Baby-led weaning - Tips from a doula

We've all been there, holding our breath, motionless and frozen, just staring at our red faced, watery eyed child, who is gagging on a piece of food, that was offered to them off our own plate. The typical reaction is to forcefully bang on their back and to regret ever trying that silly baby-led weaning trend.

Starting a baby out on solid food can be scary and overwhelming. Understandably so, chocking is a serious issue.. That's why I'm sharing a few simple tips on baby-led weaning.

1. It's important to talk to your pediatrician about baby led weaning.

2. Learn CPR and first aid training. Prevention is important, but being prepared for every situation is life saving.

3. Understand that your baby is going to gag and cough, which is actually a good thing. When your child gags or coughs up that macaroni noodle, their learning how to eat and using their natural reflexes to swallow food correctly.

4. If baby gags or coughs, Stay calm and avoid patting baby on back. Let child cough and gag till food is out. Then calmly offer a drink to help wash the food down and sooth child.

5. Keep a close eye on baby and offer new bites, only when the previous bites are fully swallowed.

6. If baby is choking and making no gagging or choking noises or any noise at all, that's cause for concern and you will need to use your first aid knowledge.

7. Trust your baby, you know them best. Six months was when I knew my daughter and her gut were capable to handle solids.

8. Allow the baby to taste, touch, and experience food for the first time in it's original form. This allows baby to get used to the natural flavors and texture between their fingers and in their mouth. Instead of mashed avocado, give them a cube of avocado and let them do the smashing.

9. Start out with safe, tiny, bite-size portions and having a fun, laid-back attitude is key. When the baby refuses to try new foods, do not force or get upset. This will only cause more stress and frustration for everyone. Keep offering and eventually baby will start to get a taste for all different types of food.

10. Allow baby to lick the food, instead of taking a bite. Ease them into the process.

10. Baby led weaning doesn't always produce non-picky eaters, but it does produce kids that have a mature pallet and an appetite for many different varieties of food.

11. Contact Stephanie Herron with Elle Darling Doula today for more details on how postpartum doulas are available for every stage of your growing baby's life.

314-413-6683

Franklin County, MO