Starting solids is such an exciting milestone—but also one that can come with a lot of questions (and mess!). If you’ve heard of baby-led weaning (BLW) and are wondering what it’s all about, or how to actually get started, you’re in the right place.
As a mum of two and an early childhood educator, I’ve done the spoon-feeding and the BLW route—and I want to help make this journey feel a little less overwhelming for you.
What is Baby-Led Weaning?
Baby-led weaning is a method of introducing solids where babies feed themselves from the start—no purées or spoon-feeding by adults. Instead, your baby is offered soft, graspable finger foods and allowed to explore tastes and textures at their own pace.
It encourages independence, supports motor skill development, and can make mealtimes more enjoyable for the whole family.
When Can I Start Baby-Led Weaning?
Most babies are ready around 6 months old, when they show these signs of readiness:
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Sitting up with minimal support
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Good head and neck control
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Interest in food (watching you eat, reaching for your plate)
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Loss of the tongue-thrust reflex (they don’t automatically push food out of their mouth)
How to Start Baby-Led Weaning
Here’s how to get going—without overthinking it:
1. Choose the right time of day
Start when your baby is alert and not too tired or hungry. Mid-morning or lunchtime often works best.
2. Offer safe, soft finger foods
Cut foods into finger-sized strips that are soft enough to squish between your fingers. Good first options include:
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Steamed broccoli florets
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Ripe avocado slices
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Soft-cooked carrot sticks
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Banana or mango spears
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Toast fingers with mashed avocado or nut butter
3. Let baby take the lead
Place a few pieces on their tray and let them explore. Don’t worry if they don’t eat much—BLW is about exploration at first, not intake.
4. Be prepared for mess
Mealtimes will be messy—and that’s okay! It’s all part of the learning process. (Pro tip: a Catchy food catcher tray and our full-length towel bibs are lifesavers.)
5. Avoid these foods
Skip honey (until age 1), whole nuts, added salt or sugar, and any hard/raw foods that could pose a choking risk.
Combo Feeding is Totally OK!
Not sure if full BLW is right for you? You can absolutely combine finger foods with spoon-feeding. This can be a great way to get the best of both worlds and ease into the process.
What You’ll Need for a Smooth Start
✔️ A supportive high chair
✔️ A suction bowl or plate
✔️ Ergonomic baby cutlery
✔️ A full-coverage bib (ours are made from soft, absorbent towel material!)
✔️ A sense of humor and a towel nearby 😅
We’ve rounded up our favourites in our Mealtime Essentials Collection to help make things simple.
Final Thoughts
Baby-led weaning doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. Follow your baby’s cues, trust your instincts, and enjoy the messy, magical moments. You’ve got this, mama.
Need support or have questions? We’re always happy to chat—just send us a DM on Instagram @looma.collective 💛