Ultimately, what we want for our children is for them to learn to be independent. That’s what baby led weaning is all about; you’re giving your baby the opportunity to self-feed encourages curiosity and self-sufficiency.
Baby led weaning is all about letting your baby feed themselves. Introducing specific foods prepared the right way allows them to explore and experiment with food in a way that is safe and effective. The food will usually be soft and cut into thick, finger-sized pieces.
Let’s explore the top three points you’ll want to keep in mind when starting baby led weaning.
1. Know When to Start
There are a few signs to look out for that tell you when your child is ready for baby led weaning. These include:
- Your baby can hold his head on his own
- Your baby can sit up on his own
- Your baby has at least doubled his weight since birth
- Your baby is interested in food; he watches you eat and reaches out for food when it’s close
Once your baby starts showing these signs, that means it’s time to start getting ready for baby led weaning.
2. Know What Foods to Introduce And How
Once your little one is showing signs of being ready for baby led weaning, it’s important that you understand what foods are best to introduce to your baby, as well as how to prepare them for a successful mealtime.
Start with soft foods. Bananas, avocados, peaches, and melon are all wonderful options. Additionally, you can prepare other foods to meet your child’s needs. Roasted sweet potatoes, roasted apples, and sauteed green beens are a great place to start.
Make sure you have a quality bib when baby led weaning. With curiosity and independence with a baby comes messy mealtimes. Babeehive’s silicone baby bibs are a great option.
3. Know How to Be Safe
When preparing the food for your child, make sure they’re cut into pieces that are about the size of an adult finger, perhaps a bit bigger. You want it to be small enough that they can fit it in their mouth, but big enough that it doesn’t become a choking hazard.
You’ll also want to make sure they’re wearing comfortable clothing. Give them the ability to focus on the task at hand without worrying about big collars or sleeves getting in the way. The Spunky Stork has a variety of cute options that are perfect for baby led weaning.
The Benefits of Baby Led Weaning
On top of giving your child a unique opportunity to explore their food, you’ll also find that your baby’s curiosity will be at an all-time high. Baby led weaning will lead to curiosity during tummy time and playtime. On top of that, you’ll see an increase in your child’s overall health, something we all want to see with our little ones!
So if you’re noticing signs that your child is ready for baby led weaning, stock up on the right supplies and start introducing foods. You’ll soon be reaping the benefits of independent mealtime.