BLW Gagging Question

ehlerss · October 2013

Hi everyone I'm a ftm and am starting blw with DD since she's just a day shy of 6 months and is displaying all the signs of readiness that the book talks about. My biggest worry is the gagging/choking which I'm sure is every moms worry. I was taping her tonight and got her doing what I think is gagging but was hoping some of you moms who have done this could tell me for sure. She spit up some which the book mentioned but I'm just wanting to make sure I'm doing this right and safely. The video is only like 17 seconds long. Thanks ladies :-)

Edit:

Thank you for your responses ladies and for those who did not see my response, rest assured both DH and I are infant CPR certified. We are doing what we think is best for our family and will continue to watch carefully as DD eats. I have taken the video down so that its not just hanging out on the internet for too long.

JordynLeighx3 · October 2013

What was she eating? To me that looked like gagging. Wouldn't hurt to take infant CPR when doing BLW. I'd hate to be unprepared had she really been choking.

ClandestineX · October 2013

Honestly, that is about the size of banana I give Connor. It looks alright to me and the spitting back up is a reflex of gagging. She is adorable!

ehlerss · October 2013

JordynLeighx3 it's a banana. I have taken one and so has DH who was sitting next to me but I just wanted to make sure. We had given her a bigger piece but she broke it in her hand and then was chewing on what was left. Thanks ClandestineX!

BellaBean76 · October 2013

looked like gagging to me too.

ehlerss · October 2013

Thank you!

ClandestineX · October 2013

https://baby-led.rhgdsrv.co.uk/benefitsofbabyledweaning.htm

Here Cece, I don't have time to type it out.

JBDamonM · October 2013

cece2682 said:

This makes me sad and a nervous wreck. My stomach is in knots! Lol is BLW beneficial to the child or just the parent not having to be bothered with purées and spoon feeding? I mean, spoon fed babies will learn how to eat by themselves eventually, so what is the purpose of this? I just don't get it. A baby this age does not know what amount is a safe amount to be chewing and it just seems like a huge hazard to me. But that's just lil ol' me. And I wasn't being sarcastic, I really am curious about the benefits and if worth your child gagging at mealtime. Doesn't look like she's enjoying herself.

I admit that I am no BLW expert either, but these are my exact thoughts..... This is the second post I've seen about a LO gagging on it. It would upset me tremendously to see my LO gagging when trying to eat.

kelsea1031 · October 2013

cece2682 said:

This makes me sad and a nervous wreck. My stomach is in knots! Lol is BLW beneficial to the child or just the parent not having to be bothered with purées and spoon feeding? I mean, spoon fed babies will learn how to eat by themselves eventually, so what is the purpose of this? I just don't get it. A baby this age does not know what amount is a safe amount to be chewing and it just seems like a huge hazard to me. But that's just lil ol' me. And I wasn't being sarcastic, I really am curious about the benefits and if worth your child gagging at mealtime. Doesn't look like she's enjoying herself.

Gagging is a part of learning how to eat. It doesn't mean that BLW'ers set out to let their kids spend mealtime gagging. There is a difference between choking and gagging. Gagging is part of a child's natural way of learning how to move food around their mouth, chew, and swallow. Gagging happens with both spoons and BLW. If done properly, they're no more likely to truly choke. When you spoon feed a baby, YOU control what goes into their mouth. With purees, baby learns to swallow first and chew later. With BLW, babies learn to chew first.

There are a ton of benefits to BLW. I highly suggest Gil Rapley's book on the subject.

ClandestineX · October 2013

I would gag too if all I ever had in my mouth was liquid then just start eating solids lol.

hatroopes · October 2013

ClandestineX said:

https://baby-led.rhgdsrv.co.uk/benefitsofbabyledweaning.htm

Here Cece, I don't have time to type it out.

I read through all that and it still isn't worth it to see my baby gagging. And I think, all of those reasons could be used to make a case for purees as well.

To each her own.

kelsea1031 · October 2013

ClandestineX said:

I would gag too if all I ever had in my mouth was liquid then just start eating solids lol.

Exactly. Kids are going to have to learn to eat table food at some point, whether it be through BLW or after doing purees first. Just because they were spoon-fed purees first doesn't mean that they're going to skip the gagging part. They're going to have to learn how to properly put food in their own mouths with their own hands and move it around and swallow.

KrisM86 · October 2013

It's gagging, which is a normal reflex.

