But if they are choking, their face will go pale or bluish and they will be silent. Pre-heat the oven to 375 deg F, 180 deg C. In a bowl, mix together the flour, cheese and chopped broccoli. Yes! Rustle up this omelette for your little one. It's called "baby-led" because you let your baby pick up the food and eat at their own pace, instead of controlling how much and how quickly they eat. Fruit and vegetablesare a good place to start Banana:half unpeel it to give your baby something to hold, along with easy access to the fruit. Baby-led weaning is messy and your baby will enjoy dropping foodto see what happens to it. Since then, weve learnt a lot about what works well - and what doesnt - when it comes to this method of introducing solid foods to baby. I like it because it has freed up a lot of time for me. Spreading things on fingers of toast is a really quick and easy wayof getting your baby to experience new flavours. The food is offered in thick finger-size pieces and is soft and easily squishable between your fingers. Some researchers are concerned about: It takes babies a while to get used to solid food. Choking on the other hand is when a piece of food gets lodged into baby's throat orwindpipe and stops them from breathing. Before your baby is nine months old, it might be challenging for themto get the food into their mouth. Over the last 15 years she has been a contributing author to a number of nutritional and cookery publications including BBC Good Food. 10(1):57-66. 2018. 2) Food high in vitamin C: fruit or vegetable like berries, squash or broccoli. Your babys first foray into solid food opens up a whole world of flavours and texture. Sao Paolo Journal of Pediatrics. Baby-led weaning is all about offering your baby a selection of foods to choose from and letting them feed themselves. If you're not sure how much your baby needs to eat and when, check out our age-by-age guide to feeding. Remove the skin or peel from fruits and vegetables. So you could call it "baby-led solids.". Baby-led weaning recipes for the whole family. Signs of gagging include some coughing and spluttering, watery eyes and spitting out. All babies have a strong gag reflex, and there's a cleardifference between gagging and choking. Whole wheat pasta: Penne and fusilli works well for little hands. Examples of first foods for baby led weaning (6 months+): banana "handle" or strips. Be prepared for feeding by reading our review of the best high chairs for babies and toddlers. Baby-led weaning is an alternative approach to the introduction of complementary foods in infancy, in which infants are presented with table foods rather than pured foods and spoon-feeding. Slices of mozzarella cheese:Cheese provides an excellent source of calcium. A piece of soft, cooked carrot:naturally sweet and full of vitamin A to strengthen yourlittle ones immune system. Sprinkle with a little olive oil, then add all the other veggies. Make sure you know what to do if your baby is choking. https://publications.aap.org/journal-blogs/blog/2045 [Accessed March 2022], U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your baby will give you a few signs they're ready for solid foods: If they can sit up without support, can grab and put objects in their mouth, and open their mouth when food is offered, they're probably ready to begin exploring table foods. Manageable chunks of different family foods are put onto your babys plate or a tray, your baby can then feed him or herself how and what they want. (2019) Your baby's first solid foods. Search, save and sort your favourite recipes and view them offline. To reduce the risk of choking, always sitwith your baby while they're eating, make sure they're always sitting up straight when eating and avoid giving them foods that are too hard. 18(13):7165. (2020) Eating well: the first year. Avocado slices: Be sure to make these thick enough so baby can grip the pieces well. Baby-led weaning can begin when your child is about 6 months old. That means no raw vegetables and no hard, raw fruit (such as apples) or, Put food directly on the highchair tray or table in front of your baby. Mushroom and asparagus quiche. What foods are suitable for baby-led weaning? For more information about baby sleep, see our 8-month-old sleep schedule and 9-month-old sleep schedule. (If your baby's gagging doesn't improve on its own, talk with their doctor. Make sure your baby shows signs they are ready for solid foods. When your baby gags, their eyes may water, they might cough, retch or make a noise in their throat and go red in the face. Some research suggests this is a useful way of enabling babies to regulate their own food intake. And yes, you can also offer sips of water with meals. Food for 6-month-olds doesn't need to be pureed, but it should be the texture, consistency, and size that the child can handle. BLW sessions can focus on fun and exploration. Should I avoid gluten in my baby's first foods? Baby-led weaning can be messier than spoon-feeding. Is okra a common choking hazard for babies? Make sure they are getting the important vitamins and minerals they need. Baby-ledweaning (BLW) is when your baby feeds themselveswith suitable chunks of food using theirown hands rather than you spoon feeding them puree. Your baby has special needs and can't chew very well. Having autonomy with their food can also keep them more engaged with the weaning journey. Letting her play with a spoon helps her practise putting it into her mouth, and you can help her by loading it up with things like yoghurt before you give it to her. All rights reserved. Practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers. Dont put the food in your babys mouth you must leave your baby in charge. Most babies are ready to start solids with BLW between six and eight months. Over time, they'll learn to grip the food between their thumb and forefinger. Manage the mess with a large bib or smock. Here are some foods you could start with: Fruits: Apples - soft cooked apple slices. Unsalted rice cakes:Perfect for snacking on when out and about. Your little one has the chance to choose, pick up and explore food themselves, helping them to gain independence. Additionally, your baby should show the following signs of readiness before beginning BLW: Sits up independently with good head and neck control Loss of tongue thrust reflex Brings toys or other objects to their mouth Our baby led weaning experience: Fun for all the family, but also the cause of 94% of all food waste We like to keep our own diet healthy, which means Baby Vegan can eat what we eat without us thinking it through much at all. Cut food into chip-shaped pieces about the length of your finger. Over the last 10-15 years, an alternative approach known as "baby-led weaning" (BLW), or "auto-weaning", has grown in popularity, particularly in the United Kingdom and New Zealand and more recently also in other countries in Europe [4, 5]. The nutrition committees of the main pediatric societies affirm there is not enough evidence to support which is the best method of weaning. Will my baby get enough to eat with baby-led weaning? To try baby-led weaning, your baby will need to be able to grasp whole pieces of food and bring them to their mouth. Avocados. Our experience is that babies who are given this control over what they eat early on are less likely to become picky eaters in the toddler years and beyond. To ensure adequate nutrition, continue breastfeeding or bottle-feeding your baby during their first year, even after they start eating solid food. Once your baby learns to use a pincer grip (holding things between a finger and thumb) you can introduce berries and raisins, or peas. 5. Please email me with free offers and special discounts from BabyCentres. Pears - ripe slices or steamed pieces. Parents often say that babies who choose what to feed themselves have wider food tastes. A hard aspect of this method of weaning can be relinquishing control. I'm a huge advocate for BLW. A simple way to make homemade baby led weaning chicken nuggets - a tasty dinner time treat for your baby! She is a mom of four and loves to hike with her kids, read, and knit. