As a father, there’s something incredibly rewarding about being involved in every aspect of your child’s life, and that includes their first steps into the world of solids. Baby led weaning, BLW, infant led weaning, or infant weaning is a method that’s gaining popularity, and for good reason. It’s a wonderful way for you to bond with your little one while introducing them to the joys of food. This Dad Guide to Baby Led Weaning will help you understand the ins and outs and allow you to be a pro at infant led feeding.
What is Baby Led Weaning, Anyway?
Baby led weaning is all about letting your child take the lead in their journey to solid foods. Instead of purees and spoon-feeding, your baby explores and feeds themselves with finger-sized pieces of soft, cooked foods. It’s a more hands-on approach to weaning, and it empowers your child to make choices about what and how much they eat.
Why Baby Led Weaning Works for Dads
You might wonder why baby led weaning is something to explore. Well, here’s the scoop: it’s not only about letting your baby explore food independently; it’s also about making your life as a dad easier. Let me share a few reasons why baby led weaning can be your new best friend.
Less Hassle
No need to spend hours in the kitchen making and pureeing baby food. You can simply share healthy portions of your own meals with your little one, with a few modifications.
Shared Meals
Baby-led weaning allows you to eat together as a family. It’s quality bonding time while enjoying delicious food.
Independence
Your child learns to self-feed, which fosters their independence and fine motor skills.
No Spoon Feeding – Literally
Say goodbye to those airplane spoon noises and chasing your baby around with a spoonful of khichdi or ragi.
BLW with Indian Foods
In India, we have a rich tradition of introducing our babies to solids. Khichdi, mashed bananas, Ragi, dosa, and soft idlis are already popular choices. Baby led weaning can fit perfectly into this tradition, with a few adaptations. You can offer your baby soft and nutritious Indian foods like small portions of steamed veggies that would go into that khichdi, or cut pieces of dosa with some non-spicy chutney / dal / sambar as they start infant weaning. The key is to ensure that the food is easy to grasp and chew, and is bite sized.
When to Start Baby Led Weaning
Typically, BLW can begin around 6 months of age, when your baby shows signs of developmental readiness, such as:
- Sitting upright with good head control
- Reaching and grabbing objects
- Bringing objects to their mouth
While 6 months is a general guideline, remember every baby develops at their own pace. Don’t rush the process and wait for your little one to show you they’re ready.
How do you actually do BLW?
Baby led weaning is easier than you think! Here’s a quick guide:
Offer a variety of safe-to-eat foods:
- Start with soft, easily chewable foods like steamed vegetables, ripe fruits, cooked pasta, small pieces of dosa, etc.
- Avoid choking hazards like hard foods, nuts, whole grapes, etc.
- Cut food into manageable sizes and shapes for your baby’s grasp.
Let your baby lead
- Place the food on their tray or highchair.
- Encourage them to explore the food and pick it up themselves.
- Let them decide how much they want to eat and don’t force them to finish anything.
Be patient
- Baby Led Weaning can be messy! Be prepared for food splatters and stains.
- It may take some time for your baby to get the hang of self-feeding.
- Be patient, encouraging, and supportive throughout the process.
Dad Role in Baby Led Weaning
Now, let’s talk about how you, as a dad, can play a crucial role in this baby led weaning adventure. It’s not just about being a spectator; it’s about being an active participant in your child’s journey into the world of flavors.
Meal Prep
When it comes to baby led weaning, you’re the chef of the house. It’s time to whip up delicious and nutritious meals that are safe and suitable for your baby. Be sure to avoid salt, sugar, and any small, hard foods that could be choking hazards. Get creative with your recipes and enjoy the process.
Mess Management
Yes, there will be mess. In fact, there will be lots of it. But here’s the silver lining: the mess is a sign that your baby is learning, exploring, and enjoying their food. So, embrace the mess, keep those wet wipes handy, and remember that it’s all part of the experience.
Family Time
During baby led weaning, mealtime is family time. Sit down with your little one, enjoy your meal together, and lead by example. Show them how it’s done, and let them mimic your eating habits. This is a wonderful opportunity to bond and share the joy of food.
Safety Supervisor
Safety first, always. As a dad, your role includes ensuring that the eating environment is safe. Check that the high chair or booster seat is secure, remove any choking hazards, and keep a watchful eye on your baby during mealtime.
Encouragement Guru
Your words of encouragement mean the world to your child. Celebrate their small victories, cheer them on as they explore new flavors, and be patient when they’re having a tough day with their food. Your support is invaluable.
Document the Journey
Capture the baby led weaning journey with photos and videos. It’s a delightful way to look back on these memorable moments.
Challenges of BLW
While BLW has many benefits, it’s not without its challenges. Here are some things to be aware of:
- Messy mealtimes: BLW is messy! Be prepared for food splatters, dropped food, and a sticky baby.
- Gagging and choking: BLW involves a natural gag reflex, which helps babies learn to manage food in their mouths. However, it’s important to stay vigilant and never leave your baby unattended during mealtimes.
- Nutrient intake: As your baby learns to self-feed, their intake may vary from meal to meal. Don’t worry, breastmilk or formula will still be their primary source of nutrition until they’re around 1 year old.
- Social pressure: You may face criticism or judgment for choosing BLW. Trust your instincts and follow your baby’s cues.
Conclusion: The Joy of Baby Led Weaning
Remember, dads, BLW is a journey, not a race. Enjoy the process, support your baby’s lead, and watch them blossom into confident, adventurous eaters. With a little patience and encouragement, and this handy Dad Guide to Baby Led Weaning, you can set your little one on the path to a lifetime of healthy eating habits.
Happy Weaning, Dads!
