As weaning is such a huge part of my life right now, I thought it would be great to share our journey with you. I’m no pro at weaning. I’m actually completely useless. Forever asking people questions like “can I give Bear this?” “Should he be drinking water by now?”
Having said that, I’m learning lot and I’m slowly feeling more confident with the progress we are making. The thing about weaning is, it’s another one of those topics that attracts debate. Yeah, you read it right, weaning causes debate.
There are actually people out there who feel so strongly about the way they wean their children, anything else is just plain wrong.
Those are people I like to avoid.
There are weaning no rules.
When Bear was approaching 6 months I decided to join some Facebook groups focused on Baby Led Weaning. I knew I wanted to concentrate more on BLW this time, but knew nothing about it. So after a few recommendations I clicked ‘join group’ on a couple I thought looked helpful.
Most accepted me. Apart from one. One admin sent me a private message before allowing me to join.
The message was long, and pretty patronising.
It said things like “the right place for you”, like it was some sort of private cult.
The message basically said if I was planning on ever giving my son a spoon then I wouldn’t be allowed to join this precious friendly group. I pressed delete.
Right there any excitement I had for weaning my son was pushed away and replaced with absolute anxiety. Anxiety about this scary world of BLW. Where apparently rules are so strict you can’t even join Facebook groups for tips and advice.
You are judged for using spoons. Spoons?!
Sorry son you’ll just have to pick the yoghurt up with your hands.
You are not a bad mum for using a spoon!
Before I go on with this weaning series I wanted to write this post as a sort of introduction. Weaning should be fun, not stressful. Don’t listen to those who have strong opinions on what is right or wrong.
I mean, sure, there are NHS guidelines that are worth following, but BLW Facebook groups aren’t in charge.
You want to give your baby a spoon, then do it!
I’m combination feeding Baby Bear. He has finger foods 3 times a day (apart from some breakfasts he just has porridge). If I feel he’s a little hungrier than normal I’ll try him with a pouch. We were sent some from My Little Piccolo and he really loves them. Especially the Tomato & Ricotta Spaghetti. He seems to have a love for tomato based pouches.
After struggling with a couple of winter colds weaning has been a bit slow recently, but this week we’re kinda back on track. He’s picking up little pieces of ham and cheese and feeding himself. He loves toast so I always offer him a couple of pieces with each meal.
For pudding he’s gets a yoghurt. Yes, with a spoon.
After struggling with a child who literally eats nothing (and still doesn’t) I’ve been so anxious about weaning. But, you know what? As long as you stay relaxed, follow their signals, and go with your gut, you’ll be fine.
If you’re ever feeling stressed and need reassuring you’re doing ok, have a read of Hurrah For Gin. My bestie found this extract in her copy of the Hurrah For Gin book, and it reminded her of the BLW police I encountered on Facebook.
Got any requests?
If you have any particular weaning posts you’d like to see in this series, feel free to comment below and let me know what you’d like.
I’m hoping to cover lots of topics including family friendly meals, recipes, weaning products, child friendly restaurants, tips and tricks, and personal experiences.
I hope you enjoy!
~A~
Eugh I encountered the BLW Police too. People really do like to cause a debate about everything.
I liked to give Aria porridge with a spoon for breakfast and then finger food throughout the day, obviously that wasn’t good enough for some!
This is great!! We’re almost two weeks into weaning now and I’m loving it. I thought I’d be stressed but it’s actually fun!
I’m going with my gut and doing what suits us. Mainly purées so far with some bits for him to play with.
Look forward to reading this series. xx