The start of the school year is approaching, or perhaps it's simply the time when baby will be entrusted to a new type of care: nursery, childminder, nanny, grandparents... And then, a big question is running through your head: "How to deal with
the BLW ?"
Don't panic 🙃: Baby-Led Weaning can be adapted to any situation, provided you are well prepared and, above all, well communicated.
Explain your choice to those around you
First of all, take the time to explain what motivated you to choose BLW :
Its immediate benefits for baby (fine motor skills, autonomy, pleasure of discovering flavors and textures by himself).
Its positive impact on the long term (self-confidence, good relationship with food, taste curiosity).
And a bonus point that will surely please: saving time ! Once baby is used to it, there are fewer purees to prepare and fewer spoons to give 😉.
The more clearly and kindly you share your reasons, the more those around you will understand that it is not a whim, but a truly considered choice.
Once this is done, two situations will present themselves to you, and in both cases, BLW will be entirely possible !
👉 If the babysitter is OK with BLW
Great news! 🎉 Start BLW calmly at home, at your own pace. Initially, when baby is in care, they can continue with just their milk (breast or formula). No pressure: milk remains their main food until they are 1 year old.
Gradually, as your baby becomes more comfortable with solid foods, invite your caregiver to attend a meal with you. This will reassure them to see how your baby handles things, and you can take the opportunity to share essential safety rules :
Position baby correctly and sit upright.
Offer suitable pieces (size, texture, format).
Never force: baby eats at his own pace.
Know how to recognize the gag reflex (normal and safe!).
Little by little, those around you will gain confidence... and baby will be delighted to share meals somewhere other than at home!
👉 If the babysitter is not comfortable with BLW
Don't panic either! This doesn't mean that all is lost, nor that you should abandon your project. You can very well adopt a "mixed" mode:
At the nursery or at the childminder's: purees, compotes or yogurts offered by the spoonful, possibly with pre-filled spoons so that baby can participate.
At home: BLW continues as normal, letting baby explore, touch, taste and eat independently.
This way, your baby gets the best of both worlds: adapting to their environment while continuing to learn at home.
In summary
BLW should not be a source of stress when deciding on childcare. The important thing is to:
Inform and reassure those around you.
Gradually adapt meals.
Stay confident in your choice (and in baby 🥰).
Remember: every child develops at their own pace, and every childcare arrangement has its own constraints. But with a little communication and flexibility, BLW has a perfect place... even outside the home!
And then, between us... baby is not the only one learning: sometimes, it is the adults who discover a new way of seeing food thanks to him 😉.
