Baby led weaning can be rough in the beginning. The hardest part about it that I found was finding baby led weaning dinners for the whole family. For the first couple months, I really just went between a few different meals for the twins and often just made my husband and I something else. Noodles, breakfast and baked veggies for the most part. Or I wouldn’t think about what the twins would eat and they’d end up fussy for food and I’d run around the kitchen trying to figure out something for them.
If you’re new to baby led weaning, I would for sure do some research on the topic to make sure you’re ready for it. It’s a lot different than the old school 1st stage, 2nd stage and 3rd stage solids. Instead, BLW dives right into real foods. With caution, of course. You still need to start with a few basics and work your way into meals from there in order to watch for allergies. I think our first foods were avocado, banana, and sweet potatoes.
Disclaimer Before We Start: I am just a mom that did BLW with her kids. I am not a doctor or specialist. I am simply sharing my experience. If you have questions or concerns, talk with your doctor.
Make sure they’re soft(ish) foods. Test them in your own mouth first. Can you ‘chew’ it with your tongue?
What about size? Is it small, but big enough that if they swallowed it whole they would choke (ie. blueberries, grapes)? I generally cut potential hazards in half, or long strips that they can hold and take bites off of (like watermelon).
Remember allergies. If you have any allergies, mention them to your pediatrician. My pediatrician suggested us waiting until their year old appointment before trying tropical fruits because their dad is allergic.
Gagging is totally normal. This is the scary part of BLW, but it’ll be okay. Caeden likes to stuff all his food in his mouth and try to chew it. It doesn’t work. He gags (which sounds a lot like he is choking) a lot. But all it is, is their gag reflux coughing back up the food. He has always spit it back out (and put it right back in his mouth). But Kendall on the other hand has choked and I was able to easily scoop the chunk of food out of her throat. You would be surprised what mama mode makes you capable of. All in all, that gagging sound is totally normal, just keep an eye on them. Never walk away while they’re eating.
If you have any other questions in regard to baby led weaning, I would suggest doing your own research and coming to your own personal conclusion. I am not a doctor, just a twin mom who has successfully introduced her infants to real foods.
Pancakes (blueberry or banana is great!) One of my favorites because it is minimally messy, and you can make a huge batch to save for snacks! My twins love frozen pancakes as a snack and teething relief! French Toast Another breakfast goodie that isn’t too messy! Egg Scramble I like to add ground sausage, diced tomatoes, avocado and a little cheese to mine. Cinnamon Roll Bake w/Apples Not the healthiest of options- but a total option! I make sure to give them a little with some sliced banana or other soft fruits. Soft cooked apples work too!
Tofu Breakfast Scramble This is a creation one of my friends makes up for her daughter and she loves it! Great vegetarian option, or flat our nutritious option! Breakfast Tacos I make tacos for all sorts of occasions. My breakfast tacos generally have egg, maybe some ground pork, little bit of cheese and some sautéed veggies Grilled Cheese Grilled cheese is my go to for a quick and easy night. As well as when we go out. It isn’t messy, and it’s easy for them to eat!
Quesadilla’s I generally just make cheese quesadillas, however you could add in some soft veggies or ground pork to beef it up a bit! Avocado Pasta Salad This is one of my favorites! Perfect, well balanced finger food. Mac n Cheese Tacos I make soft tacos, and generally make theirs up with refried beans, little bit of cheese and avocado