BLW and First Foods

What Should You Start With?

Introducing solid foods to your baby is an exciting yet overwhelming journey. Many parents find themselves wondering: Which foods should I start with? Is my baby getting enough nutrients? Can I combine traditional feeding with BLW? These are all valid concerns, and in this article, we’ll dive deep into these questions.

Which Foods Are Best for Starting BLW?

When it comes to BLW (Baby-Led Weaning), the golden rule is to offer soft, easy-to-grip foods that babies can safely explore. Think about foods that are naturally soft or can be cooked to the right texture—something that squishes easily between your fingers but doesn’t fall apart instantly. Avocados, bananas, steamed carrots, sweet potatoes, and soft-cooked broccoli are all great choices.

Protein sources like scrambled eggs, flaked fish, and tender-cooked chicken strips can also be introduced early on. Whole foods that are rich in iron, such as lentils or mashed beans, help meet the baby’s nutritional needs. Avoid added salt, sugar, and highly processed foods. The goal is to let your baby experience different flavors and textures naturally.

Now, here's a common fear—What if my baby chokes? It’s a reasonable concern, but BLW emphasizes gagging as a normal reflex that helps babies learn how to manage food safely. Gagging is different from choking and actually helps babies develop their ability to move food around in their mouths. However, always ensure foods are the right size and texture, and never leave your baby unattended while eating.

Can My Baby Get Enough Nutrition with BLW?

Absolutely! However, patience is key. During the first few months of BLW, babies might not actually eat much. Instead, they’re learning how to handle food, improving their motor skills, and exploring textures. Breast milk or formula remains their primary source of nutrition until about one year old.

Iron is a nutrient to watch closely. Since babies’ iron stores begin to deplete around six months, offering iron-rich foods like soft meats, lentils, and fortified cereals is crucial. Vitamin C-rich foods, such as oranges or tomatoes, help enhance iron absorption.

The biggest challenge parents face is trusting the process. Unlike spoon-feeding, where you can measure exactly how much a baby consumes, BLW is more about letting them control their intake. And guess what? Babies are actually pretty good at regulating their hunger. If you offer a variety of nutrient-dense foods, they’ll gradually get everything they need.

Can I Combine Traditional Feeding with BLW?

Many parents feel torn between BLW and the traditional spoon-feeding method. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to choose one or the other! A blended approach—sometimes called “flexible weaning”—allows you to incorporate elements of both.

For instance, you might offer spoon-fed purees alongside finger foods. One day, you might let your baby self-feed soft avocado slices, and the next, you might spoon-feed a bit of mashed lentils. This approach can ease anxiety, especially for parents who worry about choking or nutritional intake.

What matters most is responsive feeding—paying attention to your baby’s cues and letting them guide the process. Whether they want to self-feed or accept a spoonful from you, the goal is to create a positive relationship with food.

Every Baby is Unique

BLW isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, and that’s perfectly okay. Some babies take to it instantly, while others prefer a slower transition. The key is to be patient, adaptable, and, most importantly, enjoy the process.

As the famous saying goes, “We learn by doing.” Your baby is doing just that—learning about food, texture, and independence. So, whether you choose BLW, traditional feeding, or a mix of both, remember: what works best for your baby is the right choice.

Additional Information and Notes:

• Adjustment Period in BLW: Babies may take time to get used to BLW. At first, they might only play with or explore the food rather than eat it. This is completely normal and part of their learning process. Be patient and allow your baby to develop confidence in handling different textures and flavors.

• Safe Food Preparation Tips: Always cut food into sizes that are easy for babies to grip, usually in stick or strip form, about the length of an adult finger. Steaming vegetables instead of boiling them can help retain more nutrients while ensuring a soft texture.

• Allergen Introduction: Introducing allergens like eggs, peanuts, and dairy in small amounts and one at a time is recommended to monitor any reactions. Early exposure, ideally between 6-12 months, can help reduce the risk of allergies, according to recent research.

• Gagging vs. Choking: Gagging is a normal reflex that helps babies learn to chew and swallow safely. It is different from choking, which is when food blocks the airway. Learning the difference can ease anxiety and make the BLW experience more enjoyable for both parents and babies.

• Hydration Matters: Once babies start solids, offering small amounts of water in an open cup or a straw cup can help them develop drinking skills. However, breast milk or formula should still be their primary source of hydration.

• Messy but Worth It: BLW can get messy! Using a bib with a pocket, placing a splat mat under the high chair, and embracing the chaos as part of the learning process can make mealtimes more enjoyable.

• Encouraging Self-Feeding: Modeling eating behaviors, eating together as a family, and allowing your baby to explore food at their own pace can encourage a positive relationship with food. Babies learn by watching, so seeing you enjoy a variety of foods can make them more likely to try new things.