Baby-led weaning (BLW) is a way of starting solids in which the baby feeds themselves soft, hand-held pieces of food instead of being spoon-fed purées. It usually begins at around 6 months, once the baby shows signs of readiness.
Key takeaways
- Signs of readiness: sitting with little support, good head control and bringing food to the mouth.
- Food should be soft enough to squash between your fingers.
- Gagging is common and normal; choking is silent and needs immediate action.
Is baby-led weaning safe?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, baby-led weaning can be safe when the baby is developmentally ready, sits upright, is always supervised and is offered soft foods cut into suitable shapes. Many families combine finger foods with spoon-feeding.
What you can do
- Offer long, soft strips of food your baby can grip, such as steamed vegetables or ripe fruit.
- Avoid whole nuts, whole grapes, popcorn and other hard or round foods.
- Include iron-rich foods such as meat, eggs, beans and iron-fortified cereals.
When to talk to your doctor
If your baby cannot cough, cry or breathe while eating, they may be choking; start first aid and call your local emergency number.
Frequently asked questions
Early on, much of the food is explored rather than eaten; milk remains the main source of nutrition for most of the first year.