Just Eilidh

The Mixed Weaning approach – Why it works for us

With my first baby I spoon fed. I had never heard of baby led weaning (BLW) and so did what was recommended at the time. I lovingly made and puréed up all of his meals. They didn’t have pouches of baby food, it was all jars which other Mums turned their noses up at. I did occasionally use them though! I introduced finger foods at 7 months and he is now a brilliant eater.

Roll on 3 years and I had baby no 2. This time BLW is starting to become popular so I start him just before 6 months when he grabs my banana. Baby no2 very rarely ate with a spoon, I only helped him with his breakfast by pre loading and he would eat the same meals as his brother. He is also a good eater, the only difference between the two of them is that baby no2 is now less worried about trying new foods and likes spicier food than his big brother. This could be the BLW or it could just be his personality.

Baby no 3 has been a totally different game all together. We started weaning at 21 weeks after being told to by both the dietician and her paediatrician, due to her reflux and weight gain. We decided to do a mix, mixed weaning (I know that if you ever spoon feed then it’s not BLW) So for the sake of argument we have spoon fed and offered finger foods right from the start and it is working really well. For us it is a good compromise and her are some of the reasons why;

There is so much pressure these days to BLW and only do it that way, the spoon is seen as a sin! I think that as long as you and your baby are happy, growing well, just do whatever fits with your family and your child. Obviously don’t wean before 17 weeks and avoid added sugar, salt and honey and all will be ok. When spoon feeding follow their lead and watch for signs they have had enough for example closed mouth and looking away. We have never had to encourage her to eat, no aeroplanes or funny noises here. If she isn’t interested in what is being offered on the spoon then we give her some finger foods instead.

How are you weaning?

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