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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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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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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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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…
