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Best Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) First Foods
Considering baby-led weaning for your baby’s introduction to solids? Read on to discover 150 first foods for baby-led weaning (BLW), including options from every food groups, salt-free flavorings, and more. Historically, spoon-feeding purees has been the conventional method for introducing solids to infants. However, a newer approach known as baby-led weaning (BLW) is gaining popularity.…
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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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What is the 3-day Rule For Weaning?
The 3-day rule for weaning is an old recommendation to wait 3 days after introducing a new food to your infant. It involves introducing new food to your baby one at a time and is intended to help parents/caregives assess for allergies and adverse reactions to food. The 3-day rule for weaning continues to be…
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When Can a Baby Have Yogurt?
Most babies can have whole milk yogurt when they begin solids between 4-6 months of age. Unlike liquid milk, whole milk yogurt is generally well-tolerated. Whole milk yogurt is an excellent source of calcium for growing bones, as well as probiotics to support gut health and immunity. It also offers carbs, protein, fat, phosphorous, and…
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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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Chicken For Baby-Led Weaning (BLW)
Chicken offers a host of nutrients to support early growth and development including protein, B-vitamins, iron, phosphorous and more. This article covers how to serve chicken for baby-led weaning (BLW) as well as common questions about preparing chicken for babies. Chicken is a much loved source of protein enjoyed all over the world. However, it…
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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…
