Baby Led Weaning

Hi Yarly,

How exciting! Introducing solid foods is a fun time for the whole family. When babies start this process, they usually don't get more than a few teaspoons of solid foods in their mouths and down to their bellies before they lose interest/get full/get distracted by playing with food. That's just fine! For now, use these feedings as a way to introduce the concept of eating solids and have fun. Your baby should still be getting all of her nutrition from her bottle and/or breast feeds until she is really able to eat a decent amount, which will come later.

I would start with solid feeds 1-2 times per day, offering just a couple of spoonfuls or pureed food to start. If you are interested in Baby Led Weaning, you can offer soft solids like avocado, banana or cooked and cooled sweet potato and expect that she will not end up eating very much at all. Let me know if you have other questions!
Vanessa

Can I offer her water now that she’s eating?

Hi Yarly,

Why are you hoping to introduce water? It is still a bit early for that and her fluid needs should easily be met with formula and/or breast milk. Let me know!
Vanessa

Because people have been telling me to give her but idk. I’ve her her stool can get much more solid. She’s already not a big drinker of milk so I’m concerned she will eat less milk and get constipated

Hi Yarly,

Good call- I would avoid introducing water and stick with breast milk or formula only. She really shouldn't need water until she is 12 months of age if she is able to get adequate formula/breast milk throughout the day.

Thanks!
Vanessa

Hi Carolina,

BLW encouraged parents to start with soft solids like avocado, banana or cooked and cooled skinless sweet potato. You can cut them into strips or large pieces that are easy for your little one to grasp and bring to their own mouth. You can start with just once or twice per day- try to space this away from bottle/breast feeds so your baby is hungry but avoid times when they are tired and cranky. Dinner time is often a good time to sit as a family so your baby can watch and learn from your family's eating habits while exploring food on their own.

Once your baby gets the hang of it and starts to truly eat more food, you can offer more textures at dinnertime and eventually begin to offer more solids throughout the day. As long as baby is growing and gaining, it is a good sign that they are getting enough nutrition!