When to start baby led weaning?
Baby led weaning (BLW) is a popular method of transitioning from breastmilk or first formula to solid foods. It’s also called “Free-form Infant Feeding” or FIF for short and is sometimes referred to as “baby guided eating.” Through the BLW method you and your bub can share meals together, and your little one learns through shared experience how to explore different flavours and textures from 6 months onward once exhibiting all of the signs of readiness. It just means that your baby will learn what she likes through trial and error with the help of her family members. The idea of BLW is to form a positive relationship with food, reduce the risk of choking by introducing finger foods earlier, allow your child to guide the weaning process and reduce picky eating habits.
Baby led weaning should start with the introduction of solids, usually around 6 months.
Baby led weaning should start with the introduction of solids, usually around 6 months. Solids should be introduced after breastfeeding or bottle feeding is well established and baby is able to sit unassisted and hold his head up. Always seek the advice of a healthcare professional before the introduction of solids.
A baby’s own developmental readiness drives the process, which is different for every baby.
The first thing to know is that BLW is not a race. It’s not about how fast or slow your baby can eat independently. Rather, developmental readiness is key—it’s the time when you and your baby are ready for each step of the process.
When do they start? Your child will be ready at different ages depending on their individual needs and abilities. Usually this happens aroubd 6 months of age. Signs of readiness often include:
- Sitting independently
- Good neck strength and head control
- The ability to pick up and move objects to their mouth independently.
- Interest in food that you are eating. Eg. Reaching out or following with their eyes.
Pediatricians generally recommend starting BLW at 6 months and continuing milk feeding as a main source of nutrition until 12.
Pediatricians generally recommend starting BLW at 6 months and continuing nursing or bottle feeding until 12 months for best results.
Why? The American Academy of Pediatrics says that it’s important to continue breastfeeding longer than the first year because there are many benefits, including:
- A strong attachment between baby and mother;
- Protection against illness caused by malnutrition;
- Allowing your child to learn how to eat solid foods in a tasteful manner;
- Helping him develop his sense of taste, smell and touch as well as his motor skills (such as rolling an egg on your finger).
It is also important to continue milk feeding to ensure that your little ones nutritional needs are fully met while they figure out how to eat! So, when should you start baby led weaning? The answer is really based on your baby’s developmental readiness and the specific dietary needs of their particular diet. But remember, if you’re going to do this at all, the best way to do it right is to follow your pediatrician’s advice and stick with it!
