You will remember that a few months ago I told you about the introduction of complementary feeding from six months, and up to two years; Some ideas were clarified in the post, such as the ideal duration of breastfeeding, or the moment of introduction of different foods. We were talking about how there are children for whom puree does not suit them, and instead they want you to prepare the same as you do (which is logical: they are part of the family, and food unites). Today I'm going to go a little further: the 'baby led weaning' (BLW) is not new, but I find it very interesting, and probably the most natural way to introduce solids. It seems that in the United States it is quite widespread, and in Europe it is beginning to gain strength.
The basic principle is: the baby self-regulates When it comes to food, just as they demand milk when they're hungry, and in the quantity they need; in fact, this method doesn't even consider pureed food, because it allows little ones to grab a piece of cooked potato (for example) directly to put it in their mouths. Obviously, hard and difficult-to-chew foods (such as raw carrots) should be avoided; but If we think about it, there are many fruits or vegetables that can be offered raw, cut into sticks. (peeled apple, cucumber, etc.). Not to mention soft foods like bananas or cooked chicken, which fall apart when you bite into them (a piece of bread) or are thin and soft (cooked ham). Below are two sites for more information: one is in Spanish and the other is in English. it's called a different motherhood, another is the Baby Led Weaning blog.
It is still too common to see adults who practically 'force' the baby to ingest and swallow, when and where they want (surprisingly, to fill their mouth with puree by force and stuff the pacifier so that they cannot spit, it is a practice that together with others are still being carried out). The BLW is almost the opposite: it allows the baby to participate in the rhythms of the family, sharing spaces, moments and food! They also go from taking the spaghetti with their hand, to looking for the spoon because they want to imitate the other diners. The biggest drawback in my opinion is that in this way the most immediate environment of the little one will end up very dirty, but in return you will have an autonomous baby, which you will not have to be aware of. But beware! Not having to be aware of it is not the same as being carefree and going to pick up clothes: it is very small so that you are alone at any time, except that you are asleep and that you cannot fall out of bed.
The method was disclosed by a nutritionist named Gill Rapley, and studied by Dr. Davis, who (along with her collaborators) found in a very small sample of children that babies achieved a good nutritional balance
Many families are also familiar with the manual popularized by Rapley and Tracey Murkett, which reinforces the idea of offering real food and allowing autonomy without forcing quantities or times.
In other words: the BLW is 'going from the tit to the plate' depending on the capacity and needs of the child. In my case, I never made the oldest child a puree or porridge, but gave it the same foods that his father and I ate, yes: crushed; At 7 months he already showed a lot of interest in complementary feeding, and he has not stopped eating everything until now (with the exception of a few weeks after the birth of his sister). Introducing solids in the small one, it was more according to this method (Although I did not know it then), he showed interest in our food before, he was able to take the pieces that interested him and put them in his mouth. However, he stopped at approximately 8 months to continue feeding exclusively on breast milk until he was almost a year old.
What is BLW and what is it based on?
Baby-Led Weaning (baby-led weaning) involves offering developmentally appropriate solid foods in pieces that the baby can pick up and put in his or her mouth independently. It is not forced nor is it chased with the spoon: The adult decides what is offered and how it is presented, and the baby decides how much and when to eat.
This approach is in line with current recommendations: respect hunger and satiety signals, expose them to a variety of flavors and textures, and avoid using food as pressure or reward. The absence of teeth is not a problem, because the gums grind soft foods effectively.
To begin with, they are prioritized soft textures and stick- or wedge-like shapes (longer than their fist) to facilitate the initial palmar grasp. Later, when the digital pincer develops, small pieces can be offered.
It is compatible with breastfeeding or formula: milk remains the main food for a good part of the first year, while the solids are progressively explored.
BLW: supplementary feeding on demand
The baby is the one who decides, but you are the one who cooks: he cannot open the refrigerator or the pantry, you can put a variety of nutrients on the table. How? An example: a little bread with tomato spread on top, some macaroni, a small bowl of stewed lentils (without the fat of the sausages), cooked apple, a piece of hard-boiled egg. Your role is to offer healthy and appetizing options.
It has also been proven that children are able to avoid foods that have produced intolerances. In addition to the aforementioned autonomy, another advantage is the early contact with many flavors and textures, which favors its later acceptance. If they don't like any of them for another reason, they will also throw them away, but that's not a bad thing, I know dozens of adults who don't like a particular food.
For everyday life, it helps a lot to organize the family meal so that there is vegetables, a source of iron and energy on each plate. You can adapt your menu: the base is common, and the presentation respects the baby's soft textures and safe size for his or her hand.
Remember that it is not necessary to completely exclude crushed foods if you feel more comfortable with a mixed approach: BLW also works if some meals include purees and others include soft pieces that the baby can manage alone.
Is the method safe?
Since you are present and have properly presented the food, it is unlikely that he suffers asphyxia by choking, we also have mechanisms to avoid this accident, which are coughing or retching originated to try to expel the foreign body. Also think that at 6 months (age at which it is recommended to start with complementary feeding) still can't pick up very small objectsThen they have perfected the chewing system, and they have more teeth.
We are talking about an age in which they remain upright even though they have little mobility, so there should be no problems
To increase peace of mind, it is important to differentiate: the gags They are a common protective reflex at the beginning and do not involve choking. However, if there is no cough or sound and breathing is compromised, appropriate maneuvers must be taken. Train yourself in children's first aid It's always a great idea, whether you do BLW or not.
