Baby Led Weaning: Yay Or Nay?

Baby led weaning, purees or a mixture of the two? It is natural to be a little confused when your baby reaches 6 months and you are advised to start introducing solid foods.

The subject of baby led weaning was one I didn’t really want to think about for a little while. Unfortunately, our little one is not doing so great and under paediatrician care at the moment. She briefly mentioned weaning early, but that’s something we will discuss at a later hospital appointment.

What is baby led weaning (BLW)?

Baby led weaning (BLW) is a way of feeding that encourages babies to feed themselves from the beginning, rather than being fed pureed fruit, vegetables and even whole meals by their parents using a spoon. The idea is to let babies explore and experience different foods, textures, and tastes at their own pace. Instead of relying on purees, babies are offered soft and age-appropriate finger foods, such as steamed vegetables, fruits, and soft meat.

What are the benefits of BLW?

There are many benefits to baby led weaning. Firstly, it allows babies to develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination by picking up food and bringing it to their mouth. Parents can also avoid the mess of trying to spoon-feed a wriggling baby who just wants to grab at the spoon.

BLW also allows babies to feel more in control of their own eating, which can lead to better eating habits in the future. Research has shown that babies who are actively involved in their feeding process are known to have a better chance of developing healthy eating habits and less chance of facing obesity later in life.

Another benefit of baby led weaning is that it allows babies to choose what they want to eat and when they want to stop eating. This can help them develop a healthy relationship with food and recognise their own hunger and fullness cues.

How can we introduce BLW?

While baby led weaning can be a great option for many families, it’s essential to note that it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Some babies may struggle with the concept of self-feeding, and, if concerned, parents should always talk to their health visitor before introducing solid foods.

It’s also important to ensure that the foods offered are age-appropriate and safe for babies to eat. Foods such as nuts, hard fruits and vegetables, and honey should be avoided until the baby is older.

When starting out with baby led weaning, parents should offer a variety of foods and textures, including softer options like avocado or banana, as well as well-cooked vegetables and meats. It’s important to let the baby take their time and not to force the issue, as some babies may take longer to develop the coordination to self-feed.

Finally, parents should approach baby led weaning with a sense of humour, and be prepared for some mess! Letting babies explore their food can often lead to some hilarious facial expressions and messy clothes, but it’s all part of the fun.

Will I do BLW?

Quite honestly, I don’t know right now. I did a mixture of purees and BLW with my two daughters. My first thoroughly enjoyed food full stop. My second did not want to eat really (much preferring breastmilk) and refused most foods until she snatched a prawn cracker from my hand! I was so proud but also a little apprehensive about what the health visitor would say (she was absolutely fine about it!).