Baby-led Solids: Part 2: Overview
This post gives an overview of Dos and Don’ts for child-led introduction of solids. Other posts include information on choking, a photo gallery of skill development, and a reflection of my own experience. See all posts on this topic here.
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“Baby-led Solids is an exercise in Trust.”This statement is at the top of the Tribal Baby site, a wonderful resource for baby-led solids/weaning and EC, which compliments BLS/W.
Before 6 months, if mama has no health problems, breastfeeding is ideal and worth the effort of seeking support, trying new things and persisting. Breastmilk is liquid gold (fromKellymom – a major resource to the breastfeeding mama).
Around 6 months, most babies grab at food showing unmistakable readiness to explore and begin the long-term weaning process.
15 DO’s for Baby-led Solids (based on resources below)in my own words and from my own experience:
- Breastfeeding is baby’s primary source of water (and nutrients and immunity).We offer water at each meal for learning purposes. I still breastfeed on demand at 13 months for health and nutrition…and joy of connection.
- Baby can and wants to eat when and what you eat. This makes it easy to know what types of foods to offer.
- Whole fruit and foods are more fun and stimulating. These allow baby to learn what the food actually looks like.
- Think “handle.” If you do make pieces, make them long and grabbable.
- This is an opportunity for the whole family to eat healthy and diverse foods.These are the same types of foods that mama should be eating during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Slow the pace down. You can relax and enjoy baby’s learning and growing before your eyes. Children are slow processors (half-speed) and need time and experience to learn.
- Let go of the food, and then let go of your expectations. Resist the urge to “help.” You know how to eat; your baby still needs to learn. Letting your baby explore does help them learn more readily.
- Baby will eat little or nothing at first but more over time. They will surprise you with what they can do if you give them a time and a chance.
- Continue to offer “rejected” foods. Throwing food on the floor isn’t necessarily dislike now and forever. Again, if you’re eating it, offer baby some.
- Holding or sitting baby in an upright position allows nature to work and can thus relieve your fears.
- Expect mess at first, less over time. With more skill, your baby will make less mess, but only if given frequent and consistent opportunities over time. Possible tip: Use an old sheet underneath the chair for an easier cleanup.
- Don’t want a mess right this minute? Hand baby a carrot or apple. “Meals” don’t have to be big productions.
- Keep at it. Don’t let expectation (yours or other people’s) stop the fun and learning. Frustrated? Take a break for a meal or two and try again.
- Observe your child to see what they are learning and working on. Offer food that provides opportunities for learning those things.
- ENJOY the EXPERIENCE. These can be some of the most fun and deep bonding moments when you see clear development and learning.
Only 3 DON’Ts for Baby-led Solids, from a Dutch Breastfeeding site:
- DON’T leave your baby on his own with food.
- DON’T offer foods which present an obvious danger, such as peanuts.
- DON’T offer ‘fast’ foods, ready meals or foods that have added salt or sugar.
Concerned about choking?
Babies are made to learn everything; eating is no exception. They have strong gag reflexes and can cough up pieces that get stuck. In fact, the baby-led method might cause less choking than traditional spoon-feeding of purees. (More on choking, here and here.)
