Weaning

Baby Led Weaning: An Introduction

If you're a parent of a young child, you've probably heard the term "baby-led weaning" (BLW) being thrown around. It's becoming increasingly popular among parents, but what exactly is it? In this article, we'll explore what baby-led weaning is, when to start it, how to start it, and what you'll need to make it a success.

What is Baby Led Weaning?

Baby-led weaning is a method of introducing solid foods to your baby. Unlike traditional weaning, where parents spoon-feed their babies purees and mashed food, with baby-led weaning, babies are encouraged to feed themselves. Parents offer a variety of finger foods and let their babies pick and choose what they want to eat.

When to Start Baby Led Weaning

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends waiting until your baby is at least six months old before starting solid foods, whether it's traditional weaning or baby-led weaning. Before six months, babies have all the nutrients they need from breastmilk or formula. Waiting until six months ensures that your baby's digestive system is mature enough to handle solid foods.

How to Start Baby Led Weaning

When you're ready to start baby-led weaning, it's important to choose appropriate finger foods for your baby. The foods should be soft enough for your baby to gum, and cut into manageable sizes. Some popular first foods for baby-led weaning include:

• Steamed carrots or sweet potato sticks
• Cooked broccoli florets
• Toasted strips of whole wheat bread
• Soft fruits like avocado or ripe banana

Offer the food to your baby on a high chair tray or a clean, safe surface. Let your baby explore the food with their hands, and don't worry if they don't eat much at first. The goal of baby-led weaning is to let your baby explore and enjoy different tastes and textures.

Baby Led Weaning – What do you REALLY need?

You might be wondering what equipment and supplies you'll need to make baby-led weaning a success. Here are some items to consider:

Baby Weaning Bibs

As your baby explores different foods, they're bound to make a mess. Invest in a few good soft silicone bibs that will keep your baby's clothes clean and dry.

Baby Weaning Utensils

While baby-led weaning is all about letting your baby feed themselves, you may still need some utensils for foods that are too difficult for little hands to handle. Look for small, lightweight silicone spoons and forks that are easy for your baby to grip.

Baby Weaning Cups

If you're planning on offering water or other liquids, a small, spill-proof silicone sippy cup is a must. Look for baby cups with handles and soft spouts that are easy for your baby to drink from.

Baby Weaning Plates

You'll want a plate or two to hold your baby's food while they're exploring. Look for silicone plates with suction base that have high edges to help contain the mess. 

Baby Weaning Bowls

Bowls are a great option for serving soft foods like yogurt or oatmeal. Look for ergonomic shape baby bowl with suction base. Suction base helps keep the bowl on the table while feeding.

Baby Weaning Mats

A non-slip mat can help keep your baby's high chair tray or the table clean and make cleanup easier. Look for mats that are dishwasher safe for easy cleaning.

In Conclusion

Baby-led weaning is a fun and interactive way to introduce your baby to solid foods. With a little preparation and the right equipment, you can help your baby explore new tastes and textures while building their independence and confidence. Remember to always supervise your baby during mealtimes, and don't be afraid to get messy!