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18137165, Brown A. Fruity Chicken Balls These fruity chicken balls are perfect for baby-led weaning. To try baby-led weaning, your baby will need to be able to grasp whole pieces of food and bring them to their mouth. JAMA Pediatr. One concern is whether baby led-weaning provides a varied and nutritious enough diet. These mashed or pured foods can be single foods, such as parsnip pure, or a combination such as mashed banana and mango. Fusilli or Conchiglie pastais easier to grasp than flatter, smoother varieties. It also contains soluble fiber, which fuels your baby's gastrointestinal tract. (See ourprivacy policyfor further details.). Baby overnight oats. Baby-led weaning is a way to introduce solid foods to babies. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1740-8709.2010.00274.x. weaning your breastfed or formula-fed baby on to first foods, Breastfeeding: the trick to a comfy latch. Choking is much more serious. Here are some tips from experts on using BLW: And here are some comments on BLW from parents who used the method and liked it: "[Baby-led weaning was] one of the best decisions we made with our daughter. 1997-2022 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. Mini meatballs with butternut squash, red onion and sweet pepper recipe. You really have to be able to step back and trust your baby to get on with it. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2017.1766, Morison BJ, Heath A-LM, Haszard JJ, Hein K, Fleming EA, Daniels L, et al. With baby-led weaning, it's important to offer your baby a varied and balanced diet. Kerry Torrens BSc. (2001) Developmental Readiness of Normal Full Term Infants to Progress from Exclusive Breastfeeding to the Introduction of Complementary Foods. Check out our videos to see how it's done: Most babies are ready to start BLW when they're about 6 months old, though some may need more time. 2016. 7(1):27-33. It's always useful to know first aid when you have a child. These tasty meals work for eaters big and small. Talk with your baby's doctor before trying BLW, especially if: If your baby shows signs of readiness and their doctor says it's okay to try BLW, here are some tips for getting started: As with many other parenting approaches, what works for some families won't necessarily work for yours. 3) High-calorie food (if one of the above foods is not high in calories): nut butter, cheese, butter, avocado, full-fat yogurt on a preloaded spoon. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 45 mins, until tender. It's also worth noting that your baby will still need their breast milk or formula when they're on solid foods and you should keep giving them milk alongside their food up to 10-12 months. They should be able to sit up in a high-chair unassistedand have good neck strength. By 6 months, most babies can sit up on their own, pick up pieces of food, and try to eat. The best foods for baby-led weaning are large pieces of soft foods that are easy to grab and chew, like banana spears, baked apple slices, thin slices of toast, and soft-cooked meat. Berry and Coconut Chia Pudding Trust me and make this! They may also enjoy things like Hummus and pitta bread: Make sure you cut the pitta into nice, thin slices. 4) You don't have to cook a separate meal. As long as you're watching them, BLW doesn't create a higher risk of choking. Choose a new cookbook worth up to 28 when you subscribe to our magazine. Get the recipe: 125 Baby-Led Weaning Foods: Spinach Waffles. The baby joins the family meal which encourages social . You'll want to wait until your child is ready to start self-feeding. Thats why this stage is called 'complementary feeding' because it offers the opportunity to add variety to help lay the foundations for a healthy, balanced diet. Epub 2017 Apr 29. Baby-led weaning can be great for parents who want to involve their baby . they can control their tongue and do not stick it out when given food. The main difference between baby-led and spoon-fed weaning is the order babies learn their feeding skills. Just as with traditional spoon-feeding, your baby will continue to get most of their nutrition from breast milk or formula until they get used to eating solid food (usually around their first birthday). As long as you're watching your baby while they eat and giving them easy-to-eat foods, baby-led weaning is safe. (2017) Effect of a baby-led approach to complementary feeding on infant growth and overweight: a randomized clinical trial. Don't force your baby to eat because it'll only cause stress at the table. Find out how to spot the signs. Available at: https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/Pnacs461.pdf [Accessed 10th February 2022], NHS. Babies usually develop this skill at around six months old (Naylor and Morrow, 2001; Wright et al, 2011). Keep in mind that BLW may not be right for babies with special needs or babies who are unable to pick up and chew food on their own. You can find someuseful weaning products here. A Systematic Review. 31(4):496-504. Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2011-000298, Wright CM, Cameron K, Tsiaka M, Parkinson KN. 2016. Adapting family meals: If youre giving your baby the same food as the rest of your family, you need to make sure these meals are suitable. This page was last updated in 16 February 2022. Of course some may eat six to eight tablespoons if they have a bigger appetite. First, you need to sit your baby upright facing the table, either on your lap or in a highchair. Baby-Led Weaning: What Role Does It Play in Obesity Risk during the First Years? What is baby-led weaning? Cooking a complicated meal her kids probably won't eat is one of her favorite pastimes. Licking, smelling, mushing, holding its all part of learning to eat.. (no date) What to feed your baby. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2017.1284, Townsend E, Pitchford NJ. Eat as a family whenever possible. Becausebaby-led weaning foodis lumpier from the get-go, youre more likely to have to deal with this hazard. It will take your baby time to learn to eat solids, and in the meantime, they'll still be getting their nutrition primarily from breast milk or formula. The crinkles make it easier to grip. J Health Visiting. The feeding method has since gained popularity around the world. taste. Babies shouldnt be eating food with added sugar or salt,so no stock cubes. As your baby gets older, she will enjoy using edible dippers like carrot sticks and celery to helpher eat runny foods. Dont feed food thats known to bea choking hazard, such as whole olives, cherries or grapes. 