She's generally been fussy with food though (purées or finger foods), not really eating much. She used to like weetabix with banana and baby porridge in the mornings but now only takes a few spoons and is done!

My younger DD completely rejected spoons. She would just grab them and wave them around. Put food on the tray... she picked it up and shoved it on her mouth.

Its easy to say its a fad etc... but parents have been doing what works for generations. Jars and pouches are a new thing. Just feeding the baby what everyone else is having, either mashed or not, is the "traditional" way.

Now fussiness... both DDs are fussy in their own way. DD1 prefers her safe foods, but its quite varied. DD2 is more awkward... she prefers strong tastes. Doesn't eat chips for example.

Specific advice for OP... just relax and let them try a bit of everything (except actual choking hazards like whole grapes, cherry tomatoes, sausages etc). The smaller things are good for their fine motor skills. And spoons are fine too. Try giving them one as well.

We have just started weaning this week with my (first) baby who is 6 months and have been doing a combo - we make finger food and also mash up with a fork. So for eg his first solids were a large floret of steamed broccoli to hold and munch on, served alongside mashed up broccoli (loosened with a bit if breast milk)
The same for other foods he’s tried (avocado, potato etc..)

So far so good. I’ve always got a little bit of panic in me but I try not to let it show!

Sounds great @FloralMoon

I know this is an older post but this what I'm looking to do! Would you spoon feed the puree or would you let them feed themselves? Thanks ☺️

We spoon fed the majority of the time (less messy) until they got better coordination. When we moved onto the lumpy meals from the jars and pouches they were able to spoon feed themselves with minimal mess.

Hey!
We’ve both had a spoon - I use a regular baby spoon and he has an easier one to hold (link below to what we have) so he can also feed himself.

It’s been really good so far and we’re enjoying it all! Messy and fun

Good luck with it!

amzn.eu/d/9fyoMZ8

If you're doing traditional weaning which is a mix of finger foods and purée/lumpy food at 6 months, then I'd spoon feed first but give them but give some finger foods on the side. Things like grated cheese, streaked green beans or a broccoli floret are all good.

There are some more suggestions of finger foods and first foods to try in this free guide from the Caroline Walker Trust.

Start for Life have some good weaning resources too here