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Is There Science Behind Baby-Led Weaning (BLW)?
Yes, there is science behind baby-led weaning (BLW). Baby-led weaning is an approach to introducing solid foods that allows infants to self-feed rather than being spoon-fed purees. BLW involves giving babies soft solids they can grasp and eat on their own from the beginning. (Learn more about BLW first foods here). Baby-led weaning (BLW) is…
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Is Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) Messy?
Yes, baby-led weaning (BLW) is messy however, it’s also tons of fun! Few things are more delightful than watching your little one explore new flavors and textures and personally, I think it’s worth the clean up. Moreover, a growing body of evidence suggests that baby-led weaning may help promote infant development. (Read more about the…
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How Many Times a Day Should You Do Baby-Led Weaning (BLW)?
You should do baby-led weaning (BLW) 2-3 times a day for infants 4-8 months, 3-4 times a day from 8-12 months, and offer 3-4 meals, and 1-2 snacks a day after age 1 [1]. For the first couple of months of baby-led weaning, breastmilk/ formula remains the primary source of nutrition as babies cultivate their…
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Is It Okay To Mix BLW and Purees?
Yes, it is okay to mix BLW and purees. Some foods such as whole blueberries are better served to infants either smashed or pureed to minimize choking risk. BLW is intended to promote self-feeding skills so if you decide to incorporate purees as part of BLW, offer them to your baby on a pre-loaded spoon…
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What Are the Advantages of Baby-Led Weaning?
Baby-led weaning has a number of advantages for both kids and parents including: Promotes oral and fine motor skill development Reduces the likelihood of picky eating later in childhood [1] Cuts down on food prep time in comparison to purees Facilitates curiosity about food, and sensory exploration Promotes self-regulation of fullness and satiety [2] Associated…
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Is 4 months Too Early For Baby-Led Weaning?
Most kids are not ready to start solids using traditional spoon feeding or baby-led weaning at 4 months of age because have not achieved the necessary milestones to begin complementary foods. These milestones include: Able to hold up their head and sit in a high chair Open their mouth when food comes their way Can…
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How Common Is Choking With BLW (Baby-Led Weaning)?
Baby-led weaning (BLW) has not been shown to increase choking risk compared to traditional spoon-feeding [1]. Observational research indicates that 13.6% of infants ever experience choking, regardless of weaning method, however, this is derived from self-reported data [2]. (Read about the difference between choking and gagging here).
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Can I Start Baby-Led Weaning At 5 Months?
Yes, you can start baby-led weaning when your baby is 5 months providing that they have achieved these milestones: If your child was born prematurely and/or has a pre-existing medical condition, consult your pediatrician before starting baby-led weaning. First foods for baby-led weaning (BLW) For more information on starting baby-led weaning get The Busy Parent’s…
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How To Start Baby-led Weaning After Purees?
To start baby-led weaning after purees, begin incorporating soft hand-held foods a couple of times a day. Start with soft solids that are two fingers wide while your little one learns to handle food and self-feed. Good examples of soft, hand-held foods include for babies include: For more ideas, see this article on 150 first…
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Can I Do Baby-Led Weaning and Purees?
Yes, you can offer purees as part of baby-led weaning. However, you should offer purees on a pre-loaded spoon or in a bowl on your child’s high chair tray to encourage self-feeding. Some foods such as whole blueberries and beans are better served to infants either smashed or pureed to minimize choking risk. If you’re…
