FF: Baby-Led Weaning

Since the food party has begun for our sweet Linus I thought I'd post 5 favorites about how we do solids in our home. I heard about baby-led weaning from a friend. From then on, I did some reading and internet researching to no end. Everything just made sense to me; so we gave it a go.

1. Get in my mouth!

I love how our babies learn! Their inquiring minds are inspiring! Littles around the age of birth are learning to live with each breath they take. They take the world in with all of their senses. At around 4-6 months, the little ones start sticking anything and everything into their mouths. It's what they do. It's how they learn about the things around them. Case in point below.

Bigfoot was a pro at sticking all things under the sun in his mouth. Whether he was teething and self-soothing his gums or just learning the ins and outs of a new toy.

So, I figured how better to learn about food than letting them do what they do at this age.

This age being 6 months and on only because you want your little to be decently sitting upright. Sitting up helps with digestion and there's no pressure on intake when you go this route. BLW really encourage the nursing relationship because of the awesome nutrition factor, but formula babies can do this also! The idea is they get nursed first and then onto the food party. 

Learning is living, and this method really lets that happen! And, I love it!

2. Exploring is Fun
Textures, colors, smells, touch, and so many other delicious to-dos! The little ones get to explore! And, exploring is FUN!

I loved watching Bigfoot explore his foods. And now we get to enjoy it again with Linus.

Their faces light up when a new taste or texture enters their little mouths! It's exciting, new, and refreshing.

So fun!

3. Baby-led made sense and was low-maintenance
Babies technically led the way in all things food from the time in our wombs. They've dictated how much and when for quite a while once we get to the point of solids. Even moreso since we were blessed to be able to exclusively nurse, Bigfoot and Linus have always been in charge of intake.

So, I figured, why change up things now. I've trusted them thus far, might as well keep on keeping on.

Bigfoot was great. He loved his foods. He loved trying new things. He knew when he liked something and when he didn't. Meanwhile, all of his major nutritional needs were continuously being satisfied by our nursing relationship.

Also, a major plus was that I didn't have to do any extra work of pureeing foods or buying jarred foods. Nice on the budget and the idea is the littles eat what we eat - age appropriate of course. In fact, doing things this way made sure we were having baked veggies with our meals a number of times a week. Baked veggies are good because they are just soft enough for our little ones to gum in the earlier days of learning to chew and swallow. After a few months of learning and exploring, Bigfoot was eating meals I made. Spices, textures, and so much more. I never had to cook to him, which was nice.

4. Hands-Free!
They feed themselves. No spoon feeding. Another plus for my low-maintenance self!

Bigfoot was always so good about waiting for his food because he was so used to us all sitting down and then getting our food at the same time. He would sit, wait, pray, then eat. Every once in awhile he would get fidgity but for the most part he was just always so excited about getting something new.

I can already see Linus falling in that pattern too. Both boys sit, wait, we pray, then we eat. As soon as Linus gets in his chair he gets excited and starts looking around in anticipation. Once I put something on his tray - it's go time!

Now in regards to silverware, Bigfoot isn't a total pro just yet, but we started him pretty early. He loved it and for the most part does pretty well. Allowing them to feed themselves earlier on helps out with their dexterity which is always a nice side perk.

And, sippy cup fun starts early. They start sippin' on some water. Linus does need some assistance with this, but for the most part he gets it, likes it, and knows what its for.

This one counts as a favorite, because I like my food too! And, come meal time I am usually ready to eat. Being able to give the boys their food and sit with them while we all enjoy our meal makes me a very happy and well-fed mama!

5. Family fun for all
And, my last favorite is the fun! Food is fun! It's wonderful! It's a gift! It's nourishing and good and should bring smiles and togetherness.

But, my absolute favorite aspect of the dinner table fun is that we are all together as a family, eating as a family, and enjoying as a family. It's a good time.

The two pictures (one above and one below) were taken yesterday. Linus has been eating solids for a week. He started his food adventure with avocados (my most absolute favorite thing to eat always & forever! Right up there with grapefruits!). Since then he has had banana, carrots, apple, puffs, and rice crackers. 

