Solids!

I did a lot of research when it came time to start feeding John Thomas solids, and decided not to do baby food purees.  Instead, we are using an approach called Baby Led Weaning.  In no way am I really "weaning" him from breast milk, but instead introducing foods that we already eat in addition to his main source of nutrition.  Basically, we give him small amounts of the foods we are already eating.  I prepare his food without any salt or sugar, and steam it to a consistency that is easy for him to chew.  So far, it has been great!  I am so encouraged knowing his food is prepared fresh, without preservatives and he is getting to experience all kinds of flavors and textures from the beginning!

So far he has had:

• avocado
• banana
• peaches
• green beans
• broccoli
• tomato
• sweet potato
• cantaloupe
• watermelon
• squash
• peas
• plums
• pears
• carrots
• rice
• potato
• grilled chicken

I can honestly say, he has loved everything we have given him!  I feel like this is, in part, due to the fact that he can explore at his own speed and gets to choose the amount and type of food he eats.  There is no stress during meal time with us trying to spoon feed him so we can eat our meal, we just place his food on his tray and we all eat together.  For now, he eats two meals a day after his milk feedings at breakfast and dinner. We are soaking up each minute as he becomes more and more independent!