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What is BLW?
Baby-led weaning (BLW) is an approach to introducing solid foods to babies. Unlike traditional spoon-feeding, BLW allows babies to feed themselves finger foods from the very beginning of their introduction to solid foods.
Why Choose BLW?
BLW has become increasingly popular among parents in recent years because it encourages independence, self-regulation, and a positive relationship with food from an early age. It also allows babies to explore different textures, tastes, and smells at their own pace.
When to Start BLW?
BLW can be started at around six months old when babies are developmentally ready to sit up and grasp objects. However, it’s important to consult with your pediatrician before starting BLW to ensure your baby is ready.
First 100 Foods for BLW
Here are the first 100 foods that are safe and appropriate for BLW:
1. Avocado
Avocado is a great first food for BLW because it’s easy to mash and contains healthy fats and nutrients such as Vitamin E.
2. Banana
Bananas are another great first food for BLW because they are soft and easy to mash. They are also a good source of potassium and fiber.
3. Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are a nutrient-dense food that are easy to bake or steam and mash for BLW. They are a good source of Vitamin A and fiber.
4. Carrots
Carrots are a great source of Vitamin A and can be steamed or roasted for BLW. They are also easy to cut into finger-sized pieces.
5. Broccoli
Broccoli is a nutrient-dense food that can be steamed or roasted for BLW. It’s also easy to cut into small florets for little hands.
6. Cucumber
Cucumbers are a refreshing and hydrating food that can be cut into sticks for easy grasping. They are also a good source of Vitamin K.
7. Zucchini
Zucchini is a mild-tasting vegetable that can be steamed or roasted for BLW. It’s also easy to cut into sticks for little hands.
8. Peas
Peas are a great source of protein and can be steamed or roasted for BLW. They are also easy to pick up and eat with little fingers.
9. Blueberries
Blueberries are a nutrient-dense fruit that are easy to pick up and eat with little fingers. They are also a good source of antioxidants.
10. Strawberries
Strawberries are a sweet and juicy fruit that can be cut into small pieces for BLW. They are also a good source of Vitamin C.
11. Kiwi
Kiwi is a soft and sweet fruit that can be scooped out with a spoon for BLW. It’s also a good source of Vitamin C.
12. Apples
Apples can be baked or steamed for BLW and are a good source of fiber. They can also be cut into small pieces for little hands.
13. Oranges
Oranges are a sweet and juicy fruit that can be peeled and cut into small pieces for BLW. They are also a good source of Vitamin C.
14. Mango
Mango is a sweet and juicy fruit that can be cut into small pieces for BLW. It’s also a good source of Vitamin C and fiber.
15. Papaya
Papaya is a soft and sweet fruit that can be scooped out with a spoon for BLW. It’s also a good source of fiber and Vitamin C.
16. Grapes
Grapes can be cut into small pieces for BLW and are a good source of antioxidants. However, it’s important to cut them lengthwise to avoid choking hazards.
17. Watermelon
Watermelon is a refreshing and hydrating fruit that can be cut into small pieces for BLW. It’s also a good source of Vitamin C.
18. Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe is a sweet and juicy fruit that can be cut into small pieces for BLW. It’s also a good source of Vitamin C and fiber.
19. Honeydew Melon
Honeydew melon is a sweet and juicy fruit that can be cut into small pieces for BLW. It’s also a good source of Vitamin C and fiber.
20. Cheese
Cheese can be cut into small pieces for BLW and is a good source of calcium and protein. However, it’s important to choose low-sodium and low-fat options.
21. Yogurt
Yogurt is a great source of calcium and protein and can be offered as a finger food for BLW. It’s important to choose plain, unsweetened yogurt to avoid added sugars.
22. Chicken
Chicken can be diced into small pieces for BLW and is a good source of protein. It’s important to cook chicken thoroughly to avoid foodborne illness.
23. Turkey
Turkey can be diced into small pieces for BLW and is a good source of protein. It’s important to cook turkey thoroughly to avoid foodborne illness.
24. Beef
Beef can be diced into small pieces for BLW and is a good source of protein and iron. It’s important to choose lean cuts of beef and cook it thoroughly to avoid foodborne illness.
25. Fish
Fish can be flaked into small pieces for BLW and is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. It’s important to choose low-mercury fish and cook it thoroughly to avoid foodborne illness.
26. Tofu
Tofu can be diced into small pieces for BLW and is a good source of protein and calcium. It’s important to choose non-GMO and organic tofu.
27. Quinoa
Quinoa is a nutrient-dense grain that can be cooked and offered as a finger food for BLW. It’s also a good source of protein and fiber.
28. Brown Rice
Brown rice can be cooked and offered as a finger food for BLW. It’s also a good source of fiber.
29. Oatmeal
Oatmeal can be cooked and offered as a finger food for BLW. It’s also a good source of fiber and iron.
30. Whole Grain Bread
Whole grain bread can be cut into small pieces for BLW and is a good source of fiber. It’s important to choose low-sodium and low-sugar options.
31. Raisins
Raisins can be offered as a finger food for BLW and are a good source of iron. It’s important to choose unsweetened and unsulfured options.
32. Dried Apricots
Dried apricots can be cut into small pieces for BLW and are a good source of iron and Vitamin A. It’s important to choose unsweetened and unsulfured options.
33. Nut Butters
Nut butters such as peanut butter or almond butter can be offered as a finger food for BLW. It’s important to choose natural and unsweetened options.
34. Hummus
Hummus can be offered as a finger food for BLW and is a good source of protein and fiber. It’s important to choose low-sodium and low-fat options.
35. Hard-boiled Eggs
Hard-boiled eggs can be cut into small pieces for BLW and are a good source of protein. It’s important to cook eggs thoroughly to avoid foodborne illness.
36. Meatballs
Meatballs can be cut into small pieces for BLW and are a good source of protein. It’s important to choose lean meat and cook it thoroughly to avoid foodborne illness.
37. Pancakes
Pancakes can be cut into small pieces for BLW and are a good source of carbohydrates. It’s important to choose whole grain and low-sugar options.
38. Waffles
Waffles can be cut into small pieces for BLW and are a good source of carbohydrates. It’s important to choose whole grain and low-sugar
