What is Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) and how do you get started

Jan 16, 2023 | posted by Daniel Wiklund

In recent years, the phenomenon of Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) has become very popular and many parents use this method to introduce food to their babies, but what exactly is BLW?

What is Baby-Led Weaning all about?

BLW is all about that you as a parent should not feed the child, but the child should discover and experience the food at his own pace. So, when it comes to introducing food, the parent takes a step back and lets the child eat at his own pace; pick up the food and bring it to the mouth.

According to the BLW method, cooked vegetables or other food is served in sticks, if possible, as round pieces can get lodged in the child's throat. While the child is eating, you sit with them to see the development, show support and encouragement. This is to develop both curiosity about food, develop the skills around eating real food and develop the motivation for the child to eat solid food.

baby led weaning BLW

But where do you start in the process?

Often by six months of age, babies can both sit and have the motivation and curiosity to bring food (and other objects) to their mouths to learn more about it. The child must be able to sit up without support and be able to bring food to the mouth, otherwise it is too early. But it is around this time that you can start introducing solid food, as the idea is that the child should eat what the rest of the family eats.

As previously mentioned, you often start with food cut into sticks that the child cannot put down his throat. Among them, cooked vegetables such as carrots, potatoes or broccoli are good. But other food such as pancakes, bread or chicken also work very well. The idea is simply that the child should get used to solid food and want to eat it independently at an early age. When the child goes from breastfeeding, bottle feeding and purees to solid food, it is important to experiment with different textures, tastes and shapes. Everything to create and maintain curiosity so that the child wants to continue eating more solid food.

What are the benefits of BLW?

The advantages of BLW are that the child learns independence when they are allowed to feed themselves on their own, they gain good appetite control as they can decide for themselves when they are full and the child learns motor skills by practicing picking up and putting food in the mouth. And don't forget that the child can really enjoy trying new foods and deciding for himself what and how much he/she wants to eat.

Three piece children's plate perfect for BLW

Thus, Baby-Led Weaning is about the child's own curiosity and, above all, the desire to learn to eat solid food. It is also important to understand that the child should want to eat himself. The parents should not force the child to put any food in the mouth, nor should they get angry if the child refuses. Finally, one must not forget that BLW should be a fun, interesting experience for both parent and child!

Important things to consider when it comes to Baby-Led Weaning (BLW)?

Be patient and let the child take his time - don't stress
Do not start BLW until the child can sit unsupported and bring food to mouth by himself
Let it be fun for the child and watch the development slowly come
Be careful with salt and additives in food
Always serve food in soft sticks and not round shapes
Never leave the child alone with food - Always be there to act quickly if something unexpected happens.
Prepare different types of food so the child can explore alternatives and develop his sense of taste
Feel free to eat dinner or lunch together with the child so that the child feels part of the family community
Feel free to talk to a friend or acquaintance who has used the method or your midwife for guidance

If you want to start with Baby-Led Weaning, Whally has several crockery and products that are suitable for this. See the popular three-piece plate ERIK in silicone or other children's tableware.

Good luck!

blog tags: baby led weaning blw