ClandestineX · October 2013

hatroopes said:

ClandestineX said:

https://baby-led.rhgdsrv.co.uk/benefitsofbabyledweaning.htm

Here Cece, I don't have time to type it out.

I read through all that and it still isn't worth it to see my baby gagging. And I think, all of those reasons could be used to make a case for purees as well.

To each her own.

Your baby will gag regardless if you spoon feed or BLW. It happens more so with spoon feeding because you are dictating what goes in their mouth and most times parents tend to over do it..

Purees will not develop face muscles to chew. Purees will not teach your baby hand eye coordination properly. There are a lot of these reasons that are exclusive to BLW.

Connor has gagged twice, not even to the point of spitting it back up. So it isn't every time they eat.

hatroopes · October 2013

ClandestineX said:

hatroopes said:

ClandestineX said:

https://baby-led.rhgdsrv.co.uk/benefitsofbabyledweaning.htm

Here Cece, I don't have time to type it out.

I read through all that and it still isn't worth it to see my baby gagging. And I think, all of those reasons could be used to make a case for purees as well.

To each her own.

Your baby will gag regardless if you spoon feed or BLW. It happens more so with spoon feeding because you are dictating what goes in their mouth and most times parents tend to over do it..

Purees will not develop face muscles to chew. Purees will not teach your baby hand eye coordination properly. There are a lot of these reasons that are exclusive to BLW.

Connor has gagged twice, not even to the point of spitting it back up. So it isn't every time they eat.

Are there any facts or research to support this?

She will develop the necessary face muscles whether we start her on finger foods at 4-6 months or closer to a year when gagging will probably be less likely.

ClandestineX · October 2013

mirroredimage said:

ClandestineX said:

hatroopes said:

ClandestineX said:

https://baby-led.rhgdsrv.co.uk/benefitsofbabyledweaning.htm

Here Cece, I don't have time to type it out.

I read through all that and it still isn't worth it to see my baby gagging. And I think, all of those reasons could be used to make a case for purees as well.

To each her own.

Your baby will gag regardless if you spoon feed or BLW. It happens more so with spoon feeding because you are dictating what goes in their mouth and most times parents tend to over do it..

Purees will not develop face muscles to chew. Purees will not teach your baby hand eye coordination properly. There are a lot of these reasons that are exclusive to BLW.

Connor has gagged twice, not even to the point of spitting it back up. So it isn't every time they eat.

Jack was puree fed and he chews just fine. He also has the fine motor skills of a 2.5 year old (he's 19 months) and can throw and catch a ball.

Feed your child how you want, I really don't care, but to say that facial muscles won't develop is just silly. All of us adults were fed with spoons and I pretty sure none of us are struggling to gnaw on our breakfasts this morning.

Yes after eating solids your face muscles develop... I know eating purees does not teach babies to chew.. so you are not using your chewing muscles... until you chew.

He has hand eye coordination because he is 2.5 years old and has probably worked on a ton of other things other than eating to help develop that. I am specifically talking about what eating does.

Sol1790 · October 2013

I have learned some new things from this discussion! Thanks ladies! And to put my two cents in Jasmine sometimes gags on purees I think its normal.

ehlerss · October 2013

Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond to this thread. I also just wanted to add that this was the first time we gave her solids and what I showed you in the video is the only time she gagged. If she was doing it the whole time I don't think I could take that either! She had been eating and exploring the food for almost 20 minutes and was smiling and babbling away before this happened. I don't want anyone to think that all babies who are BLW do is gag the entire time they eat because that does not seem to be the case. I know I am not an expert by any means, but that is what I saw from my first experience and she will only get better! She also seemed totally fine after this and kept eating and was back to her happy self.

hatroopes · October 2013

ClandestineX said:

mirroredimage said:

ClandestineX said:

hatroopes said:

ClandestineX said:

https://baby-led.rhgdsrv.co.uk/benefitsofbabyledweaning.htm

Here Cece, I don't have time to type it out.

I read through all that and it still isn't worth it to see my baby gagging. And I think, all of those reasons could be used to make a case for purees as well.

To each her own.

Your baby will gag regardless if you spoon feed or BLW. It happens more so with spoon feeding because you are dictating what goes in their mouth and most times parents tend to over do it..

Purees will not develop face muscles to chew. Purees will not teach your baby hand eye coordination properly. There are a lot of these reasons that are exclusive to BLW.

