another BLW question

[lucyA1308]

1st baby was puree fed, and right from the beginning, always had very good table manners - yes, it was messy (but no more messy than anything else a 6 month old usually does, and yes, when she got to the wriggly stage of toddler-hood, it was often tricky to keep her at the table while the others finished their meal, but generally she ate with her mouth closed. ate everything up, and was a pleasant companion at meal times.

We are doing things differently this time, having heard so much enthusiasm for BLW, we are giving this a go.

Last night though, my older daughter had a friend to stay. He came for supper, and was not well behaved with his food - he ate with his mouth open, spat things out in quite an obvious way if he didn't like it, and generally acted in more of a similar way to my 6 month old Baby led weaner.

As a baby led weaner is encouraged to eat with their fingers, and spit out the bits they can't yet eat, will they eventually realise that cutlery comes into play eventually, and manage with this like others. i suppose eating with their mouth closed and not spitting food out is eventually down to the parents telling them not to do it etc.

What are other peoples' experiences?

Thanks

[Saffron]

Plenty of BLW babies use cutlery from an early age. And also, plenty of babies (BLW or traditional weanlings) who do use cutlery are still messy, and some babies who eat with their finger are super dainty and not at all messy. There are so many variations!

Personally I wouldn't worry about table manners at all for the under 1s. In the early stages of weaning it's just about experience and discovery. Older toddlers and children will learn as you teach them, but will also be influenced by their own personalities.

Good luck with your weaning. You seem very conscientious. I'm sure your LO will turn out with lovely manners. xx