I recently introduced my twins to their very first solid food: avocado. They were just a little over 26 weeks old, and it felt like they were growing up way too fast! Since that moment, we’ve gradually added some veggies and fruits into their diet, offering them a variety of options once or twice daily. Initially, I prepared the vegetables by lightly boiling them, avoiding any added salt, and cutting them into long strips to make it easier for the babies to grasp.
Now, at nearly eight months old, my twins have never had pureed food or eaten from a spoon. Instead, they love feeding themselves a range of foods that I cook for my husband and me. Think green beans, eggplant, butternut squash, bananas, and roasted chicken. This approach is known as baby-led weaning (BLW), where babies are encouraged to self-feed from the very beginning.
Core Principles of Introducing Solids
There are various methods for introducing solids, but the core principles are quite similar:
- Let the baby set their own pace—no force-feeding!
- Offer “real” food, ensuring it’s cooked healthily with minimal (or no) salt.
Our family chose the BLW method because it felt right for us. We were exclusively breastfeeding and following a demand schedule, which is as natural as it gets. During my downtime, I often found myself overwhelmed with all the information about introducing solids—purees, schedules, and ensuring the babies got the right amounts. It felt daunting!
I didn’t want to wean my twins off breastfeeding entirely; I just wanted to introduce them to new flavors and textures. Yes, it’s a bit messy, and they still seem to enjoy playing more than actually eating, but we’re slowly finding our rhythm.
It’s bittersweet, knowing that the days of exclusive breastfeeding have passed. Yet, I’m proud to let my twins set their own eating pace, and judging by their chunky thighs and adorable cheeks, they seem to be thriving!
How did you introduce solids to your little one’s diet? If you’re looking for more insights, check out this post from our other blog. And if you’re considering at-home insemination, visit the top provider in the world for kits here!
In summary, allowing my twins to lead the way with solid food has been a rewarding experience. It’s all about letting them explore and enjoy the journey of eating.
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