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What Is Baby-Led Weaning?
When your baby needs more nutrients from food and is showing signs of interest, it's time to start introducing solids. This can be a very scary concept for a lot of parents, mainly due to choking fears or allergies. One of the popular practices is Baby-Led Weaning, and as with anything has some pros and cons.
So, what is baby-led weaning? Baby-led weaning is, as the title suggests, led by the baby. The baby chooses which foods to eat and practices its chewing skills first. If they started with baby purees, they would learn to swallow first. Ps. If you're looking for a great baby porridge recipe, you can find one here.
Call in the Experts! So today we have asked Dietitian & Founder Olivia Bates from Nourishing Bubs about Baby-Led Weaning. We find out all the answers to questions like How do I do Baby-Led Weaning?
Common Questions About Baby-Led Weaning:
Which foods do I use when introducing solids for Baby-Led Weaning?
Have a look at the video where Olivia explains the BLW concept. You can see that steamed carrots, broccoli, cauliflowers and lamb chop are some of her favourites!
Ps: Check out the baby porridge recipe to consider first food for your baby.
How do I do Baby-Led Weaning?
Baby-Led Weaning, or BLW, is a method of introducing solids by allowing the baby to self-feed solids. This method provides an alternative to the more conventional option of introducing a baby to solids by offering a range of foods in puree form, which are then spoon-fed by a parent or caregiver.
Whether starting solids using Baby-Led Weaning or by spoon-feeding purees, the introduction of solids should begin in the 4-6 month window. This is usually when the baby is showing signs of readiness for baby food.
How do I know when the baby is ready for solids?
- Showing interest in food
- Head and neck control, ability to sit upright
- Reaches out for your food
- Opens mouth when you offer him/her food on a spoon
- Gradual disappearance of the tongue-thrust reflex, which does not automatically push solids out of his/her mouth
Baby Led-Weaning generally involves introducing solids to the baby with a variety of different baby foods in finger-food portions. It has become increasingly popular in recent years due to the focus it places on babies’ independence. It is up to him/her to pick up and place food in their mouth. This method also allows baby to rely on their appetite cues to regulate the quantity that they take in. It also regulates the variety that they consume from the foods offered. This is thought to be particularly beneficial in preventing overfeeding, which is considered a contributing factor in babies becoming overweight children who become overweight adults.
While strict followers of Baby-Led Weaning may recommend avoiding purees altogether, many parents benefit from using a combination of both purees and Baby-Led Weaning to transition onto solid foods. This means, while offering purees, finger foods may still be placed on the high chair or table so the baby can feel it, touch it, taste it and get familiar with foods in forms in which they are likely to be presented as part of the family meal.
Benefits of Baby-Led Weaning
- Babies are naturally inquisitive and becoming more and more interested in the world around them. Introducing solids via Baby-Led Weaning really does encourage this while also promoting the development of their fine motor skills. Their hand–eye coordination also improves as they learn how to hold and handle different solid baby foods and textures
- It allows baby to regulate their appetite, as they do with breastfeeding. They cry when they are hungry and stop feeding when they have had enough. Caregivers may push past the baby’s natural appetite cues when feeding the baby purees, as they encourage them to keep eating more
- Helps them gain confidence, as they receive an instant reward when the baby food makes it into their mouth.
- Can be included in family meal times and enjoy the same foods as everyone else.
Will my baby choke if I do Baby-Led Weaning?
A fear of a baby choking on pieces of baby food is a common concern that arises for parents who are introducing solids. However, the presence of a sensitive gag reflex, which sits closer to the surface of the mouth, acts to protect the baby’s airway. It is important to note that gagging is a normal reflex for babies and is essential for them when learning to eat, chew and swallow.
Checkout this blog about Food Size for 1 year-old to Avoid Choking
Key Criticisms of Baby-Led Weaning
- It is extra messy. While feeding a baby in general is a particularly messy experience (time to let your OCD cleanliness go!), leaving the control in the baby’s hands also opens you up to food being squashed, smooshed, mushed and thrown anywhere and everywhere. Ensuring there is a mealtime routine whereby the baby is placed in a high chair with a bib and even a smock and a splashmat under the high chair can help to contain the mess.
- Concerns re baby eating enough. Because of the playing with food, which often goes hand in hand with Baby-Led Weaning, it can be hard to monitor how much baby food is actually making it into the baby’s mouth and thus how much energy it is actually providing. For babies where growth is a concern (eg. Pre-term babies, low birthweight babies), Baby-Led Weaning is often not recommended. It is usually necessary to keep strict food intake diaries so the dietitian or paediatrician can determine whether any fortification is necessary to ensure the baby is meeting their growth milestones.
Check out more resources on the Nourishing Bubs Blog.
Accredited Practising Dietitian & Founder, Nourishing Bubs
Curious about what you really need to make starting solids easier?
Browse our starting solid guide to baby feeding essentials—everything you need to help your little one explore new foods safely and happily.
Yes, many parents use a blended approach that combines baby-led weaning with spoon-feeding, often called “responsive feeding.” This method allows your baby to experience both self-feeding and being fed purées, giving them a balance of independence and guidance. The key is to follow your baby’s cues—let them explore finger foods when they’re interested, but don’t hesitate to offer a spoon if they’re hungry or need extra nutrition. A flexible approach helps create positive, low-stress mealtimes for the whole family.
When beginning baby-led weaning, start by offering solids once a day, usually after a milk feed when your baby is alert and happy. At this stage, milk—whether breastmilk or formula—remains their main source of nutrition, and solids are about exploration and learning. Gradually increase mealtime frequency to two or three times a day as your baby becomes more confident with chewing and swallowing. By around 9 to 12 months, solids will start to replace some milk feeds naturally.
It’s completely normal for some babies to take time to warm up to solids. If your baby isn’t interested, avoid forcing food and instead keep mealtimes positive and pressure-free. Offer small amounts of food and let your baby explore textures and flavours at their own pace. Eating together as a family can encourage your baby to mimic your actions. Continue offering breastmilk or formula to ensure they’re getting enough nutrition, and try again later—patience and consistency are key.
It’s normal to worry if your baby is eating enough, but remember that in the early stages, solids are mostly for practice. Signs that your baby is doing well include having steady weight gain, plenty of wet nappies, and showing curiosity about food. Babies naturally regulate their appetite, so let them decide how much to eat. Continue offering breastmilk or formula alongside meals, as it remains their main source of nutrition until about 12 months.
Babies may need several exposures before accepting a new taste, so keep offering foods without pressure. Eat together as a family—babies love to copy what you’re eating. Vary the textures, colours, and flavours on their plate to make meals exciting. If your baby refuses something, try again another day; consistency helps build familiarity. Creating a positive, stress-free atmosphere makes it more likely your baby will enjoy exploring new foods over time.
