I have to say a few words in justification of why I write so rarely (once a week or even less). The thing is that I have a 6-months-old baby who requires attention all day. I hardly even get time to cook and clean in the house, and my computer time is very limited to 1-2 hours after the baby is asleep, and sometimes I just wanna sleep, or need to do some other important things at the computer, like finding the recipes of what to cook next day (without such plan I feel just lost!)
So today I wanna talk about my baby. His name is Bogdan (which translates as given by God). Since he’s already 6-months-old, I need to start giving him real food. But actually, I already started doing that about a month ago when he showed too much interest in our food on the plate!
In Russia there are two ways of introducing first foods to baby.
The first is the one recommended by pediatricians – strict schedules and defined quantities of food, which I feel aims to gradually replace breastfeeding. Start with vegetables, than grains, than meat :( All pureed.
The second is called “pedagogical feeding». It’s when you give your baby tiny pieces of real food from your plate, no purees. Seriously, whatever you’re eating, of course avoiding obvious junk and too much salt/oil/spices. Just the tiny bit, which is the amount that will fit between the thumb and index finger. Then after one month gradually increasing the amount to 1-2 teaspoons, then more, until the baby eats just like you.
There is another way of feeding which I like. I found it in English Internet, it’s called Baby-led Weaning (Feeding is a more correct word, not Weaning). You can read about it here . It seems very interesting and rational.
So what method did I end up choosing?
All the 3 of them!
I give him tiny pieces of my food, but I think he has a very good appetite and it might not be enough for him, so I also give him canned vegetable purees and fortified baby-porridges sometimes (also it’s the best way to satisfy grandparents, you know, and I do it in front of them). Also when I eat an apple or tangerine I give it to him and he sucks it with so much passion, it’s adorable as F! And when I steam vegetables I give him one of them to munch on. He enjoys! And of course continue breastfeeding.
Everything seems cool, but I’m still a little worried because I have some questions unanswered. I would really appreciate your advice and sharing your experience! Also please recommend me some vegan mommies youtubers, instagrammers, bloggers, etc. I want to find someone who explains everything in clear details! Not just vlogging and lalala)))
My questions (mostly about the Baby-Led Weaning method):
Should I restrict my baby on the amount of food he can eat at once? He can really eat a lot, I’m worried how it can fit in his tiny stomach.
Should I offer him food 2 or 3 times a day, or more, or less?
Should I offer him one type of food at once, or mix several types? How important is variety at this age? Is it like giving several options 3 times a day, all different every time, and different every day?
Is it absolutely necessary to be able to sit on his own? He’s just learning to sit.
Is it ok to give the same porridge every day for breakfast if that’s what I eat every day? (oatmeal)
What kind of raw food is ok to be given? Is cooked food more preferable?
I’d be grateful for your comments!