Contrary to popular belief there is no research supporting the introduction of solids by food purees. Baby-led weaning is a safe and enjoyable alternative using whole foods, and with an emphasis on exploring taste, texture, colour and smell. The beauty of baby-led weaning is that it is tailored to suit each particular baby and their personal development. Self-feeding supports your baby's motor development, such as their hand-eye coordination and chewing and encourages the child towards independence, often providing a stress-free alternative to mealtime battles."Baby-led Weaning" - written by Gill Rapley, the UK's leading expert on baby-led weaning - explodes the myth that babies need to be spoon-fed and shows why self-feeding from the start is the healthiest way for your child to develop. Your baby is allowed to decide how much he wants to eat, how to eat it and to experiment with everything at his own pace. This practical and authoritative guide offers a new approach to introducing solid food, shaping your child's eating habits to make him a happy, confident and independent eater.

Author Biography

Gill Rapley worked as a health visitor for 20 years and has also been a midwife and breastfeeding counsellor. She initiated the current trend for baby-led weaning after conducting a study as part of her MSc. Gill has recently launched a DVD showing parents how to introduce solids using baby-led weaning. Tracey Murkett is a freelance writer who used the baby-led weaning approach to introduce solid food to her own children.