MPH Mama: Baby Led Weaning

As I mentioned in the Thanksgiving post, we are doing a method of solids introduction known as Baby Led Weaning (BLW). How you wean your baby is another one of those contentious topics that starts mommy wars, so let me preface this by saying it is not for everyone. I totally get the paralyzing fear of Baby choking and if you are stressed every time your baby eats, she will be, too. Although it's easier in the sense that you don't have to puree your food or spend lots of money on jarred baby food, it's definitely messier at times. My partner and I are both prepared to act on an emergency, but we try not to be paranoid about it. It makes sense for us and Baby enjoys it, so we're doing it.

The premise: The idea of mushed up baby foods and rice cereal are actually a fairly new concept. Babies digestion and eating techniques have not changed remarkably in the last century, so the "rule" that they can only eat soft foods at first or that they need to start with rice cereal is a myth. Rice cereal became popular during the era that formula and processed baby food came into focus, and was introduced as early as 3 months to help "fatten baby up." Because babies that young cannot eat solids (they are prevented by a tongue-reflex that pushes food out of their mouths... now thought to be a protective mechanism because they shouldn't be eating solids at that point), moms were told to mix rice cereal with milk and then progress to other thicker, but still pureed, foods.

Now the American Academy of Pediatrics and World Health Organization both recommend exclusive breastfeeding (or formula feeding if breastfeeding is not possible) until 6 months. At 6 months, the tongue-reflex starts to decrease and babies this age can start handling finger foods. Thus, the mushy baby foods and rice cereals are really unnecessary. Babies should be getting most of their nutrition from breastmilk or formula up until about 12 months anyway, so how MUCH they eat is not as important as how many different tastes and textures they are allowed to experiment with. Yes, this means lots of hand smushing, face smearing, throwing, and funny faces. It's hilarious and I love it. We never used to laugh as much at meal times as we do now!

And now, I will shut up and show you funny videos and photos of my little goober eating her first solids: