Introducing solids

it can take time for them to build a genuine interest. at this point it’s more for fun and exploration. the mess sucks but that’s just how it goes unfortunately. gagging is normal. they should still be getting all the nutrients they need though milk. it wouldn’t hurt to try purées but personally i’d keep offering both! they’ll eat eventually

Food is just for fun until they turn 1. They should still be getting most of their nutrients from their milk until then x

Before 12 months, the primary source of nutrition is still breast milk or formula, so please dont worry about that. Gagging is also SUPER common and honestly pretty important as it teaches babies how much food is appropriate in their mouth and with their gag reflex being further up than ours, it helps to prevent legitimate choking. Make sure that you are providing them with BM/formula 30-60 minutes before a solid meal so they arent super hungry and try to stuff their mouth. Everything you described is common and honestly... Good. No need to offer puree after a solid meal. There is not "failed" meal before 12 months! If you don't already use it. i suggest the Solid Starts app as it has super helpful information on how/ehen to modify foods. You got this! ❤️🥰

I did both solid and purées. I found that purée worked well in the beginning because I could gradually build up the consistency either by adding baby oatmeal, mashed fruit or home made purées. He gagged less and less and I continued to offer very small amounts of solid food. One day they just get used to the sensation of food in their mouth and the gag reflex calms way down. Mine is almost 2 though and it is still so messy (but better)and so much food goes to waste. he goes through phases of refusing even his favorites. Feeding babies is such a frustrating task but there are moments of fun. As much pressure as you can take off yourself, the better. Keep offering and they will surprise you. They will stay healthy 🩷💙

To be honest whatever I made I would make them a plate So if I did tacos I would do beef cheese tomato lettuce wraps all separate on a plate for them Mine would eat if I ate the same as him

Totally normal! My son started solids around 6.5 months and had SUCH a hard time. He barely ate anything and always gagged. He did not show an actual real interest in food until maybe 9 months? I personally did purées until about 8 months and then started offering both at each meal

My son is doing the same thing! I’ll find something he likes (it’s strawberries atm) but it doesn’t always last. I’ve hated this process as well bc of all the gagging. His dr said purées are totally fine even up to a year. So if that’s easier and they actually eat it, do that!

Always start with purées

@Katie As someone who did baby led weaning (no purees) it's not a requirement or necessary if they don't want to.

@Stephanie it’s what worked for both of my kids 🤷‍♀️ If BLW is giving the baby discomfort, then mom could try purées

@Katie I agree, but a blanket statement saying to always start with puree is not true. Everything that their child is doing when eating solids is appropriate for a baby. Parents just see all these picture perfect examples of babies eating meals on social and think that's exactly how it should be.

@Stephanie are you an expert? How can you say it isn’t true? It’s what worked for a lot of kids, so it’s nowhere near a blanket statement.

@Katie Saying ALWAYS is a blanket statement. Purees will work for some families while BLW will work for others, you dont ALWAYS have to start with puree.