Mums with weaning worries

Seen loads of Qs on here about weaning worries for our 6 month olds - I think too many of you are worrying about nothing, I don’t mean this in a horrible way. I mean, you’re worrying that baby won’t get the jist of weaning, of purées of solids etc but in reality they are only just being introduced to it. They have LOADS of time to learn, to catch up whatever it may be. What they like today and next Tuesday does not determine what they will enjoy or be capable of handling in a months time or by 10 months or 14 months. Every baby goes at their own pace if we allow them to, and this will really do them a huge favour in terms of building their confidence as well as yours! - Everyone is worried their baby will choke. Even mums of toddlers worry their kid will choke! But don’t underestimate their gag reflex. If you are particularly anxious, I would highly recommend Paediatric First Aid in choking in infants. It will help you understand how to identify choking and react accordingly. By that I mean, choking isn’t obvious to new parents or first time parents. If a baby has taken food into their mouth and is coughing or gagging, that is a GOOD sign. It means their gag reflex is working to push that food back up and out of the way so it doesn’t go down the wrong hole. You shouldn’t interfere with coughing, please don’t shake your baby or pat their back as it might force food down while they are stopping to try to breathe. If they are silent, not making noise but struggling to breathe or cough, they are choking and then you perform the correct method of support. Honestly just sit opposite your baby and have eyes on them until you know food is out of the way. - You don’t need to have all the latest gadgets and items and methods on hand. Weaning is so simple, and baby’s don’t require all the fancy prep. Purées should be smooth and wet. Solids should be according to appropriate size and you should be able to mush them using your own two fingers. The Solid Starts app has a feature of “how to serve” for all kinds of foods and when you can introduce them. Use it to help you understand how to serve accordingly - Your baby might not enjoy certain foods for a long time. I read once that it can take a baby or toddler up to 14 tries of one food item for them to enjoy it or lean into it. The more they are exposed to a variety the better it is for baby and for mama. As the goal is to get them to eat the same meals you would (assuming you eat balanced, healthy meals!) baby’s can be introduced to different spices from as soon as you start your weaning journey. Just avoid chilli, salt and sugar. For obvious reasons - Don’t compare your baby to others. It’s not a one size fits all in any capacity. Every baby is completely different. Yes some toddlers grow to be fussy eaters, but that can stem from parents anxieties and fussiness too. - Try not to exaggerate reactions to food items your baby tries. They are smart af, they can pick up on your feelings and tensions. If you are stressed they won’t try a taste or keep pushing it to them, they will naturally continue to struggle with it. Similarly if you show a ton of joy and celebration for foods, they can “act up” at times when it’s served, because they are exploring ways to get your attention. Talking about what they’re actually eating, what the food smells looks and sounds like would teach them SO much in such a simple way. And support other areas of their development along the way. I hope someone will find this advice helpful, because it honestly is way too early to be worrying about how baby is responding to weaning. Try to relax and enjoy the madness of it all. You will blink and one day they’ll be figuring out their own meals and maybe introducing you to something you haven’t even tried ❤️