BLW- the gagging??

[Jewels06]

So I have been reading the BLW weaning book and am almost through it and decided to try feeding my almost 10 month old some solids tonight. I steamed some carrot sticks, sweet potato sticks and broccoli and put one of each in front of him. He grabbed the carrot stick and started munching and not too soon after he started gagging and threw up twice. I did read that the gagging reflex is part of the process but DH swears he was also choking and it freaked him out - I think he's now skeptical of the whole thing and not real excited about trying it again. I'm not exactly fond of seeing DS gag either. So I'm wondering how everyone else handled this stage, is there a way to make it any easier? Thanks!

[Abraisme]

Honestly, I believe that some amount of gagging is part of the process. It takes a bit of this to learn how to properly chew your food and swallow it. Some kids have weak gag reflexes and will throw up a lot no matter what age they are.

My DS has a VERY weak gag reflex and used to vomit several times a week until he was 3-4yo. Did that mean that he wasn't ready for solids? I don't think so.. It simply took him a long time to learn how to chew his food properly! Ugh!

My DD on the other hand has gagged a handful of times and now eats perfectly fine with little to no issues. We did start BLW when she was 5mo, but I would say she stopped gagging by 7mo or so.

Remember that gagging and choking are VERY different. Choking is when something is completely blocking the airway and can not be coughed out. If your baby vomited he was not choking, but simply gagging and triggering the gag-reflex. I know it's hard to watch, but it is normal and your baby will learn quickly. Good luck!

[Jewels06]

Thanks for the advice! Is their anyway I can minimize the gagging? I know it's part of the process but maybe could I hold the foods at first so he first understands the portions and chewing and then gradually start to let him hold the foods himself?

[Devaskyla]

It works better if you just let him do it. I know the gagging sucks but it's seriously how they learn. And for most kids it doesn't take very long to get over it

[dancingflower]

I think that the only way to minimized the gagging is to let them practice, unfortunately.

My first day was scary, frustrating... DS (6mo) would look at me in panic with open arms while gagging. I had prepared DH for what may come but he got very discouraged when he actually saw the scene. I prepared my mom. Then I asked her in a very serious authoritative tone, "listen, I have to be ready to rescue him if it's real choking, do you know how to do it?" she goes, "c'mon, I had 3 children!".

It got better quickly (I could see big difference by around the 4th time I offered). He swallows some already (3 weeks into blw). He still gags and eventually also vomits a bit trying to get it out but it's not as bad as before and in part because he knows it's part of the process and I trust he's getting out of there in a second. So no one of us is alarmed anymore. He gags then goes back to bringing the same piece to his mouth or (more often) goes back to choose something new at the tray because the gagging took his focus away from that piece. I still tremble to think I may need to "save his life" but I WON'T spoon feed him. He is having a blast in handling food. And family meals are so pleasant as we are all eating together.

He loves zucchini/squash, can you believe? "What's your child's favorite food?" ZUCCHINI SAUTEED IN GARLIC!!! I love BLW.

[koalove]

i did not do blw and my kid still gagged and puked. he gagged on purees, then on the small chunks. ds1 did not ever puke from gagging so this was quite a shocker when ds2 did it but i was able to restrain myself from ripping him from the highchair and performing lifesaving tecniques! i would just make sure the food is not the size/shape that will perfectly lodge in the throat and rememebr that if he is caughing, puking, or making any sounds, hes just fine. when, one day you see true choking (and i hope you never do) you will be able to tell the difference easily. i happened to see it in my rear view mirror while driving 70 on the highway on the face of my 3 year old. we just never get to stop worrying about them, do we!?

[Juise]

Wow, I had no idea! DD1 didn't have any gagging, she was about 8 1/2 months old when we started giving her some food. Well.. she stole some food (kale) and then we started giving her some food She just started snarfing food, never really gagged or spit up.

That sounds really awful to have to watch and I am kind of glad I read this if DD2 has these issues. Hope you get through it soon!

[aramat]

Just wanna say... what if you forget about the book for a feeding & feed baby another way? Either a puree or small pieces off your finger? And see if baby still gags. I know BLW is all the rage right now, but it's more important to follow your baby's cues and your instincts, I say.