BLW and choking

[ibangthedrums]

Firstly I have to admit I am not doing a pure BLW approach but have been trying to use more finger food then purees.

Anyway, on a visit to my parents last week I gave DS2 (8 months) some cheese on toast and chunks of carrot and Mum nearly had a fit. She said as he sucked bits would get clogged in his throat and he would choke.

Please can all you wise people explain to me so I can explain to her why that won't happen. If talk about BLW theory she will just say rubbish - they will choke so need practical reasons as to why it is safe.

he may gag - but that's a natural reflex which is designed for well, ermm gagging. - chances of him choking are very low indeed.

And besides - you can tell your mum that by 8 months - BLW or not - majority of babies and having some form of finger food so perfectly safe

Dunno if your DS does it, but my DD (who isn't BLW) has developed a beautiful 'chewing' action. If I give her lumpier food or a rusky-thing she chews obviously. If your DS does it, point it out and indicate that it's a developmental stage?

Well, first let me tell you that you shouldn't give 8mo chunks of raw carrots as he may, indeed, choke. Same for nuts etc.
That said, babies have very well developed gagging reflex, which actually prevents them from choking. Gagging is totally normal. They are in fact more likely to choke by being spoon fed then when they are feeding themselves.
Still, they should have only cooked or ripe fruits and veggies. Toast and cheese fine, as become mushy when chewed.

As Awassailing said it's the difference between gagging and choking you need to explain to your mother. DD is now 10 months and basically eats what we eat.

Sorry - should have said the carrot was cooked and soft!

Maybe get her to have a look at the NHS weaning guidance which suggests introducing finger foods like toast and pitta from 6 months even if you are not BLW.