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Baby-led weaning is a feeding approach that emphasizes allowing babies to explore and self-feed with solid foods from the start, rather than relying solely on purees or spoon-feeding.
The main principles of baby-led weaning include offering a variety of healthy, nutrient-dense foods in a safe and supportive environment, allowing babies to choose and control their own food intake, and encouraging the development of self-feeding skills and positive attitudes towards food.
Baby-led weaning also emphasizes avoiding added sugars, salt, and unhealthy fats, and encouraging the family to eat together and model healthy eating behaviors.
By following these principles, parents can support their baby’s natural development of feeding skills, foster a healthy relationship with food, and promote optimal growth and development.
Best Foods To Start Baby-Led Weaning
Here are some top best foods to start baby-led weaning:
| Food Type | Examples of foods to give in first two weeks of weaning |
| Vegetables | Avocado, steamed carrot, parsnip, Broccoli, Cauliflour, |
| Fruits | Pear, Melon, |
| Starches | Roast potato, boiled new potato, plain rice cakes, Sweet potato skins |
Also Read: Can A Six Month Old Baby Eat Pizza?
| Food Type | Examples of foods to start baby led weaning |
| Fruits and Vegetables | Bananas, avocado, steamed carrot sticks, sweet potato chips, cooked apple, ripe pear, steamed broccoli, fresh mango slices |
| Grains | Cooked pasta or noodles, toast or bread strips, wheetabix, porriage |
| Dairy | pasturised creamed soft cheese, hard pasturised cheese, pasturised yogurt |
| Protein | well cooked eggs, meat or fish (cooked thoroughly and cut into small pieces) |
What Foods To Give In The First Two Weeks
Soft fruits and vegetables: Soft fruits and vegetables like bananas, avocado, cooked carrots, sweet potato, and cooked apple or pear are great options to start with.
They are easy to grip and have a soft texture that’s easy for babies to chew.
When Can Babies Eat Cheese?
Babies can eat pasturised cheeses from 6 months. Pasturised cheese is cheese that has been heated to a high temperature ensuring that bacteria that could be harmful to your baby has been killed.
Complete Post: When Can My Baby Have Cheese
In the US nearly all cheese is pasturised but its important to check. Below is a list on cheeses that are NOT pasturized and ARE NOT SAFE FOR BABIES.
- Brie.
- Camembert.
- Feta.
- Gorgonzola.
- Mexican cheese (queso fresco, queso blanco, etc.)
It’s also important to abide by the use by dates of dairy products and make sure soft cheeses are freshly opened, so long as they are and have been stored in a cool place they are a good first dairy food and can be useful for creating tasty healthy dips and spreads. (see our recipie ideas)
Easy Baby Led Weaning Meals
- Cooked pasta or noodles: Cooked pasta or noodles can be a fun and engaging food for babies to play with and explore. Try adding a small amount of tomato sauce or other mild sauce for added flavor.
- Toast or bread strips: Toast or bread strips are a good option as they can be held easily by babies and can be softened with breast milk, formula, or water.
- Soft cheese: Soft cheeses like cottage cheese or cream cheese can be a good source of calcium and protein for babies. Offer small pieces or spread on toast or crackers.
- Eggs: Scrambled eggs or an omelet can be a good source of protein for babies. Be sure to cook the eggs thoroughly and cut them into small pieces for easy eating.
- Meat or fish: Small, soft pieces of cooked meat or fish can be a good source of protein and iron for babies. Be sure to cook the meat or fish thoroughly and cut into small pieces for easy eating. Try steaming or poaching chicken breast or mashing cooked white fish with boiled potato.
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Foods To Avoid With BLW
It's important to avoid foods that are choking hazards or difficult for babies to chew or swallow, such as hard fruits and vegetables, nuts, popcorn, or chunks of meat.
Additionally, always supervise your baby during meal times and consult with your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your baby's dietary needs.
Additionally its important that baby food is low in salt and sugar and avoids additives and preservatives.
In conclusion, baby-led weaning can be a fun and engaging way to introduce babies to solid foods.
By choosing safe and appropriate foods and following basic safety guidelines, you can help support your baby's nutritional needs and encourage their development of self-feeding skills.