@ask_the_np_mom: As babies learn to eat (specifically parents doing a baby-led weaning approach to solids) they will gag as they learn to chew and handle food while self-feeding. 🔴 Gagging is SAFE. Gagging is common. Intervening with gagging is NOT SAFE and can cause choking (trying to pull food out with your finger can lodge the food in the airway). You will see them thrust tongue forward with mouth open, bringing the food forward. 🔴 Coughing and sound is common with gagging - those are signs the airway is clear. Do not intervene. Their face may appear red. It may take them several gags to move the food forward. 🔴 CHOKING is silent. They will be unable to make sound. They will turn blue. Take action right away with age appropriate interventions (back blows for infants 1 or younger, abdominal thrusts for > 2 year olds) 🔴 My biggest hurdle personally with BLW was learning to let my babies gag as they learn. Your main job is to offer safely prepared foods. Trust the learning process and enjoy solid introduction! 🔴 Research shows BLW shows no increased risk for choking if parents are educated and offering appropriately prepared foods. Purées will also cause gagging at first. ➡️Mouth mapping is the natural process by which infants explore their world using their mouths. Through sucking, biting, and chewing, babies gather information about texture, shape, and temperature—basically, they’re building a sensory map of what feels safe and interesting to eat. Resistive food teethers are excellent for this skill! #babies #toddler #BLW #solids #babyledweaning

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Saturday 29 August 2026 14:23:14 GMT