What I love about these pictures is how both boys are just sitting and enjoying. I was sitting and enjoying too (GeekMan was a little late for dinner that day because of work, but he would have been there otherwise!)! 

My absolute favorite moment as of recent was the first time we all sat down at the table to eat. We were all enjoying our food; nourishing ourselves with gifts from above. It was a good moment. A moment I love being  present for everyday, three times a day.

It's the little things for me. I know this little method isn't all kinds of fancy. And, I know all babies learn to eat and there is nothing wrong with one way or the other. But, this one works for us and really feels like an adventure. 

I've written more about our food journeys with Bigfoot here and have a number of links to resources on that post as well. Check it out if you're at all curious. And, thanks for stopping by!

Head on over to Hallie's for more Five Favorites!

Baby-Led Weaning

What is that?! Is what you're probably thinking. I was thinking the same thing when I first stumbled across this approach while doing some research on feeding solids to babies. I've always assumed I would make my own purees for my child. Since that's what you're supposed to do, right? Well, maybe not making your own but the puree texture is the gist of introducing solid foods to little ones now a days. When I heard about baby-led weaning (BLW), I started talking to some mom's that have had great success with this approach as well as read one of the books that is out right now.

The method is all about keeping with the natural tendencies of your child. At about 6 months, babies can usually sit up by themselves as well as start putting anything and everything they can grab in their mouth. As you can see above and below, our Seph is demonstrating these awesome abilities - toy in mouth, sitting up unassisted, etc.

Yup, one more pic below for good measure. The boy puts everything in his mouth. Apparently, this is how the little ones explore. Oh, how I'd love to understand what kind of thinking goes on during baby explorations! But, the point is, if food is in front of him, it will go in his mouth. 

Also, at about 6 months, babies start to try and imitate those around them. So, around this time, our sweet Bigfoot started showing interest in foods while at the dinner table. He began trying to grab at them and eyeing them. I took this as his way of communicating to us that he was ready and interested in food. As goes the name, the baby is the one leading. 

The backbone idea of BLW, is that the baby should begin to wean himself from nursing around six months via supplementing the nursing feedings with solid foods. I'll also mention that, in general, breast milk should be the sole source of nourishment for the first six months as recommended by US Department of Health and Human Services, World Health Organization, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Dietetic Association, and more.This is assuming the nursing relationship is a success for mama and baby. Thankfully, after much trial and support, we found success. But, BLW can also happen for those using formula. The idea is the more solids he begins to take in, the less nourishment he will need from nursing. Also, the solids that are fed should be your everyday foods - age appropriate of course. So, for me, I figured since he had been in control of his food intake for the first six months of life, why change things up? After gathering all the needed information, we decided to give it a try to see how he led. And lead he did!

We started off with avocado. One of my most favorite foods. Avocados are healthy and soft enough for him to gum. After seeing his first experience with self-feeding with the avocado, I was sold on the approach. Seph had so much fun! He was feeling, tasting, practicing chewing, practicing moving food around in his mouth, exercising his tongue and jaw muscles through the moving of food around his mouth, and swallowing bits and pieces here and there. All in all, you could tell he was having such a fantastic time squelling, laughing, smiling, and looking at us with a face that asked, "Are you all really letting me play with this stuff - so fun and tasty!". I even think there was a "Thank you." in there somewhere.

The earlier days of BLW, were exciting. Seph was always ready to try something new. He never knew what he was going to get, which was fun and then when he got something familiar he seemed pleased and just as excited because he knew what to do. Meanwhile, Daddy and I were able to sit and eat our meal with him. It wasn't Troy or I feeding Seph - the little man had that part under control. We would all sit together and enjoy our meals! I wasn't feeding him and then eating at some random time after. Eating together is something that Troy and I value very much and hope to carry with us throughout our lives. So, needless to say, BLW fit right in with our family lifestyle.

