Introduction to Baby-Led Weaning

TheIntroduction to Baby-Led Weaning course will share the basics behind the Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) philosophy and help you decide if it is right for your family. The purpose of Baby-Led Weaning is to assess when infants are developmentally ready (usually around six months), and then encourage self-feeding of whole, nutritious foods – skipping the purees and traditional "baby food" or using only when necessary. This course is recommended to attend when child is between 3-5 months old, but anytime before 6 months is fine!

The ultimate goal is to foster healthy eating habits from square one and allow babies to eat and enjoy whole foods. This course is open to everyone: expecting parents, new parents, grandparents, godparents, aunts/uncles, caregivers, child-care providers or medical professionals who want learn how to complement an infant's current diet of breastmilk or formula to include real, whole, nutritious and delicious food (when developmentally ready).

This course combines concepts of the Baby Led Weaning method with sound nutrition information from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and encourages self-feeding of the infant and patience and support from the family. Taught by a registered dietitian and BLW mother, this class provides families with the resources to successfully support self-feeding whenever baby is developmentally ready.

Educational materials supplied; just bring note-taking materials.

Cookbooks will be available for sale at class for $15.

Pre-Registration is REQUIRED. Please complete all registration materials 24 hours in before workshop.

At the First Food Workshop, you will learn:

• What is Baby-Led Weaning (BLW)?
• What are the benefits of BLW?
• How do I know when my baby is ready start solids?
• How do I start BLW?
• What foods can my baby safely eat?
• How to understand the unique nutritional needs of your baby
• Your role as a parent in helping a child learn to eat
• How to identify gagging verses choking

Education provided in a relaxed atmosphere where you:

• Feel comfortable asking questions
• Can share experiences with other new parents
• Discover a variety of tools to help you get started
• Leave with confidence to begin BLW

FAQs:

What should I bring to class?

A notebook and pen for taking notes.

What if I cannot attend the pre-registered date?

If you cannot attend the selected date, you may transfer your registration fee to attend a class at a later date. Small group classes are held once a month, or you may transfer funds towards a private session with additional fees.  Refunds are available up to seven days prior to the event.

Should I bring my baby with me to class?

We love babies at Square One Wellness and you are more than welcome to bring your infant as long as they will not be a distraction to yourself or other parents. We want our attendees to be able to focus and learn a lot of information in the short hour that we have together, so use your best judgement.

What is Baby Led Weaning and this feeding concept?

Baby Led Weaning (BLW) is a very old, but newly re-surfaced method of feeding infants. In the 21st century, eating pureed baby food has been the normal progression of an infant's diet following breastmilk or formula. The BLW method allows babies to control their solid food consumption by "self-feeding" from the very beginning of their experiences with food. This class will be a mixture of Baby Led Weaning strategies along with sound nutrition information provided by a registered dietitian to help parents strategize the best method of feeding for happy meals with their family.

Who can attend this workshop?

Registration includes up to two adults - must be primary caregivers of child. Highly recommend that both parents/caregivers attend, if possible.

Are feeding/eating supplies used in the workshop available for purchase?

Yes, some items discussed in the class may be purchased from Square One Wellness, LLC on site after attending the class. Cash or check only.