Weaning questions...

[supergolden88]

My baby boy started grabbing food and putting it in his mouth at around 5 months (an apple I was eating, a banana his sister was having next to him). Even with the apple which was very tart he was super enthusiastic and upset when I took it away from him.

So I started weaning him at 5 months (I was going to wait until 6) and to my complete surprise he seemed to like trying different fruit/veg - completely unlike his sister who could not have been less impressed four years ago.

He turns 6 months in a few days and I was thinking it is probably time to introduce some protein. To all of you 'early' weaners when did you start with protein? Any advice what to try first? I was thinking chicken mixed with veg.

Also he seems to really like mouthing raw peeled apples and carrots etc. but has a very sensitive gag reflex and he throws up easily. I would like to give him some finger foods along the mushed up stuff but worried about him throwing up all food/milk. Should I try anyway? He has two (very sharp) bottom teeth and is probably getting a third as he is teething like a maniac!

[Helen GV]

I would definitely try what ever you feel like trying! If he throws it up and isn't bothered by the fact then it's more work for you cleaning but otherwise no harm done. You could try giving him a large piece of meat to chew on for flavour and see if he likes it, if not then it's maybe too soon?

(I didn't wean early sorry have just re read the post but if you trusted him to let you know when he wanted to try 'real' food then why not trust him to let you know with protein too..)

X

[Saffron]

Little Saff grabbed a banana out of my hands at 4.5 months. She was able to hold it in her own hands and eat it, so Hubby and I figured developmentally she was ready. We started very, very gradually to offer her things like breadcrust dipped in yoghert, or a slice of orange to suck on. By 6 months old she was eating pretty much whatever we ate (minus the salt/fat of course), and we've never looked back. No jars of baby food here! :) Little Saff just loved baby led weaning. She was the text book BLW baby.

Lamb was one of her first favourite foods, cut off strips that are long enough for Baby to hold. A stalk of lightly steamed broccoli dipped in plain yoghurt or humous was always a winner. She did do a lot of gagging at first, but she was always fine. Many babies have a sensitive gag reflex. It's nature's way of protecting them.

We don't have any allergies in our family, and Little Saff was healthy otherwise. So there weren't any food that we didn't offer. Even if you do have a history of allergies, you can still offer a variety of foods. Just keep an eye out for allergy symptoms.

I think my copy of BLW is floating around the Forum somewhere if you want to borrow it. The library has a copy too. It is a short and interesting read.

Happy weaning!