Eventually it comes to all breastfeeding relationships, the time to wean. The journey begins with introducing solids to your baby.
The safest, and most healthy way to introduce food to your baby is to wait until they are at least 6 months old, and showing signs of being physiologically ready for food.
You can then begin offering them soft, chewable finger foods to test out. Babies don’t need pureed food, as all it teaches them, is how to “drink” thick mush. Finger foods, are a much safer and healthier approach, as they teach your child to eat.
Baby Led Weaning is the process of weaning your child from a diet consisting exclusively of milk (Usually breast milk) onto solid foods. Being baby led means that you watch and wait for your baby’s cues as to when he or she is ready to eat. You don’t introduce ‘intermediary’ foods such as purees, but rather whole foods, in finger food sized portions.
Baby Led Weaning entails that you don’t use a spoon or feed your baby; rather you offer her food and allow her to eat to her tastes and appetite.
Food is a sensory delight for most babies and the textures and sensations of each new food you introduce will amuse, thrill, and enchant your baby as they discover their palate.
Baby Led Weaning is a lesson in trust in the body’s ability to function on its own without interference. It is about learning to trust the gag reflex, and recognize your baby’s cues.
A good resource to learn how to wean your baby from breastfeeding to solid food is available here
Photo Credit: Daquella manera