Erica Becker What is Baby-Led Weaning?
Baby Led Weaning introduces baby to their first foods by skipping purées, and jumping right into finger foods. Baby is encouraged to self-feed with foods that have softer textures and are cut into finger length pieces. To start BLW, baby must be 6 months old, able to sit unassisted, and have good neck control.
Benefits of Baby-Led Weaning
- By eating a variety of flavors and textures, this may help baby to not be a picky eater later on.
- Independence—as it is encouraged to let baby self-feed with their hands and utensils.
- Appetite control—which can help protect against obesity.
- Simplifying cooking for parents, because baby eats what you eat (BLW appropriate of course)
Starter Foods
- Avocado
- Eggs (hard boiled, scrambled)
- Oatmeal
- Steamed Broccoli
- Whole-milk plain yogurt
- Salmon
- Beans, peas
- Mashed berries
- Banana
Foods to Avoid
- Honey (should not be given to baby under 12 months of age, as it can cause botulism)
- Sugary, salty, or overly processed foods
- Deli meat
- Raw foods such as apples, carrots, and celery
- Round or coin-shaped foods, such as grapes and hot dogs
*Baby led weaning is a great way to introduce new foods to baby, but it’s important to discuss starting this method with your baby’s pediatrician. Baby should be developmentally ready, and all precautions should be taken while feeding your child. Never leave a child unattended, make sure baby is sitting up while eating, cut foods into finger length pieces, and learn how to react if baby starts choking.
Check in tomorrow when we’ll be posting an amazing Blue Berry Oat Bites Recipe! SO good for BLW- My 9 month old baby girl LOVES them for breakfast or a snack!
