So I was really keen to do BLS with my DS but it was a disaster. He had a hypersensitive gag reflux and as we found out later, undiagnosed allergies (think snuffly mouth-breather - solid food was tough for him). Both of which meant he actually became quite hesitant about ANY food (he got to the point he would not even touch solid BLS type foods).. We ended up seeing a speech path & going right back to basics with him, lots of purees & food play - and that helped him to get going (plus getting the allergies sorted). He also LOVED his milk and would happily have that over any food.
So now i've started DD on some solids, and I'm really keen to do BLS. And I've just realised that I'm dragging my heels a bit. I've given her a bit of spoon fed stuff & a bit of BLS stuff (banana, pear, watermelon), but I think I need to start really taking it seriously. I absolutely hated solids with DS, it was such a nightmare, so I really need to reprogram my own attitude cos I realise that i've been dreading it. So I have a few questions and I'm hoping you guys can help with.
Our routine currently means she feeds 4 times a day, with a nap straight after her first feed, then a feed mid/later morning, early arvo then after dinner. Sometimes her feed is towards the end of her "up" time and sometimes it isn't. So then I'm puzzled as to when to feed her, cos I know it should be after her BF... but sometimes she's about to have a nap! And I had assumed that she should eat earlier in the day when she's less tired rather than later in the day... but really dinnertime is the only meal she has with us at present. And I know that all of us eating together is important too. So far I've tended to give her solids after her afternoon feed. But I'm wondering:
Should I give her dinner with us, even though it's before her BF?
And should I try to tweak her routine so she's up at lunchtime with us??
I just can't remember how I fitted it in with DS, and given I tend to run errands/playground in her "up" times, at present I'm having trouble wrapping my head around how this might work. Plus she's currently got a horrible wheezy cough, and is coughing/spewing more than usual (she's got reflux too), and so I don't know if I should pull back while she's like that as well? Or just give her the chance with the solids? (could be my fears talking again there ).
And what do you find are the best first BLS foods?
With DD2 I was never fussed about timing her solid feeds around her BF's. I just gave her some food whenever we were eating. They don't really eat much at that age, it is mostly exploring the food and getting used to it.
As for being sick, well you can hold off, but really BLS is about being baby led. If you DD is really taking to the food, then I would not suddenly hold off if you have already started, if she is just playing with the food, then you could hold off till she is a bit better. I know with DD2 I started her a couple of weeks after 6 months as we were away before then and I did not want the hassle of food at someone else's house.
Best of luck, just remember let the bubs do the leading
I would definitely give her solids to experiment with when you are having dinner. I never found that it interfered with BF in the evening (and my boys consumed a LOT of their solids) as it was a comforting off to sleep BF, not just a fill your tummy BF, if that makes sense.
I wouldn't change the rest of her routine though. I find lunch is at a different time for all of us each day anyway, so changing a 6 month old's routine to give her a feed seems silly. I would just give her some food if others are eating and she is properly awake. Maybe after the mid morning feed as she doesn't sleep straight away? As Astrid said, it is mostly to get them used to textures and the idea of food for the moment so the amount that she actually consumes doesn't really matter.
I found the easiest way for us was to just let my boys reach for stuff from our plates. I would steer them towards non-spicy stuff but mostly we just went with the flow.
If you feeling a bit nervous try an internet search of BLS and just go bit by bit. Sometimes just starting out sucking on raw veg works for some people while others try fruit or steamed veg.
Something that bub can grip like veg/fruit sticks can make it easier for them when starting out. The important stuff is what your already giving her
Remember to take your time and don't feel pressured, if it helps my DS 1 didn't start solids till 9 months and DS 2 was 11 months. Both eat what we eat now and still go go for boob at 3 yrs and 18 mths. There are no set rules, hope you find a way that works for you and your babe.
Thanks everyone. I meant to reply to this earlier. after reading hte first few replies I realised I was still worrying so much! You all helped me to realise I can just relax and let her explore. So she's been trying carrot, zucchini, corn, watermelon, banana, avocado, pear... yay! (all as sticks) And she is LOVING it. She makes some gaggy faces. She makes some gaggy noises, but then she gets right back into it. She's still a bit snotty & coughy but I don't think it's bothering her too much, and that's the most important thing really! I've also ordered myself a copy of Gill Rapley's BLS book and I hope that will help me to continue to be brave
Oh and I thought she hadn't actually eaten much at all (she's still very much learning how to pick up everything) but then I saw her #2's... and she's definitely eating!!!
Want to do BLS... but am nervous
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