The Parent’s Feeding & BLW Playbook

BLW Basics & Guides

1. The Ultimate Guide to Baby-Led Weaning (BLW)

What is Baby-Led Weaning (BLW)?

Baby-led weaning (BLW) is an approach to introducing solids where babies self-feed from the start, skipping purees and spoon-feeding. It encourages independence, fine motor development, and a positive relationship with food.

Benefits of BLW

✔ Encourages independence & self-feeding
✔ Helps improve hand-eye coordination & chewing skills
✔ Exposes babies to different textures & flavors early
✔ Reduces picky eating tendencies in the long run
✔ Allows babies to eat at their own pace, preventing overheating

How to Start BLW

• Wait until baby is 6 months+ and shows readiness signs (sitting unassisted, loss of tongue thrust reflex, interest in food).

• Offer soft, easy-to-grasp foods like steamed veggies, avocado slices, or banana.

• Use a suction plate & bowl to prevent mess.

• Always supervise meals & ensure baby is upright in a highchair.

• Follow safe food preparation methods (avoid choking hazards like whole grapes, hard nuts, or large chunks).

2. How to Start Solids at 6 Months

When Is Baby Ready for Solids?

✔ Can sit up unassisted
✔ Shows interest in food
✔ Can grasp and bring food to the mouth
✔ Loss of tongue-thrust reflex

First Foods to Offer

• Soft Fruits: Avocado, banana, steamed apple slices

• Vegetables: Steamed carrots, sweet potato, zucchini

• Proteins: Shredded chicken, lentils, scrambled eggs

• Grains: Soft toast strips, rice, quinoa

How to Offer Foods for BLW

• Cut into finger-length pieces (easier for baby to hold).

• Cook foods until soft enough to mash between fingers.

• Avoid salt, sugar, and honey before age 1.

• Let baby explore and self-feed without force.

3. BLW vs. Traditional Spoon-Feeding: What’s Best?

BLW Approach

✔ Encourages independent eating
✔ Babies control their intake & pace
✔ Exposes them to whole foods & textures
✔ Helps develop fine motor skills

Traditional Spoon-Feeding

✔ Controlled feeding process
✔ Parents manage portion sizes
✔ Easier to track intake
✔ Can be helpful for babies with special feeding needs

Which One Should You Choose?

Many parents use a combination of both! BLW can be paired with purees for added nutrition while allowing self-feeding practice. The key is to respect the baby’s cues and offer a variety of textures.

4. Must-Have Feeding Products for Stress-Free Weaning

✔ Silicone Suction Plate & Bowl – Prevent messes & spills
✔ Soft-Tip Infant Spoons – Perfect for self-feeding
✔ Silicone Bib with Food Catcher – Easy cleanup
✔ Straw Cup or Open Cup – Encourages drinking skills
✔ High-Quality Highchair – Ensures safe & upright positioning
✔ Food Storage Containers – Prep & store meals easily

💡 Pro Tip: Keep mealtime fun & pressure-free! Babies learn best when exploring food at their own pace.