otherwise known as Baby Led Weaning.

The time has come for us to start on this explorative journey with our son.  He has been interested in what we were eating from 4.5 months old but was not really ready to stat BLW as he could not sit well unsupported (very important before starting BLW).  So one month on, we decided he should start.  No pureed apple for this boy instead our 5.5 month old son is enjoying his “chip sized” apple. 

Even though BLW is not new to our family (nor is it a new concept) as we had practiced it with our daughter 3 years ago, I’m still amazed at how quickly they learn to get the food into their mouths.  He’s been practicing for a week now and he gets better each time.

And yes, he can eat the apple with no teeth, as for those breastfeeding mothers who’ve been “gummed” before, you’ll quickly realise that they don’t need teeth to bite. (mind you, he prefers an apple that is not as crunchy as what I would like my apples to be).  Here he is, learning how to swallow something a bit more solid than breast milk.  So has he tried anything else?  You betcha – cucumber, banana, toast, spelt biscuit and wholemeal lavash bread, hoping to add to the list when we go shopping next.  If you’re interested, check out Gill Rapley’s website for more information (I read her book)  or just google baby led weaning and you’ll find information to help you decide if BLW is right for your family.