2021. Try foods that are easy for them to pick up, and don't be tempted to over complicate with lots of flavours at once. Remember that babies should never be left alone while eating. Indeed, Baby Vegan would not accept any other arrangement. This method is also sometimes called modified baby-led weaning. Baked fish: Flake this into bite sized pieces for easy eating. Baby-Led Weaning: The Evidence to Date Curr Nutr Rep. 2017;6 (2):148-156. doi: 10.1007/s13668-017-0201-2. According to some research, babies who follow the baby-led weaning approach are more likely to be underweight and may be at increased risk of nutrient shortfalls such as iron deficiency because babys dont typically eat iron-rich breakfast cereals or red meat until later in the weaning process. In the UK, it simply means adding complementary foods while still nursing or bottle-feeding. When, What, and How to Introduce Solid Foods. If you are eating home-made pizza, that's fine too. You might have heard of it but are not surehow to do it. Be patient your baby might take a while to get the hang of things, but shell get there in the end! This may help with self-regulation of food intake and lead to healthier weight gain. A Baby-Led Approach to Eating Solids and Risk of Choking. Peach slices - soft ripe peaches. Here are some of our favourite baby-led weaning recipes: Top Tip:If your child struggles with the ball shape, make the recipe into baton or croquette shapes instead. They get used to different food textures from the beginning. Hard boiled eggs:Slice into quarters for a tasty (but messy) breakfast. Adventurous eater:Letting your baby make choices may lead her to be a more adventurous eater as theygrowupand introducing texture straight away means they'reless likely to be put off by lumps. Reg Charity No (England and Wales): 801395, (Scotland): SC041592. Baby led weaning is a method of introducing your baby to solid foods by offering them different easy-to-hold foods and allowing them to feed themselves. 171(9):832-833. The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. Is okra healthy for babies? 10(8):1092. The term baby-led weaning was coined around 2003 by health visitor Gill Rapley. Check out the signs that show your baby may be ready for baby-led weaning, from grabbing at your food to making chewing movements. My favourites types of pasta are spaghetti, fusilli and tortellini as they're all easy to get hold of in the supermarket, easy for baby to self feed and don't need anything special doing to them to make them baby friendly. Using thick, soft foods like chia pudding or greek yogurt for example. The difference is that with the BLW approach, babies feed themselves only finger foods and skip spoon-feeding. Curr Nutr Rep. 6:148-156. Every baby is different. Make sure your baby's food passes the "squish test" by checking whether you can squish it on the roof of your mouth with your tongue. It helps hone important developmental skills Allowing babies to gauge their own appetite and sense of hunger and fullness is enormously valuable. Check out our Community group on baby-led weaning to see what other questions and experiences parents have had with this technique. Bibs with full arms are also a good idea. Sweet potato wedges: Great for adding as a side dish for bigger appetites. Impact of a Modified Version of Baby-Led Weaning on Infant Food and Nutrient Intakes: The BLISS Randomized Controlled Trial. Instead of spoon-feeding baby cereal and purees, parents skip straight to finger foods and let their baby feed themself. cooked sliced apple or pear. A baby who can only sit reclined may find unwanted food sliding down his throat rather than coming out of his mouth. Chicken Ratatouille This is my go to for a filling lunch when at home with baby using only 3 ingredients. These baby-led weaning recipes are nutritious first finger foods for babies from 6 months of age. But what exactly does baby-lead weaning mean? This means theyre more likely to develop the skills needed to take food into their mouth, move it around andswallowsafely. There isn't much research on the benefits and drawbacks of baby-led weaning, so talk to your pediatrician to see if it's a good fit for your baby. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6958549/ [Accessed March 2022], Fangupo L, et al. Other research suggests thats not the case, so we dont yet know for sure. When to Start Baby-Led Weaning and Signs Your Baby is Ready. (Hons) PgCert MBANT is a Registered Nutritionist with a post graduate diploma in Personalised Nutrition & Nutritional Therapy. Baby-led weaning is all about skipping those spoon-feed purees and instead, offering your baby finger foods to make mealtimesfun. She is a member of the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT) and a member of the Guild of Food Writers. The benefits can be great, says . We were really nervous at first about him choking, but in the four months we've been doing this, he hasn't choked once! Cucumber batons:These are also great at soothing sore gums. The recommended age to start baby-led weaning is from six months onwards (NHS, 2019). Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/276905087 [Accessed 10th February 2022]. 15:99. Breakfast cups. Introducing solids should be fun, not stressful, I hope your little one enjoys these baby led weaning ideas as much as . So, is baby-led weaning best for you and your baby? Baby-led weaning (BLW) Okra+Cucumber YSA - YouTube #BLW #BLWJourney #BLW #BLWJourney AboutPressCopyrightContact usCreatorsAdvertiseDevelopersTermsPrivacyPolicy & SafetyHow YouTube worksTest. Well-cooked vegetable sticks, including steamed carrots, zucchini, sweet potatoes, and beets, Food with interesting shapes and textures, such as steamed broccoli and cauliflower florets, and slices of ripe, Soft, ripe fruits, including banana, papaya, pear, kiwi, melon, and soft-cooked apple. With this method of weaning you instead, cook the chicken in a way that is super safe, cut into small pieces, and place it in front of your baby with a spear of avocado then let them eat it all on their own. 2021. "Weaning can be tiring for both mama and baby but hang on in there and don't eat all the baby's snacks!" Yvonne from London "Let mealtimes be messy and fun! (2012) Baby knows best? That way, if your baby has an. We'll only contact you in the ways you want, and we'll keep your data safe - see our privacy policy. The middle ground is what seems to be favoured by many, and is the advice given by the Department of Health with spoon feeding alongside self-feeding offering an opportunity to grab and chew on foods like avocado, banana or mini rice cakes. Penne. Baby Led Weaning Quick Recipes (less than 20 min.) Nutrients. This responsive feeding might also improve eating patterns, because it relies on your babys innate ability to respond to cues for hunger and satiety, in a similar way to on-demand milk feeding. "Baby Led Weaning" (BLW) is a term that has been around for decades and has many definitions. One of the beauties of baby-led weaning is that your little one gets to explore a variety of types and textures of food straight away. Here are some of my favorite baby led weaning breakfast ideas for 6 months. Meet the expert: Dr Rana Conway, a nutritionist and author ofWeaning Made Easyabout baby-led weaning. All of our articles have been thoroughly researched and are based on the latest evidence from reputable and robust sources. Toast soldiers:This is a great option for helping your tot to try new textures. Your baby can decide what they want from the foods you offer and how much they can eat. Introducing your little one to solids through baby-led weaning allows them to be in charge, explore, and choose what they pick up and eat. Boswell N. (2021) Complementary feeding methods - a review of the benefits and risks. