What is baby-led weaning (BLW)?
- A form of feeding infants that allows them to feed them to self-feed.
- The food is offered in thick finger-size pieces and is soft and easily squishable between your fingers.
- This way, the food is both easy to hold but has a low risk of choking.
- Founded by Gill Rapley, UK nurse & author.
Why choose baby-led weaning over other feed methods?
- Baby is in control of their eating (teaches them independence)
- Baby determines how much and at which rate they eat
- Baby is part of the mealtime
- Improved dexterity (hand-eye coordination)
- Improved oral motor skills and tongue reflux
- Improved palate and exposure to different textures and flavours at a younger age
When can I start?
Just because your doctor tells you to start solids at four months, does not mean your baby is ready. Working 1-on-1 with a registered dietitian can have great benefits, but here are some signs to look for.
- They should be able to sit up with support and have neck support so it’s easy for them to spit out food.
- Showing interest in food and reaching out
- They’re opening their mouth to suck on items
- Alertness or change in facial expressions during mealtime
- When you feed them, they are able to move the food around in their mouths—rather than spit it right out.
How can I learn more about baby-led weaning?
If you are a first time parent or feel you could benefit from professional support, I am now offering a Guide to Introduction to Solids course. This course is pre-recorded so you can watch, replay and makes notes at your own pace.
The guide covers:
- When to start BLW
- Key nutrients & foods to avoid
- How to serve foods & how often to feed
- How to introduce allergens
- Common myths & facts about rice cereal and cow’s milk
PLUS when you purchase the course you will get access to free resources including a 1 month sample meal plan, recipes, reputable links and a first foods tracker chart.
