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Peninsula Kids
Home»Pregnancy & Baby»Granny’s guide to baby-led weaning
Pregnancy & Baby

Granny’s guide to baby-led weaning

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By Yvette O’Dowd
If your image of starting babies on solids involves sloppy rice cereal, strained pears and pureed vegetables, then baby-led weaning might come as a bit of a shock!

In the past, babies were introduced to solids much earlier than they are today – even as early as a few weeks of age. For babies aged 2-4 months, the only way for them to safely ingest solid foods without choking was to puree them finely – in fact, liquefy them. Boiling or steaming fruits, then vegetables – in strict order – then pureeing them by forcing them through a sieve and mixing with a little boiled water, before spooning the sloppy mix into the gaping mouth of a reclined infant was tedious and time-consuming after the novelty wore off. Not surprisingly, mothers were drawn to the little jars, cans and packets of prepared foods which began to fill the supermarkets after World War ll and being able to afford commercial baby foods quickly became a status symbol in the mid- 20th century.

By the 80s and 90s, the recommended age became 4-6 months, but babies were still not able to chew and swallow foods without pureeing and mashing. Mothers who were into natural health returned to preparing fresh produce, often pureeing with a Mouli sieve and, increasingly, using blenders and food processors to render food suitable to swallow. A strict timeline evolved to begin with rice cereal, mixed with breastmilk, formula or boiled water, moving on to pureed fruits, vegetables, meats and grains, then later those foods mashed and – finally – finger foods were introduced around 7-8 months of age.

But a revolution was quietly brewing. The importance of breastmilk gained recognition and in 2002 the World Health Organisation produced guidelines that babies be exclusively breastfed – with no other milks, drinks or foods – for the first half-year. Health authorities around the world followed suit and solids were now recommended from around six months.

In the UK, Health Visitor (Maternal and Child Health Nurse equivalent) Gil Rapley was questioning the need to bother with all that pureeing, if babies were not starting to eat until after the need for it had passed. At six months, babies are able to sit upright, lose their natural tongue thrust reflex and develop the hand-eye coordination which allows them to bring objects to their own mouth. They are capable of biting and chewing – regardless of the presence or lack of teeth – their gagging reflex is effective in preventing choking and they are developmentally ready to eat solid food in its solid form.

Rapley’s book Baby-Led Weaning, co-authored by Tracey Murkett was published in 2008 and is still the definitive text on the subject. It explains why it makes absolute sense to introduce babies to solid foods this way. It’s full of tips for how to use BLW with your baby – and what to expect when you do.

So – what exactly IS baby-led weaning? Well – firstly, you need to understand the use of the word “weaning” in its British meaning: it refers to starting solid foods, not ending milk feeds.

A four-month old baby will begin showing interest in people eating, not because he is ready to join in, but so he can learn the process. He will study how you move your hand from plate to mouth and try to copy you.

He will grab at food, cutlery, plates and makes chewing movements and even drools! Sit him on your lap and let him learn, but don’t mistake these signs as him needing food – he isn’t ready yet.

Being physically ready to eat food is very important. All three signs of readiness need to be in place before you begin.

Your baby is ready to eat when:

 He can sit upright in his high-chair unsupported

 He can bring his hand to his mouth when playing

He can swallow food because the tongue reflex is now gone

It isn’t about age since birth but about physical development. If your baby hits these milestones earlier – or later – than the average six months, adjust as needed. There is no rush. Around six months allows for a few weeks either side.

Offer foods your baby can grab hold of easily – “food with handles” like strips of cooked steak or roast meat; broccoli, carrot and other vegies cut into sticks long enough to hold in his hand, thick pieces of fruit with the skin left on. Whatever you prepare for dinner can be adapted for baby – there is no need to cook separate meals. His hands can soon pick up pieces of pasta, clumps of rice, bits of chicken or fish, baked beans and other legumes … the only foods off the menu are honey and whole nuts. Nut butter spread on toast or dolloped on his tray will help his protein intake and provide essential fats.

Between 6-12 months, milk – either breastmilk or infant formula – is still the primary food source and solids should not yet take over. By letting him control what he eats and how much, you can avoid over-feeding him.

“Food before one is just for fun!” Let him play with his food and experience how it feels and tastes. He will pick it up, drop it, dip it, squish it, lick it and learn how far to put it in his mouth. He is not likely to choke because his natural gag reflex will kick in if food goes too far back – gagging is not choking – and he will probably pop the food back into his hand, look at it and put it back in again!  First aid training will teach you what to do if he chokes at any age. Sitting with your focus on him while he eats (not your phone!) is important.

Sharing the experience of food and eating with your baby is a wonderful way to introduce eating.  Baby-led weaning frees you from boring purees and mash and allows you to share meals with your little one.


Yvette O’Dowd is not your typical grandmother! This mother of three and Granny of two has been a breastfeeding counsellor for more than 25 years. In 2014, Yvette established the Southern Natural Parenting Network, incorporating South Eastern Babywearing Group. With 8000 members world-wide, the group supports parents interested in breastfeeding, babywearing, co-sleeping, baby-led weaning and modern cloth nappies – and other aspects of gentle, natural parenting. Yvette has lived in Frankston for 45 years. 

www.facebook.com/SouthernNaturalParentingNetwork

Peninsula Kids – Winter 2020

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If this is your first experience of winter with a baby you might be wondering what you need to do to protect them from the elements. Babywearing is a wonderful start as you each warm the other. You can top that up with hats, mittens and booties but go easy with coats and suits. Rather than thick single garments, add an extra layer or two. Avoid bulky hoods which can restrict free head movement. Keep in mind, as you rug them up, that your body is a wonderful heat bank for your child. Light layers plus protection for the head, hands and feet is the way to go. You can pop “baby legs” leg warmers on to keep exposed legs warmer.