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Or any tips to share? Gagging is very normal for babies eating solidsfor the first time and is a natural gag reflex action when a piece of food isn't quite manageable for your baby's tiny mouth and throat. Additionally, serving multiple foods at once allows parents to pair foods together that offer nutritional benefits. Have you got any questions about weaning? Placing a mat under your baby's highchair can make for easier cleanup, too. This is when food is blocking a babys windpipe and it can be silent. Instead of spoon-feeding them mushy cereals and purees, you put large chunks of soft food directly on the highchair tray or table, and let your baby grab the food and feed themself. 4. Mashed potato:Put a heaped spoon of soft mash or sweet potato mash in front of them. they can sit up with support, such as in a high chair. Nutrients 13(3):1009. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13031009 [Accessed March 2022], Williams Erickson L, et al. Here's how it works in a nutshell: Italian Journal of Pediatrics 44(1):49. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5934812/ [Accessed March 2022], Gomez M, et al. Grasp small objects about the size of a finger or a large chip. It worked for us because my son was developmentally normal, at a normal weight, and had good manual dexterity.". Shows interest in food when you are eating. Click here for the first aid skills you need to know to help a choking baby. In fact, I thought the opposite because he wasn't getting anything processed. First, you need to sit your baby upright facing the table, either on your lap or in a highchair. Broccoli bites Broccoli recipes don't have to be boringthese baked broccoli Make sure they are steady and can use their hands and arms freely (Rapley and Murkett, 2010). Some research suggests babies who feed themselves are more likely to control their appetite, perhaps reducing their risk of being overweight later in life. A guide to introducing solids and eating well up to babys first birthday. Advantages of baby-led weaning. Family mealtimes can also help your baby feel like part of the group. Steamed green beans: These are nice and long for holding onto. All rights reserved. Taylor RW, Williams SM, Fangupo LJ, Wheeler BJ, Taylor BJ, Daniels L, et al. Are there any downsides to baby-led weaning? Can sit upright unassisted for at least a minute. BMC Pediatr. potato strips or cubes (roasted or steamed) There is no evidence to suggest babies are more likely to choke with baby-led weaning, compared to spoon-feeding (Boswell, 2021). Make runny foods like porridge thicker so your baby can scoop it up with her hands. (2011) Is baby-led weaning feasible? The official definition from her handouts is "a way of introducing solid foods that allows babies to feed themselves - there's no need for spoon-feeding or purees." Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship by seeing what NCT activities are happening nearby. The impact of weaning style on food preferences and body mass index in early childhood in a case-controlled sample. Make sure you or another adult is always watching carefully during meals and knows what to do if your baby starts choking. Taco bar. For others, though, baby-led feeding is the unofficial name of a slightly different approach that blends traditional spoon-feeding and baby-led weaning techniques. It is really simple. Cut food into sticksor wedges, and leave the skin on fruit so its less slippery. They make the best finger food for baby led weaning and toddlers! Yes. With baby-led weaning, babies are exposed to a greater variety of foods and, by extension, a much broader array of tastes and textures. It will make it easier for them to hold while they're eating. The first foods tend to be cereal, like baby rice mixed with their usual milk, or a fruit or vegetable pure. For the same reason, a big wipe-clean mat to place under the chair can be useful, especially if you have carpets rather than hard flooring. The bottom line. Small meatballs: These can be meaty or veggie, just make sure you slice them in half so baby can eat them more easily. She will be able to pick out some of the piecesfrom the scoop and have another go. Preheat the oven to 400 def F (200 deg C). Starting Solid Foods. But whether youre spoon-feeding or baby-led weaning, youre bound to have some mess at this age. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-015-0422-8, First Steps Nutrition Trust. If your baby's hungry, it might be best to give them a bottle or nurse them before offering solid food, so they don't get frustrated. Your baby can be offered food that the whole family is eating, with little need for further preparation. Baby Led Weaning is the process of introducing food to your baby without using purees. Baby-led weaning (BLW) is an emergent way of weaning that could influence children's health. When a baby gags, they're bringing the food from the back of their mouth to the front, so theycan chew it, says Rana. Babies love to copy their older siblings and try to grab food from their plates and . The food would usually be soft pieces held in the hand, rather than being offered on a spoon. Baby is ready when they are able to move food around their mouth with their jaw and tongue. https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article-abstract/138/4/e20160772/52372/A-Baby-Led-Approach-to-Eating-Solids-and-Risk-of [Accessed March 2022]. This recipe for warm and wholesome waffles made with nutrient-packed spinach is perfect for baby 6 months and up. Grease a small oven proof dish and spread the okra in a layer at the bottom. Babies learn to eat by observing and imitating other family members. mashed sweet potato or sweet potato fries and beans. This way, the food is both easy to hold but has a low risk of choking. Your baby's birth weight doubles by 6 months and triples by 1 year old. In his first week, Luca tried so many exciting foods, from quinoa to spaghetti squash. Pediatr Obes. Similar to national recommendations, baby-led weaning (BLW) is a way of introducing solid foods to babies in which babies are offered family foods at about six months. If your baby gags a lot, remember it's a temporary stage that your baby will get through. Cooked sticks or pieces of vegetables that are soft but firm enough for babies to hold usually go down well. Baby-led weaning (BLW) is when you let your baby feed themselves tasty finger foods right from the beginning - rather than starting off with spoon feeding smooth mash or pures and including finger foods around the same time or a bit later. Signs your baby is ready for baby-led weaning. For example, you could spoon-feed your baby purees and mashed food sometimes, but allow them to feed themself finger foods (like the ones listed below) at other times. (I don't have to sit and spoon-feed at every meal.) Experiment LLC, London. Make sure the food is developmentally appropriate for your child. It's understandable why so many parents love to wean their babies this way, as thinking