Are you wondering when to start baby led weaning? Here’s everything you need to know before starting.
Introducing foods to your baby is a big step and can be very exciting for parents. Many start with introducing purees first but that is not a necessity.
Baby led weaning (otherwise known as self feeding) is another great option! It has so many amazing benefits and has become increasingly popular over the recent years.
But before you go to the grocery store, it is important to know when to start baby led weaning so it is safe, fun and successful from the start.
In this article, I will discuss the five readiness signs to look for so you know when to start baby led weaning.
When To Start Baby Led Weaning
Baby led weaning is centered around letting your child lead but there are a few readiness signs that you should look for before introducing solids.
1. Around 6 Months Old
Many parents are anxious to start feeding their baby but it is recommended to wait until he or she is at least six months old and is showing other readiness signs.
Your pediatrician may give you the go ahead to start purees as early as four months old but when it comes to baby led weaning, 6 months old is key.
Waiting until six months old will help make the process more successful since your baby will be more developmentally ready for solids. Plus it is recommended to introduce allergens early and often.
And don’t worry – your baby will still give them plenty of time to learn to eat!
2. Full Head Control
Head control usually starts around 4 months old and is a very important readiness sign. Before starting solids, you want your baby to be able to hold his or her head upright and stable.
3. Can Sit Independently
This is an important milestone for two reasons:
- Safety: You want your baby’s airways to be completely unobstructed.
- Trunk Control: Babies are more successful with self feeding and using their hands and mouths when they have good trunk support and stability.
Before starting baby led weaning, make sure your baby can sit on the floor without immediately falling over. Don’t worry about them sitting independently for a long period of time but it is important that your baby isn’t leaning or toppling over immediately.
Tip: Once your baby is ready to start solids, choose a highchair that has good foot support (90 degree angle at the hips with a foot rest) and the tray is no higher than chest height. Proper positioning will help make the process more successful from the start.
4. Bringing Hands and Toys To Mouth
This is another really important readiness indicator for when to start baby led weaning. Your baby must be able to bring his hands to his mouth before being able to put food in his mouth.
You might think of all the drool when your baby’s hands are in his mouth, but he is actually exploring and “mapping” his mouth which is really important when it comes to the introduction of solids. It’s recommended to encourage hand to mouth movements and only stop your baby if they’re holding an unsafe object.
You can also give your baby stick shaped teethers. These specifically help with coordination in their mouth and jaw strength for chewing.
5. Reaching For Caregiver’s Food
This is another classic readiness sign that it might be time to start solids with your baby.
Some babies may show interest in food earlier than 6 months but it is important to wait until they are 6 months old and showing readiness signs, unless advised by a doctor.
If your baby isn’t old enough yet but is showing interest in your food, you can put your baby in his highchair and offer safe kitchen objects. These include a spoon, plastic measuring cups, mesh or silicone feeder with frozen breastmilk or formula, etc.
Why is BLW Important?
Your baby is growing and thriving on breastmilk or formula but complementary foods have an important role in your child’s nutrition, motor and sensory development and allergy risk. Let’s take a closer look.
- Nutrition – Iron stores start to deplete at 6 months of age and at this time, your baby’s iron needs increase. For this reason, it’s important to incorporate high-iron foods daily.
- Development – It takes practice to learn to sit independently, bring food to your mouth, bring it to the side of your mouth with your tongue, chew using jaw strength and swallow.
- Sensory– Eating involves all of the senses: touch, taste, smell, sight and hearing. For that reason, baby led weaning helps contribute to your baby’s sensory development.
- Allergy Risk– Exposure to allergenic foods early and often has been shown to lower the risk of allergy to that food.
- Flavors – Most babies are interesting, willing and flexible to trying new flavors (even strong ones) before they become toddlers. It’s important to offer a variety of flavors and textures before 14 months old if possible.
This post was all about when to start baby led weaning.