Another great aspect of BLW, is that Seph is so good at restaurants (or, at least, he has been thus far!). I usually bring him some of the foods he's been eating and let him do his thing. Sometimes, if there's something on my plate that would be fitting for him to try, I let him have a go. See that little face of anticipation while we all wait for our food?! So sweet!

We have also introduced a spoon at this point. Normally, what I've done here is put a little applesauce or something and hand it over to him. He likes to put the spoon in his mouth (and yes, sometimes flail the spoon after that). But that's OK. He's learning. Sometimes, he just wants the applesauce so bad he'll open his mouth very wide for me to put it in, but I normally try to get him back to taking the spoon from me so he can get some more practice in and understand how the spoon works. At this point, there haven't been too many foods he's tried that require a spoon. I am hoping to have him try some hummus pretty soon. I think he'd enjoy that. But, for now, applesauce is where we practice using a spoon.

Once starting solids at 6 months, we introduced a sippy cup. Let me tell you, this boy was absolutely thrilled to drink from a sippy cup. The one below is the kind with the straw and he's got that one down pat. He has been drinking water alone, aside from nursing. What I've read, thus far, it's beneficial to hold off on sugary drinks, which I'm all for. Seph loves water so much anyhow, so haven't found any reason to change that up on him. For now, I'd rather him focus more on enjoying different foods and getting whatever sweetness from actual fruits.

Below Seph is having some peas. He sure loves his peas! Haha. He sometimes sticks so much of his hand in his mouth just to make sure he got everything off the hand and in his mouth, which is quite impressive. One side benefit to BLW is his advanced dexterity. Our sweet boy developed a pretty stellar pincer grip pretty quick from all the practice and determination of feeding himself. Watching that develop over the past few months has been pretty amazing.

And another picture of him enjoying some of his green beans.

For us, BLW has been a great experience. I know it's not for everyone. I wasn't sure if it would even be for us or if you could call me a 100% BLWer. When we first started solids, I told myself that if it didn't seem to be going well I would resort back to the tried and true method of spoon feeding him purees. But, as life would have it, BLW went wonderfully. Our son loves mealtime and really enjoys food. He's always up to try something new and seems to enjoy experiencing the different textures and tastes. And not only does he enjoy trying new things, I think him feeding himself gives him a sense of accomplishment, confidence, and independence. 

The downsides we have encountered would include: minor gagging, people thinking we're crazy, and one allergic reaction. There have been a few minor gags here and there (to be expected), but nothing terrible. Since we waited to start solids at 6 months his gag-reflex had matured enough that he was able to manage soft baked items or things he could gum. Thankfully, there have been no occasions with choking (which can happen with any method used). We have had one non-severe allergic reaction to plain whole-milk yogurt, which is why the yogurt, cheeses, and things with dairy have been put off for a little bit (might try again at 9 months, but will be checking with our pediatrician on that one). So, really the downsides haven't been much at all. Overall, our Seph has learned to eat on his own and we couldn't be more proud of him!

Foods he has had to date include: avocado, sprouted grain toast, cinnamon raisin toast, bananas, peas, green beans, acorn squash, zucchini, yellow squash, carrots, egg yolk, apples, apple sauce, kiwi, cantelope, plain baked chicken, chicken seasoned with basil and some spicy brown mustard, black beans, pinto beans, broccoli, cauliflour, brown rice, baked sweet potato plain and with garlic, grain bread, jalapeno bread, corn, cucumbers, celery, plain crackers, lima beans, spinach and kale puffs, banana puffs, apple puffs, veggie rice crackers, quinoa pasta, rice noodles, and potatoes.

Pretty sure those are all the foods. I'm going to keep posting about how our BLW journey continues. But, for being two months in, I think the little guy is doing great! I mean, look at that face! :)

Resources that have been helpful:

Why delay solids?