of new recipes and flavour combinations can be tricky! Research shows that good eating habits are more likely to be formed whenfamilies eat together. Babies can eat a wide variety of foods through baby-led weaning (BLW), starting from around 6 months of age. The term "baby-led" weaning was first coined by Gill Rapley in 2005 . If your baby is done eating, recognize the signs (turns the head, closes the mouth, pushes plate away etc) and respect them. Many other parents decide to begin the weaning process with purees, however. Baby gagging: Its likely youll experience your baby gagging, and perhaps choking, so learn what to do if this happens. Bake for 25 to 35 mins until golden. Your baby needs enough energy to keep pace with their needs for rapid growth. Gagging brings food forward inside your baby's mouth so they can chew it more or try to swallow a smaller amount. Made with spinach, cheese and wholemeal flour, they're a good first food for babies from six months Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-017-0201-2, Cameron SL, Taylor RW, Heath ALM. Don't worry if they don't seem to be doing a chewing action yet - this might not happen until they reach 9 months. Whole-grain or vegetable pasta in a shape that's easy to grab, like fusilli or penne. Put a clean shower curtainor plastic mat under the highchair to make cleaning up afterwards easy. Meat should be shredded or cut into small chunks to make it easier for your baby to chew if you are using baby-led weaning. Offer a food several times before deciding your baby doesn't like it. Baby-led feeding is often just another name for baby-led weaning. If you're trying BLW with your baby, it's important you know the difference between gagging and choking. Wash your hands before preparing foods and keep surfaces clean. I agree to NCT contacting me in the following ways: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2047-6310.2013.00207.x, https://doi.org/10.1007/s13668-017-0201-2, https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-015-0422-8, https://www.firststepsnutrition.org/eating-well-infants-new-mums, https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2017.1766, https://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/Pnacs461.pdf, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/weaning-and-feeding/babys-first-soli, https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/weaning/what-to-feed-your-baby/around-6-m, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/276905087, https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2017.1284, http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2011-000298, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1740-8709.2010.00274.x, Birth and Beyond Community Support Programme (BBCS). Baby-led weaning (BLW) is a method for starting your baby on solids. How do you pre load a spoon for baby led weaning? Try to offer a variety of foods. Mini frittatas with ham, pea, cheese and corn These single-serve ham, pea and cheese frittatas will be a hit at lunchtime. Find out more about when to start weaning here. Getting started with baby-led weaning (Video). Carrot and Bean Cakes 4 oz (1/2 cup) cooked, mashed carrot What are the benefits of baby-led weaning? As they get more experience with solid food, your baby will gag less often. Tortellini. Here's how to recognize the difference between gagging and choking: Many experts say more research is needed on baby-led weaning, but some studies have found it may have the following benefits: There are also potential downsides to baby-led weaning. Add the chopped tomatoes, milk, oil and egg and blend thoroughly. Thankfully, weve moved on from putting rusks in the bottle with milk, but choosing whether to opt for traditional or baby-led weaning still sparks debate. Baby-led weaning: a good idea or not? Grease a 12 hole muffin tin and spoon in the batter. However, numerous studies have now shown that babies take in enough energy with a baby-led weaning approach. Dont worry if theyjust seemto be playing with the food, says Rana. She's a fantastic eater and eats a great variety of food. Tips and techniques from the Good Food team. Where can I find baby-led weaning recipes and more information? Small pieces of soft food and one or two spoonfuls might be all your baby wants, and milk feeds remain important to provide the main source of nutrition. Firstly, baby-led "weaning" is not really weaning off of breastmilk. Baby-led weaning is actually a misnomer, as the approach does not involve weaning from breast milk or formula feeding, but rather the addition of solid . Porridge fingers for babies and toddlers. Plant-based sources of vitamin D: Vitamin D2 supplements or vegan-friendly vitamin D3 supplements. The term baby-led weaning was introduced by Gill Rapley, a public health nurse and midwife, in 2005. baby french toast sticks (easy to grasp and fun) baby pancake (can mash eggs and banana and cook) or make your own. In BLW (also known as auto-weaning), babies around 6 months of age skip the puree stage completely and start self-feeding on solid foods. NCT, Brunel House, 11 The Promenade, Clifton Down, Bristol BS8 3NG Minced chicken, turkey or beef: Small pieces of minced meat are safe for giving baby's as well as being full of protein. "Over time, they can self-regulate," says Dr. Churbock. This is usually around six months. Babies won't be able to chew and swallow meat like steak, but they can gnaw and suck on it to get the flavor. Avocados, yogurt, tofu, eggs, carrots, meat and fish, apples, sweet . If you encourage little ones to use their hands, they are discovering different textures, as well as colours, smells and (hopefully!) Fusilli. In a nutshell, baby-led weaning means skipping spoon-feeding purees and letting babies feed themselves finger foods right from the startat about age 6 months. Blueberries and raspberries: Be sure to cut these in half for safe weaning. Baby-led weaning (BLW) is a method for starting your baby on solids. Once a child has moved past the initial fruit and vegetable stages, it may become increasingly challenging to give sufficient meat and other protein . Most commonly it refers to the introduction of soft finger foods when an infant demonstrates their readiness to feed themselves. Won't my baby choke if we try baby-led weaning? Remove the foil and top with the breadcrumbs mixed with the cheese. J Hum Nutr Diet. Simply dip the spoon it and let the mixture stick to it, then place the spoon in front of your baby and let her bring it to her mouth all by herself. The term baby-led weaning was coined around 2003 by health visitor Gill Rapley. Baby-led weaning, an overview of the new approach to food introduction: integrative literature review. Your baby will eventually learn what is manageable for them and what isn't food wise. Can I give my baby solid food at four months? While vegetarian babies can meet their needs with milk and eggs, vegan babes will likely need to continue a supplement in addition to fortified foods once fully weaned. It's natural: A baby's desire to explore is innate and it's how they learn. Suitable from 6 months, it's a great first food to get weaning children familiar with new tastes and textures Spinach savoury muffins 3 ratings Make these super green muffins as a first weaning food. Baby Led Weaning Recipes and Ideas. BLW encourages the introduction of foods through self-feeding, starting