Avoid coin-shaped or spherical and hard foods (e.g., whole nuts, whole grapes, or raw apple). Always present them in a safe format: quartered grapes, cooked apple, well-cooked carrot sticks.
Signs of readiness and when to start
Beyond age, look for signs: sits upright and controls his head, shows interest in food, brings objects to his mouth, and has lost his extrusion reflex. The absence of teeth does not prevent him from starting to eat if the food is soft.
If your baby isn't showing much interest yet, offer food once a day without pressure. The baby sets the paceIf progress is very slow or you have questions, consult your pediatrician to customize your plan.
How to prepare a BLW meal step by step
– Serves family meals, seating the baby in a stable highchair, standing upright and at the table with everyone.
– Place 2 or 3 options in large pieces: vegetables on sticks, ripe fruit in segments, strips of bread or well-cooked pasta.
– Bet on colors, flavors and textures different at each meal to stimulate their learning.
– Don’t put food in his mouth: let him handle the food calmly, without rushing or distractions.
Quick and nutrient-dense ideas: thick hummus with roasted sweet potato sticks; tortilla strip with soft vegetables; rice balls with homemade tomato sauce; mashed avocado on soft bread.
Myths and realities that are worth knowing
– “BLW is too time-consuming”: with planning, you can adapt your family menu and serve safe versions without separate cooking.
– “It’s always a disaster”: a non-slip mat and bibs with sleeves make cleaning easier.
– “It impoverishes the diet”: the adult decides what to offer; with variety and balance, the diet is complete.
– “He will not learn to use a spoon”: by imitation and with practice, You can encourage the use of cutlery when he shows interest, keeping the pieces.
Suitable foods and inspiring ideas
Texture and cut ruleThey should be crunchy between your fingers and presented in sticks, strips, or wedges. Some safe and convenient options:
- Very cooked vegetables: carrot, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini and sweet potato.
- Ripe fruits: banana, mango, pear, melon, orange in skinless segments; quartered grapes.
- Proteins: shredded chicken or turkey, soft meatballs, boneless and well-flaked fish, egg in an omelet.
- Suitable pasteurized dairy products: natural yogurt as a dip; soft cheeses on soft bread.
- Cereals: well-cooked pasta, rice, quinoa or bulgur with homemade tomato sauce, soft bread.
- Legumes: beans or chickpeas crushed, thick hummus, lentil burgers.
- Spreads: avocado in chunks or crushed on bread; mild guacamole; sugar-free applesauce.
Avoid due to choking hazard or unsuitability: whole nuts, popcorn, raw apple or carrot, whole grapes, whole cherry tomatoes, sliced sausages, candy, and ultra-processed foods with added sugar or salt. honey no It is offered until after the first year.
Basic safety rules
- Never leave alone to the baby while eating.
– Always sit upright and avoid offering food lying down or in motion.
– Prioritize soft textures, without small, round shapes; cut lengthwise or offers cooked food.
– Have water on hand to accompany; serve warm for avoid burns.
– Know the difference between gagging and choking; first aid training recommended.
Iron, quantities and mixed approach
From the moment solids begin, iron gains importance. Include it daily. iron rich foods (legumes, meats, fish, eggs) and accompany them with vitamin C (fresh fruit) to improve their absorption.
Regarding “how much they should eat”: between 6 and 12 months, milk continues to provide most of their energy. The solid amount will gradually increase as their ability improves. Be guided by their appetite, growth, and overall condition, without forcing them.
If you wish, combine BLW with purees in some feedings. It's not all or nothing: The key is for the baby to participate, enjoy and maintain self-regulation.
How to cut and present food better
At first, the grip is palmar: it offers thick sticks or segments longer than your fist so they stick out when you close your hand. Later, use tweezers to add small, soft pieces.
Cooking should leave the food tender enough as if melting with the gums. You can use steam, a soft iron, an oven, or a microwave. A touch of olive oil and mild spices add flavor without salt or sugar.
Utensils and organization that help
A stable highchair, sleeve-type bibsSuction cups, open or sippy cups, and an easy-to-clean tablecloth reduce clutter. Place food directly on the tray if you throw away the plates.
Plan your family menu in advance to do not duplicate efforts: cook a common base and adapt the cut and texture to the baby.
BLW with other caregivers: grandparents and daycare
Explain the approach clearly: don't force yourself to eat There's no distraction to get them to eat, and high-risk foods are avoided. If this isn't possible, the baby can eat purees there and continue with BLW at home without any problem.
Allergens and how to introduce them calmly
It is not necessary to delay the introduction of common allergens (egg, peanut butter, fish, wheat, sesame) unless otherwise directed. When trying a new food, you can offer it for several days in a row while observing possible reactions.
A useful strategy is to follow the “few days rule” with allergens: enter one at a time and keep it in your diet if tolerated. If you have any reaction, consult your healthcare professional.
BLISS: A variant to strengthen iron, energy and security
There are adaptations such as BLISS that emphasize three points: always offering a rich source of iron, another of energy (healthy carbohydrates or fats) and educate about the risky foods and its safe presentation. If you're concerned about iron or weight, this practical guide can help.
Keeping yourself informed, observing your baby, and enjoying the moment are the three pillars. With presence, proper food, and an unhurried environment, BLW becomes a positive experience for the whole family, which strengthens autonomy, bonding, and trust. And if one day it's time for puree, that's okay too: the important thing is to respect their cues and offer real, varied, and tasty food.
Picture - (the first) juhansonin on Flickr.