Baby Led Weaning (BLW) is a great way to introduce your baby to solid foods.
It is a relaxed and gentle approach that allows your baby to control the pace of solid food introduction.
BLW is based on the principle that babies are born with an innate ability to self-feed and will eat what they need when they need it.
There are no hard and fast rules with BLW, but there are some general guidelines that can help you get started.
The most important thing is to follow your baby’s lead and go at their pace.
1. Choose the right time to start. The best time to start BLW is when your baby is around 6 months old.
This is when they will have developed the coordination and strength needed to self-feed.
2. Introduce a variety of foods from the start. It’s important to offer your baby a variety of textures and flavors from the very beginning.
This will help them learn to like a wide range of foods and prevent fussy eating later on.
Try not to get too caught up in which order you introduce different foods, just let your baby try whatever you’re eating yourself.
3. Avoid processed foods. opt for whole, unprocessed foods that are rich in nutrients instead. These are the kinds of foods that will give your baby the energy they need to grow and develop properly.
4. Have patience! It takes time for babies to adjust to solid foods, so don’t expect them to take to it straight away (or eat very much).
Just offer them a few pieces of food at each meal and let them feed themselves as best they can. They’ll soon get the hang of it!
Be prepared for messes! BLW can be messy, so it’s best to do it at home where you can relax and enjoy the experience without having to worry about making a mess!
Be sure to have plenty of bibs or old towels on hand, and maybe even put some plastic sheeting down on the floor if you’re feeling particularly tidy!
Conclusion
Baby Led Weaning is a great way for your baby to learn about solid foods at their own pace.
It’s important to choose the right time to start, offer a variety of healthy foods, and be prepared for messes! With a little patience, you’ll soon see your baby become a big fan of BLW!
If you’re thinking about starting baby-led weaning, congratulations! You’re about to embark on an amazing journey of watching your little one explore new foods and discovering their own taste preferences.
But before you get started, you’ll need some supplies. Luckily, we’ve put together lists of the must-have baby led weaning supplies, so all you need to do is click the buttons below.
From high chairs to utensils, we’ve got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Click the buttons below and get started on your baby-led weaning adventure!