What is Baby-Led Weaning (BLW)?

Baby-led weaning (BLW), also known as baby-led feeding, is a method of starting baby on solid foods in which finger foods (with modifications) and purees are introduced as baby’s first foods and the traditional parent-led spoon feeding is skipped. The BLW philosophy is that baby is provided independence during mealtimes in order to explore the new textures, smells, and tastes of these first foods at her own pace. In the months prior to starting solids, parents watch for signs of readiness that their baby is ready to begin solid foods (usually around 6 months of age). Babies become a part of family mealtime by enjoying their own plate of food. Early days of BLW may consist of more play and exploration rather than consumption of food, which is very normal and a necessary part of learning to eat solids. Baby will still be offered breastmilk or formula through her first year of life and this will still be the main source of nutrition until she gets the hang of solids. There are many benefits to baby-led weaning. BLW has been shown to create more adventurous, confident eaters which in turn nurtures a positive relationship with food lasting throughout baby’s life!

As with all other milestones in life, like crawling or walking, baby decides when she is ready to advance. Babies have incredible instincts that equip them with the skills necessary to eat solids and ready them for their first foods. We, as parents, just have to listen to baby’s signals! If parents decide when baby is ready for solids, they may be starting solids before baby is truly ready.

A typical mealtime when doing baby-led weaning (BLW) would look something like this:

• Baby sits in her high chair with the rest of the family during mealtime
• Appropriately sized and shaped food is placed in front of baby
• Baby is allowed to explore and eat her food as desired
• Baby is not pressured to eat or even try food but allowed independence and space to explore the new and exciting food in front of her
• She feeds herself from the start and can even be provided baby utensils to explore
• Baby decides how much food she eats and whether she eats any food at all
• More food is provided to baby if she finishes a food item, even if she hasn’t tried every food item on her plate