What is baby-led weaning and how do you do it?

Baby-led weaning (BLW) is a method for starting your baby on solids. Instead of spoon-feeding them mushy cereals and purees, you put large chunks of soft food directly on the highchair tray or table, and let your baby grab the food and feed themself.

When should you start baby-led weaning?

six months
When can I start baby-led weaning? The recommended age to start baby-led weaning is from six months onwards (NHS, 2019). This is the same age as the alternative – spoon-feeding (NHS, 2019).

Is baby-led weaning really better?

While there have been unsubstantiated claims that this method can improve a baby’s dexterity and confidence, research has associated baby-led weaning with their ability to recognize when they are full and being less fussy with their food. This makes it an appealing choice for some parents.

What is the difference between Baby-led and puree weaning?

A BLW approach focuses on the independence of your baby taking food to their own mouth and consuming the quantity and variety they choose. You don’t puree foods, but rather offer them foods from what everyone else is eating at family mealtimes. This allows the baby time to learn the art of eating independently.

What are the disadvantages of baby-led weaning?

Cons

• Potential safety concerns. Giving babies certain foods before they’ve developed the needed oral motor skills to eat it could lead to gagging, vomiting and potentially choking.
• Potential negative mealtime experience.
• It’s harder to pinpoint an allergic reaction.

Do babies need teeth for led weaning?

Do babies need teeth for baby led weaning? No! Gums are super strong and front teeth aren’t used for chewing—that happens when the back molars come in. Teeth really have nothing to do with whether or not a baby can eat solids.

Can you mix purees and baby-led weaning?

A combined approach that includes both finger foods for self-feeding and the spoon-feeding of purees is fine when babies are fed responsively, and there is no evidence that a combined approach is detrimental. A misconception about BLW is that purees should be avoided.

Can you spoon feed and BLW?

Spoon-feeding and baby-led weaning can be combined. The World Health Organisation and the UK Department of Health recommend that you introduce finger foods when you introduce solids in general. This means that you can offer your baby pureed foods on a spoon as well as finger foods in a more baby-led weaning approach.

Can you switch from purees to BLW?

Not only is it fine for you to do baby led weaning after purees, it is the natural progression for introducing your baby to solid food. You will usually start with purees, then let them hold the spoon, and then hold finger foods to explore food and learn to feed themselves, aka baby led weaning.

What foods do you start with for baby led weaning?

Babies can eat a wide variety of foods through baby-led weaning (BLW), starting from around 6 months of age. Avocados, yogurt, tofu, eggs, carrots, meat and fish, apples, sweet potatoes, and oats can provide your baby with nutrients to support their rapid growth and development.

Can babies choke on BLW?

Conclusions: Baby-led weaning was not associated with increased risk of choking and the highest frequency of choking on finger foods occurred in those who were given finger foods the least often.

Can I mix puree with BLW?

What are the disadvantages of baby led weaning?

What are the pros and cons of baby led weaning?

Here are the pros and cons of Baby Led Weaning (henceforth known as BLW) in my experience:

• Con: Babies don’t have teeth.
• Con: It’s a waste of food and money.
• Con: It doesn’t save time.
• Con: Choking.
• Pro: It utilizes babies’ tendency to explore things with their mouths.
• Pro: It promotes active engagement from parents.

Can a baby choke on avocado?

Avocados are not considered a common choking hazard for babies. However, prepare them safely by making sure they’re very ripe, the peel is removed and they are offered in an age-appropriate size.

Can I spoon feed and do BLW?

Can babies choke on broccoli?

Is broccoli a common choking hazard for babies? Yes, raw or undercooked broccoli is firm and hard to chew. To minimize the risk, cook broccoli until soft and cut broccoli stems in half lengthwise. As always, make sure you create a safe eating environment and stay within an arm’s reach of baby during meal time.

When can you give yogurt to a baby?

around 4 to 6 months
Most babies can start eating yogurt as soon as they start eating solids – around 4 to 6 months. Yogurt is an excellent choice for one of your baby’s first foods because it contains calcium, protein, and vitamins.