Baby Led Weaning (BLW)

When it comes to your baby eating you want the process to be fun and enjoyable. It’s a learning experience and you should encourage your child to explore with their foods. I am a huge fan of baby led weaning (BLW). I think it makes life easier and helps the baby to develop great eating habits. Let me explain what exactly BLW is in my own words. Basically you give the baby whatever you are eating and you let them go to town on their own! All 4 of my children did BLW so, I like to think I have some experience on this topic.  

How do you know when your baby is ready for food? Here are the signs:

1. 6 months of age or older

2. Can sit up on their own and has complete neck control (can turn their head from side to side to see something).

3. Starts to show interest in your food, grabs, whines, and drools when they see you eating something.

4. Brings objects to their mouth during play time.

5. Can grasp objects with their fingers.

6. The tongue thrust reflex is gone.  

BLW food ideas:

– Hard broiled/or scrambled eggs

– Avocado slice

– Whole banana break it in half though to it’s less messy. Add peanut butter to it for an extra treat

-Whole apple peeled

-Whole pear peeled

-Mango slices

-Watermelon slices cut long ways

-Toast with coconut oil or mashed chick peas (hummus), avocado

-Pancakes or waffles cooked in coconut oil. Add berries to batter.

-Veggies steamed and given whole -green beans, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, parsnips

-Cucumber slices, sweet potato slices, pumpkin slices. (sliced long ways)

-Chicken cooked in chicken broth shredded

-Ground turkey meat

-Beef or turkey meatballs add some veggies to the balls (carrots)

-Steak in small pieces

– Noodles with coconut oil can boiled in bone, veggie, or chicken broth for extra flavor

-Steamed rice mix in some veggies

– Steamed fish

-Cooked legumes

-Grated shredded cheese (cheddar)

-Peanut butter balls or peanut butter in the food feeder

-Greek yogurt with strawberry slices

-Quesadillas with cheese. Add pieces of chicken and avocado.

Baby Meal Time Products I have loved over the years:

Highchair ORIBEL and JOOVY NOOK

Food Feeders

Utensils Ryan and Rose and Grabease

Plates and Bowls EZPZ Mini Mat and Re-Play

Sippy Cups

Bibs

Meal time should be fun and an enjoyable learning experience for your baby. Don’t worry about the mess and let them explore, learn, and enjoy their foods!

xoxo

Ashlee