Starting Solids

We started introducing solids slowly when McKenna turned 6 months, likely in a way that is new to many people.

We are currently introducing solids by an approach called Baby Led Weaning. I won't go into it in depth because there is a BUNCH out there (just google), but it is a form of introducing solids where you let baby set the pace and give them what you are eating.  No purees, No spoons (yet), Just Food, Fingers, Fun, and a whole lot of mess! It sounded like an approach that I would love... no preparation (other than our typical meals), but in reality there are several benefits to introducing solids this way (again, google is your friend).

 

It is awesome to cook dinner and have McKenna sit at the dining room table with us and eat. She enjoys it even more when we eat what she's eating (and how she's eating it!). It is also great in helping develop the pincer grasp and assists in hand-eye coordination. She's even taken to straw cups AND regular cups (with a little assistance, of course).

 

With all of the research I have done about Baby Led Weaning, I have found many of the mom blogs that describe their experience have been blessed with babies with very small gag reflexes.  Man, that must be nice.  Well, here's a nice addition to the BLW "literature" in cyber world: my child gags, and gags, and gags, and gags. It is by far the most unnerving feeling to ever experience.  The idea behind it is to trust that your babies are exploring and know what they are doing. They will spit out what they can't handle. Babies' gag reflexes are much further toward the front of their mouth as they are younger so when they GAG they are not choking.... You mustn't get these two mixed in the BLW world! It is also suggested that it is beneficial for babies to learn to use their gag reflex earlier rather than later as they would with purees and the conventional form of weaning. Many BLW proponents will suggest that there is no more of a choking hazard with BLW than with introducing with purees.

But each mealtime I get more and more comfortable with her eating (READ: PLAYING). We have really started very slowly, introducing cooked fruits and steamed veggies. There are plenty of moms that jump right in and offer WHATEVER the family is eating. I just can't. And while I may not know exactly how much food McKenna is eating (because 98% ends up on the floor), babies don't need much in terms of solids yet. And her diaper has told me that she is in fact swallowing food. YES, I took pictures of a shitty diaper to send to Kevin because I was so excited, but no, I will not post them here. You're Welcome.

This is a lengthy video for the virtual scrapbook. But for those that are curious to see some of the gagging in particular... you can jump to 2:25, 2:55, 4:30.



The gagging can be a bit more dramatic than these (I just so happen to have never been filming), but nothing that she doesn't come out giggling on the other end. I always try to keep a happy face on for her so she is never startled or concerned.

I am by no means against purees or the conventional form of introducing solids... I haven't even taken it off the table for us (if for whatever reason we decide to switch). I have attempted to stay open-minded regarding ANYTHING as we learn with McKenna. But once I heard about this approach it sounded like something I definitely wanted to try. And I was so happy Kevin was on board!

This style of solids introduction is not fully mainstream... yet. If you want more information about Baby Led Weaning, I encourage you to look into the Gill Rapley set of books. We have the cookbook, which basically summarizes the original along with recipes that would work with the whole family. I also encourage you to google search and search YouTube. Aside from the books, much of the information available out there is through other moms.

So far we are enjoying Baby Led Weaning. There is no pressure on her. McKenna gets to sit with us at the dinner table and essentially imitate us... it is a lot of fun. The mantra is: Food before 1, Just for Fun. We will continue this route as long as McKenna is healthy and it is enjoyable and beneficial for all of us.