Dudley

Hi there, My daughter is coming up to her big 1st birthday and we are continuing with her baby led weaning. The only major con I would say about it is that it can be very messy esp in the beginning. Unlike the previous posts I made the mistake of buying an expensive high chair - a cheaper option def would have been easier to clean. You will need to put something under it. I have taken to putting newspaper under it as I can through them straight out! Other than that though I would def say it is worth it!! Even for people who are doing purees I think it is a good idea to even let babies touch and feel a new food every time they eat. Babies love copying what you do, and touching and feeling things, so it is exactly the same with food. And long term I hope it helps us avoid any food issues. Tonight for instance after her spag bol Annabelle insisted on having an apple (that was on the table in fruit bowl) for desert so she had it. We could not give her lettuce at the beginning because we were worried she would choke on it but now she demands it if we are having it. I think any 'method' that gets a baby demanding lettuce to eat must be a good one! Like above, we have porridge with yoghurt (loaded spoon), lots of things on toast (banana, avocado, egg). Anything really. In the beginning though you may find that your baby does not eat that much. But do not worry! Babies will make sure they eat enough and they do not know that food fills them up for a while. Overall try to not the force your baby to eat anything. Last week Annabelle ate little but she is eating lots this week so it just shows not to force food on babies. A word on choking though- I was worried about this (and grandparents esp) but it is very, very rare. Annabelle did cough a few times, but just watch your baby in the beginning and never leave her alone. Oh and if you are giving her more 'adult' food be careful of added salt. Lots of it in any prepared sauce (we have had to stop using this) and baked beans, cheese, anything smoked and stocks! I would recommend the book though - I am sure you can get it second hand on Amazon. Baby-led Weaning. Gill Rapley, Tracey Murkett. Oh and one last thing. BLW is about food but it is also about the way food is eaten. Giving purees to babies usually means they are feed separately. BLW babies are usually feed with the family around the table. Of course this is not always possible and can sometimes be stressful but that is what the book recommends anyway (and one of the main reasons we did it). I always try to talk to Annabelle as I am eating with her and although I never get an answer and sometimes end up with food in my hair I am hoping it will be worth it in the end! Good luck!

Dear Mums, Thanks for replying! There are about 6 of us, so I am going to make a proposal. I have had some private posts too. How about Tues 20 April at 2 pm in The Plough. That should give us some space. That is 5 weeks from now so hopefully we can all get a book read by then! Book wise I was thinking The Outcast by Sadie Jones. This should be easy enough to pick up second hand from Amazon or the library. The main thing is that it is a informal book club for Mums and that we don't have to worry if the little ones are feeding, playing or crying while with us! The Plough should be fine for the little ones to have a little play. Eventually if things go well and we are still able for it we can always go to the park during the good weather. This should be better for the older ones. Let me know if this suits you? Best, Laura

Dear all, I am thinking of starting a book club for parents who have babies. I have done a quick search on the forum and there are a few book clubs in the area - Green and Black and I know the WI has one but from what I could tell they all take place in the evening after 7pm. Because of my little one late evening is not that suitable and I was wondering if anyone else was in a similar position. I really love reading and discussing books and I would love to discuss them with other Mum's (or Dads!) I am thinking of having a meeting once a month, on a week day at around 2 or 3pm somewhere on Lordship Lane (with babies)! I can also host in my house now and again. If a book club like this already exists please let me know! If not and anyone was interested in joining me, let me know. Best, Laura.

Thanks for the advice everyone. I think I will do a little bit of both BLW and puree. She is pretty 'grabby' even now so I am hopeful! Laura

Hi all, I have a 5 month old daughter so I am preparing to wean her in month. I bought a book on baby-led weaning (by accident!) and I am thinking of using this method to wean her. I exclusively breast-feed and co-sleep. I would appreciate any advice on BLW, if people found it helpful/unhelpful. Laura Perrins