#Weaning Week, Baby led Weaning

Baby Led weaning has been around for years most parents do this without even knowing they are doing it, the confusing thing about baby led weaning is probably just by the name of it, So what is it? it basically means no purees, no ice cube trays, no food processor, no potato masher, no baby rice, no strange fruit and vegetable mixtures its just you and your child, eating food that you enjoy with you and your family.

The difference between baby led weaning and traditional weaning, is only in the order that children learn to eat, with a puree, they learn to swallow first and then chew, which works fine until they meet a lump. With baby led weaning, the babies learn to chew first and swallowing might come some time later.

How to get started with baby led weaning. 

The best time to try giving your baby finger foods, is when you and your family all sit down to eat. Remember never use this method before six months not only will most babies not be able to pick there own food up but there digestive system wont be ready and they won't know how to chew.

The easiest foods for babies to pick up themselves are the ones that have a natural handle about them like broccoli as they have a long stork, carrots that have been cooked so they are soft cut into stick shapes, you could even try bananas cut into strips so they are easy for your baby to hold.

Your baby might not eat them to start off with and just play with what you put in front of them, they might just suck on them but eventually once they learn what they like they will eat them. This method will also help them to learn how to use there pincer grip this is where they hold food in between there forefinger and thumb but to start off with they will just clasp food in there fist.

What are the benefits of baby led weaning.

By using the baby led weaning its encouraging your baby to try food for themselves they learn quicker about different tastes and textures, they learn how to handle food and eventually learn how to use there pincer grip effectively. It will also help to feel more independent and part of the family. Hopefully this will be fun, increase your babies confidence and your baby will develop a positive attitude towards food.