Baby Led Weaning - Starting Baby on Solids With Finger Foods First

As the recommended age for weaning babies increases more options are available to parents starting their baby on solids - Baby Led Weaning (BLW) is becoming more popular.

Half a century ago parents would start a baby on solid foods at just three-months-old, so it made sense that first foods were sloppy cereals and purees which were easily eaten by such a tiny tot. But these days the World Health Organisation recommends that babies don't start solid foods until they are six-months-old, meaning the way in which babies are weaned is also beginning to evolve.

Baby Led Weaning (or BLW) is becoming more and more popular amongst parents who have managed to delay the onset of weaning beyond the 26 week mark. BLW is a method of introducing solid foods which avoids mashing and pureeing, suggesting instead that parents offer appropriate finger foods and allow baby to take charge of his or her first tastes of solids.

When to Start Weaning

As the name suggests, Baby Led Weaning should be initiated by the baby. Babies must be able to sit unaided before the BLW process begins. Signs that baby is ready to start solids include:

·      An increased interest in what other family members are eating; baby may watch closely as adults and older children enjoy their meal.

·      Touching and taking food from plates of other family members

·      Mimicking chewing

·      Increased demand for milk feeds, perhaps beginning to wake again at night

Weaning the BLW Way

To begin with parents should offer a selection of soft finger foods that can be easily grasped by a baby. Cooked vegetable sticks, boiled or steamed broccoli florets on their stems and softened apple and pear sticks or banana pieces are great for beginners. At first baby will likely suck on these foods rather than biting and chewing, but this is normal and allows babies to familiarise themselves with foods and flavours at their own pace.

As baby becomes more adept at moving food to the back of his or her mouth and swallowing, so parents can increase the range of foods and textures they offer. Sticks of cheese and soft roasted meats may interest the baby as time goes on. Parents who use this method are very inventive and often become masters at fashioning foods into stick shapes to help their baby discover new tastes.

Is Baby Getting Enough Food?

Parents who are following a BLW plan may worry that baby is not actually "eating" enough. It is important to keep feeding milk on demand during the process, and there is no rule saying parents can't offer tastes of softer solids on a weaning spoon to supplement finger foods, if they so desire.

Why Try Baby Led Weaning?

This approach allows infants a sense of control over their consumption, which can eliminate feeding battles and help prevent fussy eating habits. BLW pioneer and veteran health visitor with 20 years experience, Gill Rapley explains: "Giving babies food separately or in a way which enables them to separate them for themselves enables them to learn about a range of different flavours and textures. And allowing them to leave anything they appear not to like will encourage them to be prepared to try new things."

Is BLW Dangerous?

Most parents considering weaning onto finger foods are concerned about choking risks, but a common sense approach to feeding will help eliminate risks. Babies should be sat upright and well supported during mealtimes and should never be left unattended while feeding.

Parents should be guided by their baby, if an infant is unable to pick up a blueberry or piece of grape in a "pincer grip" then he or she is probably not ready to eat it. Parents should resist the urge to "help" baby get something into his or her mouth and wait a while before offering it again.

Parents of babies with a family history of allergies, food intolerance or digestive problems should consult a health professional for advice on weaning. Baby Led Weaning may not be suitable for babies born prematurely.

Equipment for BLW

The good news is that parents who intend to go the finger foods first route will not need masses of baby feeding bowls, weaning spoons and the like. However, not surprisingly, BLW is a messy process so parents should invest in a mess mat for under the feeding chair, or start saving old newspapers. Some babies slip down in a highchair as they first start out and a foam plastic baby sitter such as a Bumbo with a snack tray can be a great alternative for starting BLW.

Finger Foods are Fun!

Weaning babies is a great experience and it is fun to watch them try and learn. This approach presents a great way for infants to develop at their own pace, and parents will enjoy the freedom that finger foods offer the family.

This article is intended for information only, any parent with concerns or questions about infant nutrition should contact their healthcare provider for advice.