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What is BLW?

Baby-Led Weaning (BLW)

Let Your Baby Take the Lead & Two Delicious Recipes

The first time I heard about Baby-Led Weaning (BLW), I was skeptical. A baby feeding itself? No purées? No tiny spoon airplane flying toward an open mouth? It sounded chaotic. But then I saw a friend’s six-month-old confidently grasping a piece of avocado, mashing it between tiny fingers, and—surprise—actually eating it. No force, no struggle. Just pure, messy exploration.

That’s when I started digging. What does BLW mean? Is it safe? When to start BLW? And most importantly—how does it actually work? If you’re wondering the same things, let’s dive in. Oh, and stick around for two easy BLW recipes at the end—because let’s be real, we all need some fresh meal ideas.

What Does BLW Mean? A Different Way to Introduce Solids

BLW, or Baby-Led Weaning, flips traditional feeding on its head. Instead of spoon-feeding purées, you offer your baby soft, graspable foods and let them explore, chew, and self-feed. The idea? Babies learn to eat at their own pace, discovering textures, flavors, and even developing fine motor skills.

Think of it like this: Imagine someone handing you a smoothie instead of a beautifully plated meal. Sure, you’d get the nutrients, but what about the experience? The joy of biting into something, feeling the crunch, savoring the texture? That’s what BLW offers babies—a full sensory journey into eating.

But wait. Isn’t that dangerous? Won’t they choke?

Fair question. And here’s the deal—BLW babies gag more at first, but they actually learn to handle food better. Choking is rare if you follow the right steps: soft foods, proper shapes (finger-sized pieces), and supervised eating. In fact, some studies suggest BLW may reduce picky eating later on, since babies grow up accustomed to different textures and flavors.

So, when to start BLW? Most experts agree—around six months, when babies can sit up unassisted and show interest in food. If your little one is grabbing at your plate like a tiny food critic, it might be time.

What Can Babies Eat?

Okay, so what’s actually on the menu? The best BLW foods are soft, easy to hold, and nutritious. Some great options include:

  • Avocado slices (nature’s butter!)
  • Banana halves (soft and naturally sweet)
  • Steamed sweet potato sticks
  • Soft scrambled eggs
  • Shredded chicken (easy to gum)
  • BLW pancakes (keep reading for a recipe!)

What to avoid? Honey (dangerous under 1 year), whole nuts, hard raw veggies, and foods that are choking hazards (like grapes or hot dogs, unless cut properly).

Still worried? Picture this: Generations before us didn’t have blenders. Babies learned to eat through instinct and practice. Trust the process. Trust your baby.

BLW Breakfast Ideas

Two Easy Recipes

Feeding a baby is hard enough—we don’t need complicated recipes. So here are two simple, delicious, BLW-friendly meals your little one will love.

1. Banana Oat BLW Pancakes

These BLW pancakes are a lifesaver. Soft, nutritious, and naturally sweet—perfect for tiny hands.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ripe banana
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup oats
  • Dash of cinnamon (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Mash the banana in a bowl.
  2. Add the egg and oats. Mix until smooth.
  3. Heat a non-stick pan on low. Spoon small portions onto the pan.
  4. Cook until golden on both sides. Let cool before serving.

Why it works: These pancakes are soft, easy to hold, and full of nutrients. Plus, they make a great snack for parents too (because let’s be honest, we always end up eating baby leftovers).

2. Avocado Toast Strips

Classic, easy, and packed with healthy fats for brain development..

Ingredients:

  • 1 slice whole wheat bread
  • ½ ripe avocado
  • A squeeze of lemon (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Toast the bread lightly and cut it into strips.
  2. Mash the avocado and spread it on the strips.
  3. Serve and watch your baby happily squish avocado between their fingers,

Pro tip: If your baby isn’t into it the first time, try again later. Babies often need multiple exposures to new textures before they get on board.

BLW is Messy, but Worth It

Let’s be real—BLW is not the cleanest method. Food will be on the floor, in their hair, possibly even on the dog. But here’s the thing: it’s worth it. The independence, the joy of discovery, the confidence—these little messy moments shape their relationship with food for life.

So, will you give it a shot? Maybe your baby will love it. Maybe they’ll throw avocado at the wall. Either way, it’s a journey—and every bite (or splatter) is part of the adventure.

Your turn: Have you tried BLW? What’s your go-to BLW recipe? Drop a comment below!

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