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Everything You Need to Know About Baby-Led Weaning: A Helpful Guide by ItsMamaLina

Updated: 6 days ago

What Is Baby-Led Weaning?

Starting solids is a major milestone in your baby’s development. Around the age of 6 months, once your baby shows all the signs of readiness, they are ready to begin exploring solid foods. Traditionally, this transition started with purées before slowly introducing small pieces of food.


In 2008, Gill Rapley first introduced the term Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) – a method of self-feeding.

In this approach, "weaning" refers to the gradual and natural introduction of solids alongside milk feeds. Breastfeeding is considered an ideal preparation for BLW, as it teaches babies to control their own intake - eating as much or as little as they need. However, if your baby is not breastfeeding/ is formula-fed, you can absolutely still introduce solids using the BLW method.

A plate with colourful foods such as avocado, cherry, a muffin and nectarine
Colourful plate by @itsmamalina

When Can I Start Baby-Led Weaning? Signs Your Baby Is Ready

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and many national health guidelines, your baby is ready to start solids when they:

  • Are around 6 months old (about 180 days)

  • Can sit up well without support

  • Show interest in food and are able to chew

  • Have lost the tongue-thrust reflex (they no longer push food out of their mouth)

  • Can grasp and hold food using their fingers (pincer grasp)


First Foods and Safety Tips for BLW

Good First Foods to Try:

When starting solids, aim for foods that are soft and mash easily between your thumb and forefinger. Here are some great first food suggestions from me:

  • Avocado

  • Banana

  • Broccoli

  • Sweet potato

  • Zucchini or pumpkin

  • Chicken (soft, shredded pieces)

  • Cauliflower

  • Carrots

  • Bell peppers

  • Green beans

  • Pear

  • Butter beans

Avocado mousse - a plate for mum and a plate for baby
Avocado mousse by @itsmamalina

How to Prepare Foods Safely:

It is important to prepare the food safely and properly. The correct cuts are crucial and the food presentation is also important. Cut foods into stick shapes about the size and thickness of two adult fingers - this helps babies grasp them easily. Use divided plates to separate different food types, helping babies explore different textures and tastes. Always ensure the food is soft enough to avoid choking risks.


Combining Approaches: Is It Possible?

Baby-Led Weaning encourages babies to feed themselves, promoting independence and control.

In pure BLW, spoon-feeding is avoided because it can confuse babies' natural chewing and swallowing skills.

Spoon-feeding purées may interrupt their learning to chew, which is a key developmental skill.

In fact, research suggests that if babies don’t practice chewing from around 6 months, they might have delays in learning this skill later.

That said, some families successfully combine BLW with spoon-feeding depending on their baby's needs - and that's okay! The most important thing is that your baby gets the nutrients they need in a way that works for your family.


Useful Tips Before You Start Baby-Led Weaning

  • Read trusted books and scientific articles about BLW

  • Find a paediatrician who understands and supports BLW

  • Take a baby first aid course – it will boost your confidence

  • Don't worry about how much your baby eats at first - milk remains the main source of nutrition until 12 months

  • Babies can manage food without teeth - their gums are stronger than you think!

  • Learn the difference between gagging and choking (gagging is a normal reflex when learning to eat)

  • Offer solids when your baby is calm and happy - not overly hungry or upset

  • Accept that BLW can get messy - it’s part of the process!

  • Never leave your baby alone while eating

  • Patience and persistence are your best friends!


Benefits of Baby-Led Weaning

Here’s what many families love about BLW:

  • Earlier development of fine motor skills and chewing ability

  • Lower risk of allergies (due to exposure to a wider variety of foods)

  • Greater acceptance of different textures and flavours, reducing picky eating later

  • Self-regulation of appetite, as babies learn to stop eating when full

  • Family meals become easier and more inclusive, as babies eat what parents eat

  • More fun and exploration during mealtimes!


Banana waffles and banana donuts in a bowl
Banana waffles and banana donuts from @itsmamalina

Final Tips for Success with Baby-Led Weaning

  • Create a positive relationship with food (never pressure your baby to eat)

  • Establish a meal routine (offering meals around the same times each day)

  • Eat together as a family — shared mealtimes create connection and happy memories

  • Involve your baby in meal preparation when possible

  • Offer a variety of foods and colours on the plate to make mealtimes exciting


Ready To Dive Deeper Into Baby-Led Weaning?

For free inspiration on meal and snack ideas, download my FREE guide with 50 meal ideas, available on my Instagram profile @itsmamalina!

And remember, while this guide covers the essentials, your trusted paediatrician or a child nutrition specialist will be your best partner in supporting your baby’s transition to solids safely and confidently.


✨ You can find more tips, recipes, and BLW resources on my profile @itsmamalina.

✨ If you're eager to learn even more about starting solids and want more personalized guidance join the "Introducing Solid Foods" Workshop by Parent Path! This comprehensive workshop covers:


Want to Learn More About ItsMamalina?

Sofia Aggelaki
Sofia Aggelaki behind @itsmamalina



Sofia Angelaki (@mamalina)


  • Mum of two


  • Philologist and Educator


  • Specialised in School Psychology


  • Specialised in Child Nutrition and Childhood Obesity Management









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