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No need for the baby-led weaning (BLW) method or the Japanese-style weaning approach, yet, mom Uyen successfully taught baby Honey to eat solids like a pro. Let's hear Uyen's insights on the distinctive '3 NOs - 2 YESes' method for introducing solids to your baby.
- Sharing experiences for an 8-month-old's solid food journey
- Exploring sweet puree preparation for baby's introduction to solids
- Sharing easy homemade sweet puree menus for baby's solids
When it comes to introducing solids to your little one, the struggle is real. Every feeding session feels like a battlefield, especially for first-time moms. However, I've managed to train my baby to be a good eater and self-feed. Many moms often ask me about the secrets of introducing solids and inquire about my weaning method. I always laugh and say I follow the 'Vietnamese-style weaning' approach.
Mom Uyen started Honey on solids at 4 months and 20 days old
At this point, some moms might envision the traditional 'Vietnamese-style weaning' as casually feeding the baby while watching TV or multitasking. All those concepts are completely foreign to me. For me, 'Vietnamese-style weaning' means that during mealtime, the baby will bring their bowl to the table, climb onto the chair, and self-feed. My Honey refuses porridge throughout the weaning process. If the food doesn't taste good, she's ready to reject the entire meal.
I started introducing solids to Honey when she was 4 months and 20 days old. By 8 months, she could handle mashed rice; at 12 months, she enjoyed family meals, and by 13 months, she could self-feed her entire meal. My secret is quite simple—I applied my own experiences and used the '3 NOs - 2 YESes' weaning method.
On the 14th day, she became enthusiastic and playful
Weaning method: '3 NOs'
No force-feeding
At 7 months, Honey could scoop up her food independently
No pressure on the child
I notice many moms worry and rush to feed their children when they eat less, thinking it's a sign of illness. However, a child's instinct is to eat when hungry. If a child doesn't eat, it simply means they're not hungry. Some may argue it's just pickiness, but science suggests that picky eating typically lasts up to a week. In my case, my little Honey would play with her food, spreading it across the table, for a week before returning to normal, eating heartily as if she never knew what 'full' meant.
Don't turn your child into a Robot
Usually, moms gather various parenting methods, applying them blindly without considering their child's preferences. Mealtime becomes a showcase for bragging rights, comparing achievements with other moms. I don't obsess over every eating detail; whether my baby eats a little or a lot depends on her needs. I've consulted a friend's secret, but my baby has unique traits, so I adapt accordingly. At 6 months, Honey started on solids, progressed to mashed rice at 8 months, and completely embraced solid foods as she disliked porridge.
Honey learned to hold and drink from a bottle very early on
Weaning method: '2 YESes'
Allocate time for your child
Every mom is busy, juggling tasks left and right. With smart time management, feeding your child won't take up much of your time. So, don't complain about a hectic schedule or lack of time to wait for your child to finish eating. It may be challenging at first, but as your child grows, it becomes easier. If you're concerned about messy clothes or seating areas, invest in a plastic feeding chair and use a nylon bib for your baby. After eating, just remove the bib and wash the chair—quick and efficient. During that 30-minute window, instead of worrying about a messy child, engage in conversation about food with your child, discussing flavors, colors, and even modeling how to eat for them to see how delicious the food is.
At 15 months, my baby was enjoying a variety of foods, not just rice but even Pizza
Knows what tastes good
Although it may sound funny, it's true that a child's taste buds are incredibly sensitive, surpassing adults. If we enjoy good food, so will our children, sometimes even more. Cook delicious meals, present them beautifully, prepare each dish distinctly with different flavors. Children will be more interested in the food rather than dumping everything into a pot and simmering. Honestly, would you be excited about enjoying a meal served that way?
I've achieved success with normal rules and the 'Vietnamese-style weaning' method for introducing solids to my baby.
Hope these shared insights will be helpful to everyone!
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