Connor has gagged twice, not even to the point of spitting it back up. So it isn't every time they eat.

Jack was puree fed and he chews just fine. He also has the fine motor skills of a 2.5 year old (he's 19 months) and can throw and catch a ball.

Feed your child how you want, I really don't care, but to say that facial muscles won't develop is just silly. All of us adults were fed with spoons and I pretty sure none of us are struggling to gnaw on our breakfasts this morning.

Yes after eating solids your face muscles develop... I know eating purees does not teach babies to chew.. so you are not using your chewing muscles... until you chew.

He has hand eye coordination because he is 2.5 years old and has probably worked on a ton of other things other than eating to help develop that. I am specifically talking about what eating does.

No one is saying they will be on purees forever. They will eventually start to chew...when they are ready. Feeding purees will not slow or delay facial muscle growth/development.

ClandestineX · October 2013

Are there any facts or research to support this?

She will develop the necessary face muscles whether we start her on finger foods at 4-6 months or closer to a year when gagging will probably be less likely.

I cannot find the WHO research right now, but this research here https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2745715/ tells you that kids who has different consistencies in their food chewed more efficiently.

Think of it this way, if you pureed some food.. are you going to chew it? Also, if you do, will there be any resistance to your chewing?

I am not saying your mouth will be totally under developed. What I am saying is chewing a food builds muscles for more efficient chewing.

I am all for pureed too, I feed Connor that sometimes as well. He has gagged on it too. It is a normal reflex and it doesn't decrease the chance when they get older.

Lhyacinth888 · October 2013

cece2682 said:
This makes me sad and a nervous wreck. My stomach is in knots! Lol is BLW beneficial to the child or just the parent not having to be bothered with purées and spoon feeding? I mean, spoon fed babies will learn how to eat by themselves eventually, so what is the purpose of this? I just don't get it. A baby this age does not know what amount is a safe amount to be chewing and it just seems like a huge hazard to me. But that's just lil ol' me. And I wasn't being sarcastic, I really am curious about the benefits and if worth your child gagging at mealtime. Doesn't look like she's enjoying herself.

I feel the same way about this! I really don't get the point of blw....

bhjones1980 · October 2013

well my special snowflake gags on purees... so where does THAT leave his facial muscle development future?

ClandestineX · October 2013

bhjones1980 said:

well my special snowflake gags on purees... so where does THAT leave his facial muscle development future?

Who is saying that gagging equates to building facial muscles? What is this I don't even...lol

Mommymorticia · October 2013

The first 3 times I gave T puree he gagged. They just aren't used to any textures. We are on thick mashed potato consistency now and he is doing really well, moving it around and trying chewing. I let him play with diced carrots last night. Didn't care for that lol.

ClandestineX · October 2013

cece2682 said:

Oh thank god. Lol I thought I was going to get flamed for my comment but many have my view on it. Building facial muscles aside, how does a 6 month old baby know not to take a huge chunk out of a banana? Even if you are right there, Things can happen quickly and before you know it, a too large piece can be lodged in your baby's throat! I personally feel they don't need to be chewing this early and have plenty of time to learn to chew and will know they need to chew before swallowing when they are older and will even understand what you're saying when you tell them to chew. Plus, isn't that something that will come relatively natural? Bottom line- not for me, not only because I don't think it's safe, but because my number I grays would triple and I would most likely develop a twitch. LOL And for those going that route, PLEASE make sure you know proper infant CPR.

I cannot speak for anyone else, but when I give Connor bananas I cut it or break it into small pieces that are smaller than his palm. When he grabs it like the jaws of death, he squeezes it and it is a mushy mess when it is between his fingers.. he then sucks on his fingers and 90% of that banana is still on his finger. When he is old enough to actually get the banana in his mouth effectively he will have already know what to do with it in terms of chewing and swallowing.

If it isn't for you, then it isn't for you.

[Deleted User] · October 2013

The user and all related content has been deleted.

MKC12/22/2006 · October 2013

BLW is perfectly normal and safe. Please read up on it before getting your panties in a bunch.

Gagging is normal. Babies have a gag reflex that they eventually lose. With BLW babies learn to chew before they learn to swallow. If they are sitting upright and putting the food in their mouths themselves, there is very little risk of choking.

JSS1002 · October 2013

Idiot question here,but somebody above commented about how with purees baby learns to swallow before chew,but with BLW they learn to chew before swallowing.

