Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) is a wonderful approach to introducing solids, where babies feed themselves right from the start. Instead of offering purees, BLW focuses on giving your baby whole, manageable foods that they can grab and explore independently.
As your little one takes their first steps toward eating solid foods, it's important to offer the right foods that are safe, nutritious, and easy to prepare. In this blog post, we’ll share three simple and healthy solid foods perfect for baby-led weaning that will help your baby discover new textures and flavors.
1. Scrambled Eggs
Scrambled eggs are a fantastic choice for BLW as they’re soft, packed with protein, and easy for your baby to pick up and feed themselves. Eggs also contain essential vitamins and healthy fats that are crucial for your baby's development.
Why They’re Great:
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Rich in protein and healthy fats.
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Soft and easy to mash with gums.
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Easy for babies to grab and self-feed.
How to Prepare:
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Crack an egg into a bowl and whisk it well.
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Heat a pan on low, adding a little butter or oil for a smoother texture.
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Pour in the egg mixture and stir gently as it cooks. Scramble until fully cooked but still soft.
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Let it cool slightly and cut into baby-friendly strips or small pieces.
BLW Tip:
You can add a little breast milk or formula to the eggs for a creamier texture if desired.
2. Soft-Cooked Chicken Strips
Chicken is an excellent source of protein and is perfect for BLW. Soft-cooked chicken strips are easy for babies to hold and chew, offering a great introduction to meat while supporting their growing muscles.
Why It’s Great:
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Packed with protein and essential nutrients.
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Soft and easy for babies to chew and handle.
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Great for developing self-feeding skills.
How to Prepare:
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Bake or steam chicken breasts until fully cooked and tender.
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Cut the chicken into strips that your baby can hold easily.
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Allow it to cool before serving.
BLW Tip:
Ensure the chicken is tender and easy to mash with your baby's gums. If necessary, you can season lightly with herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
3. Baby Pancakes
Pancakes are a fun and versatile BLW food that babies love. Made with simple ingredients, baby pancakes are soft, easy to grip, and perfect for little hands to explore different textures.
Why They’re Great:
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Simple to prepare and can be made with a variety of ingredients.
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Full of carbohydrates for energy.
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Easy to customize with added fruits or vegetables.
How to Prepare:
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In a bowl, mix one mashed banana, one egg, and a pinch of cinnamon (optional).
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Heat a pan on medium and lightly grease it.
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Pour small spoonful of the mixture into the pan and cook until both sides are golden brown.
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Let the pancakes cool and cut them into strips or small pieces that your baby can easily grab.
BLW Tip:
You can make mini pancakes using this recipe, which are perfect for tiny hands. If you want to add some flavor, you can mix in finely grated zucchini, carrots, or blueberries.
Introducing solid foods through BLW is an exciting journey that encourages independence and self-feeding. Scrambled eggs, soft-cooked chicken strips, and baby pancakes are just a few of the perfect foods to help your baby explore textures, flavors, and develop essential motor skills.
Looking for more BLW-friendly meal ideas or baby feeding spoon? Check out our 3in1 baby spoon and make mealtime even easier!
Happy feeding!