around 6 months of age. There's no official guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on baby-led weaning, but many experts say it's safe as long as your baby is developmentally ready to start eating solids. The baby can eat the same food as the rest of the family provided it is cut appropriately and doesn't contain salt, sugar, strong spices or honey. Baby Led Weaning The feeding approach known as "baby led weaning" or "BLW" for short, is a style of feeding infants that allows them to feed themselves right from the start. Originally popularised by British midwife Gill Rapley, she suggested simply putting appropriate food on your babys tray and letting themfeed themselves. Just as with spoon-feeding, wait three to five days after introducing a new food before trying the next one. It's a popular feeding approach that embraces natural and family-friendly eating. Baby-led weaning got its start in the UK with Gill Rapley and Tracey Murkett's Baby-Led Weaning. Some research has shown that its important to ensure your baby gets the real taste of food, even those that are bitter, so its best not to disguise flavours (for example, mixing apple pure into broccoli). We look at the pros and cons of baby-led weaning, and how you can start your baby on their first foods. For example, vitamin C increases iron absorption, so pairing a fruit (with vitamin C) with beans (iron-rich) is beneficial. Baby-led weaning (BLW) is an approach that lets your baby skip the traditional pure spoon-feeding and allows them to self-feed with appropriately-sized finger foods. Weaning is the process of introducing solids to your exclusively breast- or bottle-fed baby. 20002022 BabyCenter, LLC, a Ziff Davis company. Make sure your baby is sat upright before you begin and avoid giving any potential choking hazards, like nuts or whole grapes. But in the United States, it most often refers to ending breast- or bottle-feeding. We would like to keep in touch with you about our services, support, events, campaigns, and fundraising. The baby gets to experiment with different textures, colours, tastes, gets to squeeze and manipulate the food. Because of that, baby-led weaning is sometimes referred to as "baby-led feeding" in the U.S. For some, the terms are synonymous. No "fill-ups" are to be offered at the end of the meal with a spoon. Some parents worry that baby-led weaning is more likely to cause their baby to. Baby Banana Pancakes. Time-consuming: This method is based on your baby being the one in control, so you must let the mess happen! Gagging is a normal reflex babies have as they learn to eat solids. Bananas. Baby-led weaning encourages parents to serve more than one food at a time, which helps promote a varied diet. There is NO spoon feeding in baby led weaning. The best baby weaning products for less mess at mealtimes, 10 weaning superfoods to add to your baby's plate, Bauer Media Group consists of: Bauer Consumer Media Ltd, Company number: 01176085, Bauer Radio Ltd, Company Number: 1394141, Registered Office: Media House, Peterborough Business Park, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6EA H Bauer Publishing,Company Number: LP003328, Registered Office: Academic House, 24-28 Oval Road, London, NW1 7DT. Pieces of large pasta are ok, as is toast or soft fruit slices. That might mean offering purees when it's easier and faster, like at daycare or when your family is on the go, and then allowing your baby to eat soft table foods and finger foods at home. "Weaning" has different meanings in different places in the United Kingdom, where baby-led weaning started, it refers to the process of introducing solid foods to your baby. The Difference Between Baby-Led and Traditional Weaning Traditionally, the weaning journey starts with spoon-feeding mashed or pureed foods. You can start by offering your baby soft sticks and chunks of food, rather than feeding it to them (Public Health England, no date; First Steps Nutrition Trust, 2020). ", "I love baby-led weaning, but it's probably not a magic bullet. (2018) Impact of a modified version of baby-led weaning on dietary variety and food preferences in infants. Be mindful of choking hazards don't give your baby big globs of sticky foods like peanut butter or hard foods like raw carrots and apples. Just avoid too much sugar and salt. To start off your baby's baby-ledweaning journey, the rule is to keep it simple. Read more:11 foods to AVOID until your baby's first birthday. VAT no 918 5617 01, H Bauer Publishing are authorised and regulated for credit broking by the FCA (Ref No. Steamed baby sweetcorn:This is a great one for them to grab hold of and eat. Your baby has difficulty picking up food and moving it to their mouth. Your baby's doctor will keep track of your baby's growth at well-child visits, so talk with them if you're concerned about how much your baby eats or weighs. This relaxed and unstructured approach is based on your baby being offered solid foods and feeding him or herself, with no help from you or another adult. It. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/feeding-nutrition/Pages/Starting-Solid-Foods.aspx [Accessed March 2022], American Academy of Pediatrics. roasted or steamed sweet potato wedges. Thisis the easiest shape for them to pick up. However, some babies need a little more time and aren't quite ready to feed themselves until 7 months or 8 months. This approach is more clearly controlled by the adult and has the advantage of including a wide range of foods. One of the reasons many families love baby-led weaning is because it allows for your mini muncher to eat many of the same foods everyone else is having (with a few modifications). You can generally give your baby pieces of your ordinary family meals, or things you have in the house already, with baby-led weaning. Research suggests that baby-led weaning isn't associated with a greater risk of choking. You can start BLW from when your baby is 6 months old. 4.8 stars ( 23 ratings) Here is the ultimate guide of 125 starter foods and easy recipe ideas for baby-led weaning! Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10081092, Naylor A, Morrow A. Mary Sauer is a freelance parenting and health writer living in Kansas City. ", "BLW worked great for us. Never add sugar or salt to your baby's food or cooking water. 2020. She will start to eat eventually, so relax and enjoy. Rapley G, Murkett T. (2010) Baby-Led Weaning: The Essential Guide to Introducing Solid Foods and Helping Your Baby to Grow Up a Happy and Confident Eater. (2018) No difference in self-reported frequency of choking between infants introduced to solid foods using a baby-led weaning or traditional spoon-feeding approach. Some families strictly follow the BLW approach, while others do a combination of BLW and spoon-feeding. American Academy of Pediatrics. PMID: 28596930 All registered in England and Wales. Rather than the traditional method of blending food so that it is entirely free of lumps and then spoon-feeding it to baby, with Baby Led Weaning, only the baby puts food into the baby's mouth. This relaxed and unstructured approach is based on your baby being offered solid foods and feeding him or herself, with no help from you or another adult. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/jhn.12528, Brown A, Lee MD. (2017) Baby-led weaning - safe and effective but not preventive of obesity. Research shows that BLW has several benefits, such as helping your baby develop healthier eating habits. A 2021 study quantifying food intake using a 3-day weighed diet diary, compared baby led weaning to spoon feeding and showed inadequate intakes of iron and zinc for both groups. (Your baby's main source of nutrients will be breast milk or formula until they're about a year old.) Give your baby a spoon to play with lots of parents think that baby-led weaning means spoons are banned, but many babies love feeding themselves with one. Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700. Fortified soymilk (1 cup = 108 IU) DHA . I agree to receive relevant emails from BabyCentre and to the use of my health information to make the service more helpful. Don't overwhelm the baby with too many bits of food, two or three items at a time is enough. A seven month old baby will eat around four tablespoons of food at each meal. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/weaning/what-to-feed-your-baby/around-6-m [Accessed 10th February 2022], Rapley G. (2015) Baby-led weaning: the theory and evidence behind the approach. (, Introduce new foods one at a time. steamed broccoli or cauliflower florets with a stalk "handle". Be alert for gagging or choking. (2015) Early influences on child satiety-responsiveness: the role of weaning style. Large strips of poached chicken or fully cooked steak. Offer your baby soft or well-cooked food cut into sticks or strips that are at least as long as their fist, not bite-size pieces. some best weaning foods for the babies of age six months and old. When it's time to feed your baby, sitting upright in a highchair, not leaning back, is the safest choice. Beech-Nut 8+ Organic Baby Food 15+ flavor options available Free from artificial preservatives, colors and flavors Conduct over 20 rigorous tests on our purees, testing for up to 255 pesticides. 10 breakfast recipes for baby led weaning. eggs cut into strips with sliced raspberries or avocado slices. Traditionally, when a baby is ready to start solids they are spoonfed purees, which can be time-consuming for parents. This is the same age as the alternative spoon-feeding (NHS, 2019). Do you offer it to them on a spoon or fingertip, or do they just pick it up with their tiny hands? Use a crinkle cutter to chop the food. Don't help to put any food into his mouth, and you mustn't worry if you think he isnt eating much. Baby-led weaning (BLW) is when you let your baby feed themselves finger foods instead of spoon-feeding them purees. Your baby is offered a taste of food on the tip of a spoon, or on a fingertip. Appropriately selected foods are cut into friendly shapes for . Several studies have shown that iron and zinc are adequate with the baby led weaning method, but these have relied on parent recall of dietary intake. Cool cooked food and check it's not too hot before giving it to your baby. Baby-led weaning (often abbreviated to BLW) means forgetting baby pures and weaning spoons and simply letting your baby feed himself. Steamed broccoli floret:most babies love the tasteof broccoli and its stemprovides a built-in handle. The idea behind the BLW method is that it allows your baby to explore foods with different textures, as well as self-regulate the amount of food they'd like to eat. Cook foods until they are soft - for example vegetables and pasta. 2(1):e000298. Baby-led weaning is said to help little ones develop a sense for when they're feeling hungry. Available at: https://www.firststepsnutrition.org/eating-well-infants-new-mums [Accessed 10th February 2022], Lakshman R, Clifton EA, Ong KK. ", "We started baby-led weaning my little guy when he was 6 months old, and we've never looked back. Put the food straight onto your babys tray. We create our articles with NCT antenatal teachers, postnatal leaders and breastfeeding counsellors, as well as academics and representatives from relevant organisations and charities. Rejected foods may be offered again at a later date. 2018. Try offering them things like: See our other article for more baby-led weaning how-to tips. Of primary importance is fostering independence: with baby-led weaning, your baby will learn to eat on their own and have control over what---and how much---they eat. We'll only contact you in the ways you want, and we'll keep your data safe. Baby porridge with apricots. Halvesor quarters work well for apples or pears. This sample schedule assumes that your 8- or 9-month-old is taking two naps a day. (Naylor and Morrow, 2001; Wright et al, 2011), (Public Health England, no date; First Steps Nutrition Trust, 2020), (Townsend and Pitchford, 2012, Brown and Lee 2015; Rapley, 2015; Brown et al, 2017; Lakshman et al, 2017; Boswell, 2021), (Cameron et al, 2015; Taylor et al, 2017; Morison et al, 2018), Starting solid food on a budget: 10 practical tips, Sign up to our weekly Pregnancy & Baby Guide. There are some babies who need feeding therapy, usually with a speech therapist or occupational therapist.). Vitamin D RDA for babes = 400 IU. Baby-led weaning: Signs your baby is ready, the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information. Click here for the first aid skills you need to know to help a choking baby. Use a crinkle cutter when youre cutting fruit and veg, as the ridges will make it easier for your baby to grip the food. Food is all about experimenting and learning at this stage, he will be getting the nutrition he needs from his milk, whether formula or breast milk. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/foods-and-drinks/when-to-introduce-solid-foods.html [Accessed March 2022], Martinn-Torres N, et al. As they learn to eat solid food, they'll need less breast milk or formula. You might find attending one of our Early Days groups helpful as they give you the opportunity to explore different approaches to important parenting issues with a qualified group leader and other new parents in your area. Sometimes, it just takes a little while for your baby to get used to a new flavor or texture. Lasagne. Matern Child Nutr. The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. 7:00 AM: Wake and nurse or bottle. Read more about our editorial review process. The food would usually be soft pieces held in the hand, rather than being offered on a spoon. Babies usually develop this skill at around six months old (Naylor and Morrow, 2001; Wright et al, 2011). Pediatrics 138(4). Ravioli. In a bowl, itll be catapulted across the room. My baby's poo has changed now that they're on solids. And it allowed my son to be independent in choosing and eating food. First foods. An easy-to-clean high chair is a real benefit when baby-led weaning, because your baby is likely to throw, spill, and generally lose most of her meals, rather than eating them! Looking for inspiration? Nectarine slices. This page was lastreviewed in February 2022. Sit up straight when supported, either in a highchair or on your lap. Its usually quick and theres usually a noise. Two food items are enough. You avoid washing up the blender, but be prepared you'll probably end up with a lot of food on the floor! Yield: 16 small waffles. The aim was to determinate the influence of BLW on the infant's weight gain compared to the traditional spoon . Be flexible and be willing to use whatever method works best for your child. Cut bananasin halfand leave the bottombit of peel on as a handle. They'll likely try to hold the food in their fists