How do you chew with only 2 tiny lower teeth?? No comprendo.

JSS1002 · October 2013

ClandestineX said:

mirroredimage said:

ClandestineX said:

hatroopes said:

ClandestineX said:

https://baby-led.rhgdsrv.co.uk/benefitsofbabyledweaning.htm

Here Cece, I don't have time to type it out.

I read through all that and it still isn't worth it to see my baby gagging. And I think, all of those reasons could be used to make a case for purees as well.

To each her own.

Your baby will gag regardless if you spoon feed or BLW. It happens more so with spoon feeding because you are dictating what goes in their mouth and most times parents tend to over do it..

Purees will not develop face muscles to chew. Purees will not teach your baby hand eye coordination properly. There are a lot of these reasons that are exclusive to BLW.

Connor has gagged twice, not even to the point of spitting it back up. So it isn't every time they eat.

Jack was puree fed and he chews just fine. He also has the fine motor skills of a 2.5 year old (he's 19 months) and can throw and catch a ball.

Feed your child how you want, I really don't care, but to say that facial muscles won't develop is just silly. All of us adults were fed with spoons and I pretty sure none of us are struggling to gnaw on our breakfasts this morning.

Yes after eating solids your face muscles develop... I know eating purees does not teach babies to chew.. so you are not using your chewing muscles... until you chew.

He has hand eye coordination because he is 2.5 years old and has probably worked on a ton of other things other than eating to help develop that. I am specifically talking about what eating does.

Don't you have to have facial muscles to smile? Cuz we're all giggles and laughs and smiles over here... no chewing required. :-) And you need facial muscles to suck on a bottle and I would imagine even to nurse at the breast.

ClandestineX · October 2013

JSS1002 said:

Idiot question here,but somebody above commented about how with purees baby learns to swallow before chew,but with BLW they learn to chew before swallowing.

How do you chew with only 2 tiny lower teeth?? No comprendo.

Not in the chewing sense of ripping/shredding food. Chewing in the sense of opening and closing your jaws in a repetitive motion.

tondraluv · October 2013

JSS1002 said:

Idiot question here,but somebody above commented about how with purees baby learns to swallow before chew,but with BLW they learn to chew before swallowing.

How do you chew with only 2 tiny lower teeth?? No comprendo.

Fist bump again

ClandestineX · October 2013

I didn't explain it well in my first post, I agree. But when I am talking about muscles, I am talking about chewing muscles. It is like any muscle, when it is worked out, it gets stronger... more efficient. You cannot deny that. Besides, there are like 40+ muscles in your face. Each one has a purpose.

For the record, I have never said anyone's baby has under developed facial muscles, so those of you twisting it to be personal need to stop. Your babies face will be fine no matter what path you choose. Also, I do not care what you think, but age does not decrease a choking incident.

CoachAP · October 2013

My LO eats purees like a champ and chews on his fingers, toys and everything that gets near his mouth. Is that not working the same facial muscles? If he can't "gum" (because he has no teeth) a larger piece of banana that is in the purée, he spits it out. I have a feeling that is what would happen with BLW.

kelsea1031 · October 2013

JSS1002 said:

Idiot question here,but somebody above commented about how with purees baby learns to swallow before chew,but with BLW they learn to chew before swallowing.

How do you chew with only 2 tiny lower teeth?? No comprendo.

You don't chew with your front teeth regardless of your age. You bite off food with your incisors (front teeth), rip and tear with your canines, and chew and grind with your molars. Most kids won't get their molars until 12+ months. They learn to "chew" using their back gums.

JSS1002 · October 2013

Got it. Thanks :-)
And I didn't mean to come off as snotty,I was just really genuinely not understanding the concept.

BLW is not for me.

I think I prefer the "you will eat what I tell you to eat" method. Hahahaha. I'm old school.

bear2115 · October 2013

I'm in the no BLW camp. It terrifies me. I understand the risk is low, but my twin sister choked on food and died. I wish I could give my kids purées until they move out of my house. Just please watch your babies closely and know that infant CPR isn't going to do an ounce of good if your baby's airway is blocked until his heart stops since that's when you would use CPR. You need to know the Heimlich maneuver as well and how to perform it correctly on an infant.

arschm02 · October 2013

Some one year olds still don't have teeth. They chew with their gums. Gums are hard enough to mash foods as long as they are not super hard, which is why you're not supposed to give bard apples or carrots to children of a young age. Stick with steamed.

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