If you follow my Facebook page, you’ve likely heard me talk about how I fell out of the habit of cooking during my last pregnancy. I was working more (both more hours and later into the evenings) to help pad for the ten weeks or so I would be on maternity leave. Like most pregnant moms, my fatigue increased exponentially. Also, I didn’t so much have pregnancy cravings as I did apathy. Nothing sounded good. With all of those factors [excuses], I stopped cooking as much and relied more on meals that were easily thrown together, like salads or tuna salad. Microwave-steamed veggies were a favorite as well.
No surprise, when my little guy arrived last June, I was still very tired, and with chasing after a preschooler, I had no desire to start cooking again. I knew it would be an uphill climb since – because of my lack of cooking – my once adventurous three-year-old had become relatively picky. Once I started back at work, I knew I would have to make a change sooner than later, when C started eating solid foods.
Cue Jessica Coll. She is a dietitian in Canada who teaches other dietitians about baby-led weaning. I attended her webinar and ended up joining her network. I love Jessica’s enthusiasm about eating and it registered so deep within me that it reignited my passion for cooking! Plus, I love how excited my little guy gets when it’s time to eat.
My Favorite Part of Baby-Led Weaning
What I love most about baby-led weaning is the emphasis on family meals. The premise (and Jessica’s recipes) are foods we can all enjoy together. There’s no “feeding the baby.” The baby, the preschooler, and my husband and I are all eating together. We’re eating things like sweet potato fries, salmon sliders, and apple butter waffles. Yum!
Since C is used to varying textures, it makes dining out a breeze! (Although it can be quite messy… but you’ll probably get messy no matter which way you feed a baby.)
Downsides of Baby-Led Weaning?
That’s not to say that baby-led weaning isn’t without struggles. The biggest tussle I have experienced was working with caregivers. Baby-led weaning has been becoming more and more popular. While the idea itself dates back to long ago, it has not been the typical way to introduce solids in America. There is a lot of concern over choking, which is, of course, very scary!
Research shows, however, that when baby-led weaning is done in a low-distraction atmosphere, once the baby has reached at least six months and is sitting independently (among other signs of readiness), then they are only at the same risk of choking as an adult.
Why Attend a Baby-Led Weaning Workshop
It’s true that baby-led weaning isn’t for everyone (or every baby), but there is certainly a safe way to do it. A lot of internet sites don’t get into all the potential dangers, choking hazards, or foods to avoid. Nor do they get into requirements for vital nutrients, like iron and how to optimize absorption.
In my workshops, we discuss:
- Why parents are choosing BLW
- Signs of readiness
- How to start
- Top beginner foods
- Foods to avoid
- Choking vs. gagging + how to prevent choking
- Allergens
- Vital nutrients for baby
- Hot topics, like dining out and tips for other caregivers
- Sample first week menu + recipes to get started
These workshops are for you if you:
- Are preparing to feed your baby using baby-led weaning or like the idea of baby-led weaning, but aren’t sure where to start
- Have already started purees, but are interested in helping your baby to become more independent with feeding and being a part of family meals
- Are feeling overwhelmed with feeding your baby – or family in general
- Want to connect and share experiences with other new parents
My goal for the workshops is that new parents will be able to connect with each other and become inspired and comfortable to feed their baby through baby-led weaning.
My next workshop is on April 7. You can find out more about future workshops on my Services page or on my Facebook page.
Have you used baby-led weaning when feeding your littles? What did you love about it? Or did you find it wasn’t for you?