and smash it into their mouth at first. sliced avocado. JAMA Pediatr. Authors Amy Brown 1 , Sara Wyn Jones 1 , Hannah Rowan 1 Affiliation 1 Department of Public Health, Policy and Social Sciences, Swansea University, 136 Haldane Building, Singleton Park, Swansea, SA2 8PP UK. The NHS says there is no more risk of choking when a baby feeds themselves than when they are fed with a spoon (NHS, 2019). I have never felt that because of BLW my son wasn't eating healthy foods. In the Self-Feeding Baby course, I have condensed nearly 20 years of nutrition practice and knowledge, all of the current research on baby-led weaning (and data about why it is a safe alternative to spoon-feeding), my tried-and-true meal plans and feeding schedules, 100 practical and delicious recipes and careful consideration about what to avoid when feeding your baby into a 5 module course . My son will eat anything that I put in front of him and is so excited to try new foods. Choose the weaning approach which matches your needs and your babys nature, and weaning will be easier. When the baby sits up unassisted, shows the ability to chew, and is interested in the food parents eat, she is ready. Always remember that bad moments don't make bad mums!" Gemma from Yorkshire "Have your camera at the ready to capture those messy, sticky memories! If you are an expecting mother or a new mom considering how you will choose to introduce solid foods to your baby, you've probably heard some debate about baby led weaning vs purees. Choose the type of message you'd like to post, Dr Frankie Phillips Registered dietitian and public health nutritionist, Subscribe to our app try 3 months for free, the best high chairs for babies and toddlers. One concern about giving babies whole food to eat is whether 6-month-old babies are developmentally ready to chew and swallow chunks of food and whether these chunks even when they're soft are choking hazards. If you are having a roast dinner then bits of potato or vegetables can be put out for your child. 3(3):144-151. From about six months old, you can offer your baby a variety of finger-sized nutritious foods, including soft-cooked veggies. When do babies first reach out for and eat fingers foods? Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/weaning-and-feeding/babys-first-soli [Accessed 10th February 2022], Public Health England. It's INCREDIBLE. Not sure if your baby is ready for weaning? written by bamboo bamboo. When it comes to content, our aim is simple: every parent should have access to information they can trust. March, 2022. Many parents unconsciously choose baby-led weaning, particularly with second or subsequent children. Use wipe-clean bibs with a scoop to catch some of the food your baby drops. Once your baby has mastered single food items such as sliced up fruit and vegetable batons, there are lots of recipes you can use to expand their palatesand try out new flavours! Signs that your baby is ready for solid food: they can hold their head up without support. By this age, your baby should be able to eat whatever you're having, just as long as it is cut into bite-sized, easy to eat pieces to avoid choking. 845898), Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections -, Babies shouldnt be eating food with added sugar, 11 foods to AVOID until your baby's first birthday. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies. BLW has become a popular way to introduce solid foods to babies in . Are there any reasons why I shouldn't try baby-led weaning? Macaroni. Its progression follows the baby's individual pace rather than a set month-dependent change in food type or texture. Sticky rice is easier than loose grains, so overcook it slightly or mix it with a bit of sauce. I also believe it made her a great restaurant eater. BLW can be messy! When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. Choosing a weaning style to suit you and your baby can feel daunting, with everyone seemingly having an opinion. In the early days of self- feeding this can lead to prolonged mealtimes and poor intake of nutrients. The chips need to be long enough for your baby to grasp, with enough sticking out of theirfist to eat. The evidence is mixed about whether baby-led weaning could stop babies from becoming. Dont put too much in front of them. It is very important when using baby-led weaning that you don't rush things, because a more immature infant could choke on food. Whether they're being spoon-fed or feeding themselves, many babies gag when they first start solids, and this can be disconcerting or even frightening. Baby-led weaning: what a systemic review of the literature adds on. Baby-led weaning, abbreviated as BLW, is when your baby of 6 months or older feeds themselves with finger foods rather than being spoon-fed. Move foods from the tray or plate to their mouth. Encourage discovery: While you don't want to force your baby to eat when they refuse the food you serve, don't offer a different option. Some parents find it helpful to attend an NCT baby first aid course to help build up their confidence. The child is allowed to decide how much they want to eat. Yes! Int J Environ Res Public Health. We always got compliments on how well-behaved she was, and people were always shocked to see a 7-month-old feeding herself in a restaurant. Baby led weaning is a type of weaning where you skip pureeing chicken with avocado, banana then spoon feed it to your baby. But the weaning process does naturally (and generally very gradually) have its beginning with the introduction of solids, which is why "starting solids" is referred to as weaning in much . Academy for Educational Development. More sociable:As your baby is eating what everyone else is eating, they'remore likely to eat with the rest of the family. Try our weaning recipe collection, packed full of perfect pures and tasty finger foods. If baby-led weaning is followed strictly, the baby only eats what he puts in his own mouth. Baby-led weaning might not work for you and your baby, and that's ok. 2021. Use food which is easy to pick up, particularly during the first few weeks. Instead of spoon-feeding them mushy cereals and purees, you put large chunks of soft food directly on the highchair tray or table, and let your baby grab the food and feed themself. Low in salt and soft in texture you will find easy BLW meal ideas, baby snacks & breakfasts. But how do you decide what your babys first taste should be? Some foods that are good to use with BLW include: As your baby progresses, they can start learning to dip their food chunks into hummus, unsweetened yogurt, and guacamole. Whatever method you choose, weaning is a gradual process. Traditionally, when introducing solids . It's also normal for babies to gag as they get used to new flavors and textures. Farfalle. BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2047-6310.2013.00207.x, Brown A, Wyn Jones S, Rowan H. (2017) Baby led weaning: The evidence to date. So far so simple, but here we explain what else you might want to know before deciding to introduce solids in this way. Offer meat in small stripsthat are easy to manage. Baby led weaning babies still need to learn how to eat pureed food like yoghurt and master the use of a spoon! Baby-led weaning should begin at 6 months to ensure the baby's digestive and immune system have enough time to properly develop. 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