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If this is your first experience of winter with a baby you might be wondering what you need to do to protect them from the elements. Babywearing is a wonderful start as you each warm the other. You can top that up with hats, mittens and booties but go easy with coats and suits. Rather than thick single garments, add an extra layer or two. Avoid bulky hoods which can restrict free head movement. Keep in mind, as you rug them up, that your body is a wonderful heat bank for your child. Light layers plus protection for the head, hands and feet is the way to go. You can pop “baby legs” leg warmers on to keep exposed legs warmer. Read more here: https://peninsulakids.com.au/baby-its-cold-outside/ Or via link to mag in bio. #babyitscoldoutside @peninsulakidsmagazine #lovepeninsulakids
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👀😮 Ooooh..this looks gooooood. Has anyone read the book? Betrayal and revenge come knocking on The Family Next Door this August! The ABC, Screen Australia and VicScreen are pleased to announce the thrilling six-part suburban mystery drama series The Family Next Door will premiere on Sunday 10 August at 8pm on ABC TV, with all episodes available to stream on ABC iview. It’s peak holiday season in the popular seaside town of Osprey Point when an enigmatic stranger, Isabelle (Palmer) rents a family home in a quiet cul-de-sac. As Isabelle charms her way into her neighbours’ homes and lives, she quickly discovers that everyone at Pleasant Court has something to hide. How far will her obsessive drive to solve a mystery push her to expose the truth? Based on New York Times bestselling Australian author Sally Hepworth’s novel of the same name, this sophisticated and entertaining mystery blends drama and humour while exploring family dynamics through the unique lens of award-winning screenwriter Sarah Scheller (Strife, The Letdown) and Emma Freeman’s (The Newsreader, Interview with the Vampire) character-driven directorial skills. #abciview #sallyhepworth #thefamilynextdoor
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Bring the kids to experience live theatre at Frankston Arts Centre in August!

An instant Australian classic, Beetle by Legs On The Wall tells the story of a child who finds a friend in her backyard; together they embark on an adventure to search for his family, the now elusive Christmas Beetle.

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A tale of resilience and hope, Beetle reminds young audiences that there’s an important place in the world for all of us. Reminding us of the delicate balance of the natural world and that all things are connected.

This charming, nostalgic and uniquely Australian show invites children and families to join the adventure, encountering larger than life beetles, stick insects, and other bush critters while finding out about the uncanny nature and delicate balance of the bush environment. See it on Friday 22 August at 11am or 6pm at Frankston Arts Centre. Tickets are available at thefac.com.au or by calling 03 9784 1060.

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Bring the kids to experience live theatre at Frankston Arts Centre in August! An instant Australian classic, Beetle by Legs On The Wall tells the story of a child who finds a friend in her backyard; together they embark on an adventure to search for his family, the now elusive Christmas Beetle. The magic of the bush habitat is brought to life through Legs On The Wall’s trademark physical storytelling, and animation created from original artworks by beloved children’s author and illustrator Freya Blackwood. A tale of resilience and hope, Beetle reminds young audiences that there’s an important place in the world for all of us. Reminding us of the delicate balance of the natural world and that all things are connected. This charming, nostalgic and uniquely Australian show invites children and families to join the adventure, encountering larger than life beetles, stick insects, and other bush critters while finding out about the uncanny nature and delicate balance of the bush environment. See it on Friday 22 August at 11am or 6pm at Frankston Arts Centre. Tickets are available at thefac.com.au or by calling 03 9784 1060. #whatson #fac #kidstheatre #frankstonartscentre #beetlebylegsonthewall @the_fac
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Epson launches four new EcoTank printers as sales top 100 million and the company remains number one in large ink tank printer sales.

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Epson launches four new EcoTank printers as sales top 100 million and the company remains number one in large ink tank printer sales. EcoTank inkjet printers are world leaders in providing improved productivity for homes and small businesses for a number of reasons. Firstly, they come with up to two years’ worth of ink in the box, so you don’t need to worry about suddenly running out or constantly ordering replacements. This also means less user intervention due to fewer replaceable parts, giving you back time to invest in yourself and your business. There is zero warm-up time and a very fast first page out time with EcoTank printers and this, combined with their unique Heat-Free Technology, saves you time, energy, money and allows you greater flexibility for your home or small business. The new Epson EcoTank ET-4950, ET-3950, ET-3900 and ET-2950 printers come with a 24 month EcoTank Back to Base Warranty (12 month standard express warranty and an bonus additional 12 months upon registration) and are available now from https://www.epson.com.au/ecotank/, and all authorised Epson stockists. #epsonecotank #ad @epsonaust @Epson
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Elmo’s Circus Dream, a dazzling new live stage spectacular making its world premiere at Caulfield Racecourse these upcoming July School Holidays from June 27th to August 3rd, 2025. Tickets and information: https://www.sesamestreetcircus.com.au/ #sesamestreetcircus @sesamestreetcircus @cavanaghpr
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❄️ Winter is here! And along with it, a fresh edition on Peninsula Kids magazine. Enjoy flipping through the pages that celebrate the season’s highlights so that you can make the most of the frostier months with your loved ones. 🥰
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❄️ Winter is here! And along with it, a fresh edition on Peninsula Kids magazine. Enjoy flipping through the pages that celebrate the season’s highlights so that you can make the most of the frostier months with your loved ones. 🥰 🌬️ Link to read in bio ———————————————————————————— #peninsulakids #peninsulakidsmagazine #winter #lovepeninsulakids #mpgrown #local #pregnnacyandbaby #creative #education #health #spotlight #recipes
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