Blw 100 Foods: A Comprehensive Guide To Starting Solids

What is BLW?

Baby-led weaning (BLW) is a method of introducing solid foods to infants. Rather than spoon-feeding purees, BLW encourages babies to self-feed with whole, soft foods. BLW allows babies to explore and experience different textures, tastes, and smells of food, while also developing hand-eye coordination, motor skills, and independence.

Why Choose BLW?

BLW has become increasingly popular among parents because it provides a more natural and stress-free approach to feeding. Babies are able to regulate their own appetite, and parents do not have to worry about forcing their child to eat or overfeeding them. BLW also promotes a healthy relationship with food and can lead to a more varied diet in the long term.

When to Start BLW?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting solids between 4-6 months. However, it is important to wait until your baby shows signs of readiness, such as sitting up unassisted, showing interest in food, and being able to pick up objects and bring them to their mouth.

BLW 100 Foods

One of the biggest challenges with BLW is deciding what foods to offer. Here is a list of 100 BLW-friendly foods to help you get started:

Vegetables

– Sweet potato

– Carrots

– Broccoli

– Cauliflower

– Zucchini

– Green beans

– Peas

– Corn

– Squash

– Asparagus

– Avocado

Fruits

– Banana

– Apple

– Pear

– Mango

– Papaya

– Kiwi

– Pineapple

– Watermelon

– Cantaloupe

– Grapes

– Blueberries

– Strawberries

Protein

– Chicken (shredded or cubed)

– Turkey (shredded or cubed)

– Beef (shredded or cubed)

– Fish (flaked or cubed)

– Tofu (sliced or cubed)

– Eggs (hard-boiled, scrambled, or omelette)

– Lentils (cooked and mashed)

– Chickpeas (cooked and mashed)

– Black beans (cooked and mashed)

– Edamame (shelled)

Grains and Cereals

– Oatmeal (cooked and cooled)

– Quinoa (cooked and cooled)

– Brown rice (cooked and cooled)

– Pasta (cooked and cooled)

– Bread (toasted and cut into strips)

– Crackers (unsalted and whole grain)

Dairy

– Yogurt (plain and full-fat)

– Cheese (shredded or sliced)

– Cottage cheese

Fats

– Peanut butter (spread thinly on toast or fruit)

– Hummus (dip for vegetables or crackers)

– Guacamole (dip for vegetables or crackers)

– Olive oil (drizzled on vegetables or grains)

How to Prepare BLW Foods?

When preparing BLW foods, it is important to offer foods that are soft enough for babies to gum or chew, but not so soft that they fall apart easily. Foods should also be cut into manageable sizes, such as strips or wedges, to prevent choking. Avoid offering foods that are high in salt, sugar, or fat, or foods that are choking hazards, such as grapes, nuts, or popcorn.

Conclusion

BLW is a fun and exciting way to introduce solid foods to your baby. With this list of 100 BLW-friendly foods, you can feel confident in offering a variety of nutritious and delicious options. Remember to always supervise your baby during meals and trust their instincts as they explore and learn about food.