What is Baby-led Weaning?

Baby-led weaning (BLW) is an approach to introducing solid foods to infants, in which the baby is allowed to feed themselves rather than relying solely on purees and purées. Though BLW has been around since the 1990s, it has become increasingly popular in recent years as parents seek out more natural options for introducing foods to their babies. For many families, BLW is an attractive option because it encourages the baby to make choices about what they will and will not eat, which many believe helps to develop healthy eating habits and preferences.

BLW Principles

BLW is based on a few key principles. The first is that babies should be encouraged to feed themselves from the beginning, and that parents should trust their baby’s natural instincts and abilities when it comes to exploring new foods and textures. The second is that the baby should be exposed to a variety of healthy, nutritious foods from the outset in order to best ensure that they get all the vitamins and minerals they need for proper growth and development. Finally, BLW promotes family meals and table manners, so that babies learn to eat the same foods as their elders, rather than having their own special diet.

Benefits of BLW

There are a number of benefits to a baby-led weaning approach to introducing solids. For starters, it encourages food exploration and helps babies get comfortable with the textures of different foods. In addition, it encourages flexible, adaptive eating patterns, which is beneficial for both the baby and the parents. BLW is also thought to support healthy weight gain and development, as it gives babies the opportunity to eat until they are full and encourages them to develop their own preferences and tastes. It also promotes self-feeding and independence at mealtimes, which can be a great help to busy parents.

Ultimately, the decision to go with BLW or a more traditional approach to introducing solids is a personal one. However, for many parents, BLW is an appealing option because of the benefits it offers to both the baby and the entire family.