Reasons to Delay Solids

Baby-led Weaning

Wholesome Baby Food

First Foods

Baby-led

Starting Solid Foods

Book I read: Baby-Led Weaning: The Essential Guide to Introducing Solid Foods - and Helping Your Baby to Grow Up a Happy and Confident Eater

List wouldn't be complete without the mention of two friends that have been so supportive and helpful:

Emily & Katey :)

**The list is a quick reference. I'm sure there are some that I missed. If you have any questions I'd love to answer them! Message me at: amanda{at}thesideoflove{dot}com

8 Months and Counting

The goodness just keeps on coming. Lots of foods, hanging out with friends, family, and more.

You love looking through your books. There are a couple of favorites you have: Stories Jesus Told, Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes, and Busy Bible Storybook.The third book listed of these three has a pop-up page that you absolutely love. You will open and close it till you find it again. Fun stuff for you, little man.

You also love story time with Daddy. You and him read a book every night before bed. You are so engaged the whole time!

Our friend, Jessy, lost her Daddy this past month. You got all dressed up and brought many smiles to many faces. You were such a sweet boy and Jess loves you very much!

Daddy and Mama celebrated our 2 year anniversary. While we went to dinner you spent some quality time with Rebekah. You have tons of fun with her and she loves seeing you!

You look forward to play time with Daddy. I think it's definitely your favorite time. You laugh, squeal, roll, army crawl, face dive, push up, pull, and so much more. Daddy loves this time too.

We all go to Bible Study every Thursday still. You continue to enjoy watching all the kids playing while we have our Bible Study discussion.

Baby boy you have 6 teeth! Your top 4 have been making their way out this month and definitely had a break through.You've been exploring your little chompers and all their functionality.

You are army crawling and getting on all fours. You have yet to master full-on crawling but you definitely know how to make your way around.

Bath time is a favorite for you. You love the water. It calms you so much. You take one every night with Daddy and Mama's help.

You continue to love solids. You've had: zucchini, yellow squash, sweet potato with garlic seasoning, kiwi, chicken, cucumber, potato, celery, and apple sauce. You continue to enjoy all the other foods you gobbled in the previous months as well as your new sippy cup! Oh, how you love your sippy cup with a straw. Thank you, BLW for a healthy eating baby boy who loves his food!

You have had tons of fun seeing all of your friends! You've had quite a few playdates this month. We went to hang out with Gianna and Theresa, Daniel, George, Laura, and Max, Ben, Em, and Greg, Claire and Anna, and even Molly and Lucy made an appearance while all the Dad's were getting to work! You and I are very blessed, little one. God has blessed us with some amazing friends to share good times with.

It appears that you and Daniel are having a very intriguing conversation in the picture above.

Below, is when we went over to George, Laura, and Max's house while Daddy helped all the other Dad's move our friends into their new home. You liked the pop up toys.

You enjoy your mornings in Daddy and Mama's bed. You roll around everywhere. You would even roll off the bed if I let you. You enjoy waking up Daddy and, as much as he appreciates his sleep, I know he loves your little hands waking him up.

Also, you are quite the babbler. You have the skill of baby babble down. And of course we have to throw in some mad squealing abilities. This house will never be the same and we have you to thank for that.

There is something about this purple lid that you love. You will take this lid on and off as many times as we put it on. It's a challenge that you are always up for. 

You've been signing Milk this month. It's so exciting seeing you communicate with us through sign! Excited for you to start using more signs we've been learning.

Mama's friend from grad school, along with her two daughters and husband, visited us on their drive through Texas back up to Wisconsin. They loved meeting you and Mama was so happy to see her friend that she hadn't seen in so long!

Uncle Godfather ran a 1/2 marathon trail run! Your uncle loves challenges like these and would love you to grow up and enjoy them too. He drove over to our place after our run and spent some time with you. Y'all had fun, as always.

This month, we actually got to see Uncle Godfather three times! He loves you so much and is so proud of you and all you are doing. We also got to see Uncle Godfather's girlfriend for lunch one Saturday, which was so nice.

You are so wonderful at restaurants! You wait patiently for your meal and sit up like a big boy; meanwhile, observe all that is going on around us. 

It was a great month, sweetheart! We are really enjoying watching your sweet and fun personality develop. We're so proud of you!

Love you, 

Mama