Baby-Led Weaning: A Guide for Curious Parents

Baby-Led Weaning: The Better Way of Introducing Your Toddler to New Food

Introducing your baby to solid food for the first time can be quite a milestone both for the baby and for the parent. However, a number of parents in today’s time struggle with it as not much is known about the proper process. Many parents consider it a better decision to intervene in the process and transition from milk to mushy food and then to solids. However, baby-led weaning is a method that has been gaining immense popularity in recent years and is quite appreciated.

What Does Baby-Led Weaning Mean?

Baby-led weaning is essentially when the baby takes the lead in the transitioning period. During this phase, these foods basically complement their primary diet, which is formula or breast milk. The procedure involves putting the baby on a high chair and surrounding them with a variety of finger foods. Through trial and error, the baby learns to take the food from the tray to their mouth all by themselves.

Why Should You Opt For Baby-Led Weaning?

There are many positive effects of baby-led weaning, and this is also why it is gaining traction in the community. Some expected benefits of baby-led weaning include:

•          Making eating a rather interactive, positive and independent experience for the baby
•          Helping the baby learn what they like and dislike faster
•          Encouraging the baby’s coordination and motor skills
•          Reducing the time taken to cook the food and feed the baby for parents

When Is Your Baby Ready To Learn?

Before you can indulge in baby-led weaning, you need to understand if your baby is prepared and ready for it. Experts say that most parents rush this process, often ending up with less than desirable results. This is why you shouldgive the baby ample time before involving them in any such process. Usually, the perfect time to introduce baby-led weaning is around 6 months, the time they can sit up.

This is the time when the baby starts showing a profound interest in food.  They will be more likely to grab and hold objects and also be able to push foreign objects out of their mouths. This means they will be able to tell the difference between what they like and don’t like, making it easier for them to throw it away.

A Few Good First Foods for Your Baby

It is best if you start the baby-led weaning process with some plant-based foods as they are easy to digest and gut-friendly. You can use:

•          Probiotics: Homemade yoghurt
•          Vegetables: Steamed beans, broccoli, pumpkin, sweet potato, carrot
•          Fruits: Mango, banana, papaya, ripe pear, avocado, ripe peach

However, keep in mind that sugar and salt are a big no-no for the first year. If your child finds the veggies too bland, you can steam them with herbs to add a little flavor. Follow the thumb rule of giving only 1 or 2 new foods every third day. Keep an eye out for allergic reactions. Rest assured, with more new foods, your foodie will soon adapt to the new tastes.