Variety!
This is probably the most important tip I can give you. If I only give him one food, even if it’s his favorite, it all ends up on the floor. He’ll eat two bites tops. Giving baby multiple options at mealtimes is key.
I typically attempt to give him 4 or 5 different options before giving up.
Also remember that just because baby does not like a certain food now, does not mean he’ll dislike it forever. Be sure to offer baby both new and old foods! Baby’s tastebuds are constantly changing and developing. What they didn’t like yesterday, or even this morning, they might love now!
Bite Size
Are you struggling with the Baby Led Weaning method? Is your little one gagging on everything and sometimes throwing up?
It could be that your baby has a high gag reflux. It is not uncommon. Every baby will go out of it, but for some it takes longer to lessen than others.
My own baby was about a year old before his lessened! But did I give up? Did I tuck my tail and only give him purees for his entire first year?
No!
After a few hard months of trail and error, I learned the solution was not purees but bite size. Strips were too big. Small chunks were too big. Even a blueberry was too big! The size that finally worked best for my baby was about the tip of my pinky finger. It felt ridiculously small… but he didn’t gag on it!
I remember watching in awe as he, at 10 months old, ate his first true meal of solid food.
Modeling
One of the ways children, no people in general, learn is visually.
What does this mean? Eat with your child! Make a big plate of food you both like and enjoy a meal together.
Don’t be afraid to eat with your mouth open! This might seem gross or silly; but sometimes for baby to learn, he needs to see how the food gets chewed and what to do with it afterwards.
Have Fun with It
Make faces! Tickle their toes! Try your best to make baby laugh. The more fun baby has, the longer baby will want to stay in the highchair (which makes for longer eating times and probably a fuller belly). Playing small games with my son eases the boredom on both sides.
One of the favorite games I love to do with my baby is let him feed me. I always make loud silly chewing noises and he giggles his little socks off!
Thanks for reading!
About the Author
Hello! I’m Rose.
Thank you for reading my blog!
I’m a single mother to a beautiful baby boy. Every day I jungle being a college student, growing my relationship with Jesus, implementing positive parenting, and being present with my child.
I love to share my experiences raising my rosebud and the lessons life has taught me along the way. Have a blessed day and remember: You are NOT alone.