BLW

The website solid starts will tell you how to properly prepare any food for the age that your baby is. They have an app too. It's really helpful. Also, if it helps, there was a study done on the subject and it found that there was no increased risk of choking with BLW. Providing you're preparing things appropriately of course. Babies gag reflexes are closer to the front of their mouth, which helps them to push things out and not choke

I haven’t started weaning just yet so no tips really, my boy is 5 months. I was told by the health visitor gagging doesn’t mean choking, if they’re loud coughing ect they have a clear airway if they’re silent they’re choking just incase that helps a little bit x

Take a free infant CPR course online so you’re prepared for worst case scenario

Educate yourself on the difference between gagging and choking... babies gag a lot and can be terrifying.. when my girl gags I always ask "you okay" until she makes a clear response so I know her airway is all clear

my daughter never choked and we did exclusively BLW. you can google “how to serve ___ for” however old your baby is and get suggestions on the best way to give it. learn the difference between gagging and choking. gagging may sound alarming when they do it but it’s normal and an important part of their development!

Start with things she can gnaw on, mango pits with bits still on, corn cobs, pineapple cores, it makes you feel more at ease as they’re learning. Then go to long strips of soft meats I’d say. They will gag and spit up a bunch at first for mouth feels imo and I get scared most the time ngl. But as long as you make sure you know what to do in case, ALSO get one of those amazon CPR bag devices! It sucks whatever is lodged out and I’ve been recommended by someone who’s used it and saved their child

Have you taken classes on what to do if your child is choking/ CPR classes? I highly recommend if not. Or at least do some research on what to do in that situation. Solid Starts is free and a great resource whether you have the app or follow them on Instagram. Start with really soft foods that nearly puree on their own when chewed like avocado, banana, egg yolk, and bone marrow. It’s so important for babies to learn how to chew to prevent choking so take some “risks” by serving large pieces of green onion, asparagus, green beans, etc. It might seem silly at first but sit face to face with your baby and literally show them how to chew with your mouth open. Make the chewing sounds so they can mimic you. And never force any food in their mouth, encourage them to spit out anything that they don’t like/ feels uncomfortable in their mouth.

Remember that gagging is normal and educate yourself on what choking looks like and when to intervene and how. BLW group on Facebook is great, I can invite you if you’d like. My guy has been eating everything since 6 months, purées since 4 months. He didn’t get teeth until few weeks ago at 9 months. He was eating chicken nuggets, pancakes, pork chops, quesadillas, etc at 6 months with just gums! Also, don’t feel forced to blw if you’re not ready baby can wait till 1

Not a top but just to say it gets much better once they have a pincer grip and can pick up smaller pieces normally around 9-10 months - I have found this period much less stressful