If you’re a parent, you’ve probably heard of baby-led weaning (BLW).
BLW is an approach to starting solid foods that allows baby to feed themselves rather than being spoon-fed by mom or dad.
While the jury is still out on whether BLW is better than traditional weaning, there are a few things that experts agree on.
Here’s everything you need to know about when to start baby-led weaning.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting until baby is at least 6 months old to start solid foods.
This is because before 6 months, babies’ digestive systems are not developed enough to handle anything other than breast milk or formula.
Starting solids too early can also increase the risk of food allergies and obesity later in life.
The 6-month mark is also when most babies are developmentally ready for BLW.
At this age, babies have good head control and can sit upright with minimal assistance.
They should also be able to pick up small objects and put them in their mouths.
If your baby isn’t quite there yet, don’t worry—every child develops at their own pace. Just wait a few weeks and try again.
Once you’ve decided to start BLW, there are a few things you’ll need to do to get started.
First, stock up on finger foods like steamed vegetables, ripe fruits, cooked pasta, etc.
You’ll also want to have a highchair or booster seat so that your baby can sit upright during meals.
And finally, make sure you’re prepared for some mess! It’s inevitable that food will end up on the floor (and maybe even on the walls!) when you’re first starting out with BLW.
Conclusion
If you’re thinking about starting baby-led weaning, the best time to start is around 6 months old.
This is when most babies are developmentally ready for solid foods and it gives them the best chance for a healthy gut microbiome later in life.
Remember, every child develops at their own pace though, so if your baby isn’t quite ready yet just wait a few weeks and try again.
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!