The Exciting Journey of Baby-Led Weaning
Starting baby-led weaning (BLW) is a huge milestone for both you and your little one! Instead of spoon-feeding purees, BLW allows babies to explore foods at their own pace, encouraging self-feeding, independence, and healthy eating habits. But let’s be honest—while the idea of BLW sounds great, it can feel overwhelming for first-time parents!
If you’re wondering where to start, what to serve, and how to make it less messy, you’re in the right place. Here’s a complete guide with practical tips for first-time baby-led weaning parents to make this journey smooth and enjoyable.
1. Know When Your Baby is Ready
Not every baby is ready to start BLW at exactly six months. Here are key signs your baby might be ready:
✔ They can sit up independently without support.
✔ They have good head and neck control.
✔ They show interest in food, reaching for what’s on your plate.
✔ They’ve lost the tongue-thrust reflex, meaning they don’t automatically push food out of their mouth.
If your baby meets these milestones, it’s time to start exploring solid foods!
2. Start with the Right Foods
For first-time BLW parents, choosing the right foods is key. Here are some ideal starter foods:
🥑 Avocado slices – Soft and easy for little hands to grab.
🍠 Roasted sweet potato sticks – Naturally sweet and easy to mash.
🍌 Banana strips – Great for a no-cook option.
🥕 Steamed carrot sticks – Soft but still graspable.
🥚 Scrambled eggs – Packed with protein and easy to chew.
These foods are soft enough to chew with gums and encourage self-feeding without choking hazards.
3. Keep Safety a Priority
One of the biggest concerns about BLW is choking. Here’s how to keep mealtimes safe:
✅ Always supervise your baby while they eat.
✅ Offer foods in soft, manageable sizes (about the size of an adult finger).
✅ Avoid choking hazards like whole grapes, nuts, popcorn, and hard raw veggies.
✅ Learn the difference between gagging and choking – Gagging is normal and helps babies learn how to handle food.
Taking a baby CPR course can also help you feel more confident!
4. Embrace the Mess (But Minimize It!)
Let’s be real—BLW can get messy! But it’s all part of the learning process. Here’s how to manage the mess:
🧺 Use a splat mat under the high chair for easy cleanup.
👶 Dress baby in a bib or just a diaper to avoid extra laundry.
🍽 Serve food on a suction plate to prevent flipping.
🥄 Use a baby-friendly spoon like the Little Grubbers 3-in-1 Baby Spoon™, designed for self-feeding.
A little mess is normal, but these tricks will help keep things manageable!
5. Follow Baby’s Lead & Be Patient
Every baby is different. Some take to BLW immediately, while others take their time. Don’t stress!
💛 Let your baby explore food at their own pace.
💛 Don’t pressure them to eat a set amount—milk/formula is still their main source of nutrition.
💛 Keep offering a variety of foods, even if they don’t eat much at first.
💛 Make mealtimes relaxed and enjoyable.
Remember, BLW is about learning, not just eating!
6. Encourage Self-Feeding with the Right Tools
Having the right utensils can boost your baby’s confidence with self-feeding. The Little Grubbers 3-in-1 Baby Spoon™ is perfect for little hands, making it easier to scoop, hold, and eat independently.
Check out the Little Grubbers 3-in-1 Baby Spoon™ and make baby-led weaning easier and more enjoyable!