29/07/2025
When to Start Solids for Your Baby?
Have you heard of Baby Led Weaning (BLW)? It’s a feeding method where instead of purees, babies are encouraged to self-feed soft finger foods directly.
When to Start?
You can start BLW once your baby is 6 months old, has good head control, and can sit with support. By this age, babies usually show interest in food and are ready to explore different textures.
What to Offer?
Offer soft finger foods like:
- Steamed veggies (carrot, broccoli)
- Banana or mango slices
- Boiled potato
- Paneer sticks
Avoid small choking hazards like:
- Whole nuts
- Grapes
- Hard foods
Benefits of BLW:
- Develops motor skills and hand-eye coordination
- Builds a positive relationship with food
- Helps reduce picky eating as baby explores various textures and flavors
Disadvantages / Points to Remember:
- Can be messy
- Choking risk (always supervise!)
- Hard to track exact nutrient intake
- May cause gagging (which is normal and different from choking)
BLW encourages independence, improves chewing skills, and makes mealtime fun and interactive, but always ensure safety and follow your baby’s cues!