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I don't think you have done anything wrong. BLW is still a relatively "out there" way of feeding children in this country. Purees are what is mainstream. Just don't let it get to you.

I don't think you did anything wrong either.... we did BLW and loved it. My mom and MIL had some issues with it (not as openly as your SIL) but we just stayed firm in our decision and they came around. I would laugh when they came over and would give DD teeny tiny pieces of food when she was used to eating much bigger pieces and DD would give them funny looks..... LOL

Not sure what SIL 2's issue is. As long as you're not giving him anything he could choke on, I think you're fine!

I just ignore people who give me grief about my parenting!

I think you just stick to your lines - you know they love their nephew but you've done your research and consulted with your pediatrician (even if this is a lie) and this is how you've decided to do it.

I'm not sure what she thinks you are doing so wrong? I did everything the same way except for the egg yolk, but I had concerns over family allergies and waited until 9 months to offer it to LO.

My mom had a very hard time with BLW and would hover over my LO and panic every time he gagged, but we stuck to our guns and would reassure her. Anytime my siblings brought it up, I would smile and tell them I was obviously a lazy parent that didn't feel like bothering with purees. It was kind of a smart ass way of saying "back off" and they did.

Anyways, sorry there is family drama. It's unfortunately inevitable in most families, but it smooths out as they grow, or so I'm finding out.

Ugh, this was the worst part of BLW - the other people! I think my ILs would have rather seen me riding in a car with them on my lap, than doing BLW!

What you're doing sounds fine. As long as you're monitoring your baby to make sure accidental large chunks don't come off in the mouth, you should be fine.

Also, I'm sure you've done all your research, but make sure you know how to tell other people the difference between gagging and choking. Any time L or K would gag on a piece of food, all my ILs practically flew across the table to swat her back

You are fine! My mantra for BLW was to avoid major choking hazards (grapes, nuts, etc) and always watch him while he's eating. That way you can see how they are handling what you offer and adjust accordingly. At first they aren't even close to swallowing anyway, they are just tasting.

I told DS' doctor about BLW and she was fine with it. At his 12 month checkup they asked "how much baby food is he eating per day?" I proudly said none, he eats table food!

I think your SILs are just being nosy. You do you, mama!

@macintosh: Oh yes, this! My doctor also said it was 100% fine when I asked her about it!

What I always go back to is the fact that women and children have been doing it this way for years! I mean, I haven't technically researched it, but how did people feed their babies before Gerber was mainstream?? I assume it was BLW, just not called that.

I think what you did all sounds fine. I'd probably cut the skin off the cucumber, but that's it. What was her concern with noodles? As long as they're in long strips they're great for BLW! I'd probably drop it, but if she brings it up again, send her some BLW sites.

I think as far as BLW goes, people just dont understand. Trust your gut!

Please dont take this as criticism, but we actually didnt do raw veggies until they had molars. Not sure if thats an actual rule but since they arent soft I did worry that a piece could break off and be choking size. That might have been something she was concerned about? But her response was still pretty harsh and not really helpful.

I got a lot of "oh that makes me so nervous" from our families and none of my friends have done it, so I definitely know what you mean about people not getting it! Even my pediatrician kind of gave me the side eye haha.

I can see some of her concerns... at six months, my DD had only two teeth but she was really good at gnawing huge chunks of food off (which she totally couldn't chew). Fruits with skin were a problem too, she'd gnaw off the skin but couldn't chew it. I stopped giving her anything that wasn't mushy for a while, and when we tried more challenging food a month later, it was a big difference and she was so much more capable of chewing tough foods or spitting out bits she can't handle.

But... you know your child best, I'm sure you were watching him carefully while he ate, and your SIL could have just called you up and talked to you! Somehow things come off a lot harsher over text sometimes.

@peaches1038: not that I'm aware, but she probably didn't advertise it either (not because she thought there was anything wrong, just because it never came up.)

As long as you're comfortable with what you're doing it doesn't matter. It's annoying to get unsolicited advice, but that's what happens when you have a baby unfortunately. It's easier to just say thanks for the concern, we will that under consideration than get into an argument about it. Ultimately, your kid your choice. No one has to agree but you and DH.

FWIW, we did BLW and DD had no teeth until 9 months. She's a great eater at 2, has never choked and I have no regrets. There was gagging early on, but it was minimal.

If your doctor approves it then I don't see what the problem is? Sounds like they have too much time on their hands! You could be doing much worse things when it comes to parenting so seems crazy to me to make a big deal over this.