What is Baby Led Weaning?

/ Cincinnati Birth Center/

Baby led weaning is a philosophy of introducing solid foods in a way that allows your baby to control their experience. It is very sensory. They get to fully engage in the variety of colors, flavors, and textures of food verses the “baby food” pureed method. With baby led weaning babies are eating the same foods that the rest of the family is eating. It’s affordable and easy to do. No special foods need to be prepared.

In the 1900s experts recommended introducing grain cereals to babies before other solid foods. Research has since shown the first foods babies need are iron and protein rich foods. Breastmilk is high in sugars and at nine months, the protein content of breastmilk dips slightly. Due to breastmilk’s high amount of carbohydrates, the last foods breastfed babies need added to their diet are grains and sugary foods.

Remember that introducing solid foods to your baby is just as much about their learning as it is about nutrition, so have fun with it!

What are some foods to share?

Bright colored foods are fun and packed with phytonutrients!

How do I know if my baby is ready?

  1. Age. Is my baby over 6 months old? 6 months of age doesn’t guarantee babies are ready for solids. Some may not be ready until up to 12 months old.

  2. Trunk support. Can my baby sit upright on their own?

  3. Hands to mouth. Is my baby able to bring toys to their mouth on their own?

  4. Pincer grasp. Is my baby able to grasp with their fingers? Would they be able to pinch and pick up foods?

  5. Interest in food. Are they showing interest in family meals? Have they tried to grab food when people are eating?

What meals can my family eat with our baby?

Here are some examples:

  1. Stew. Take chunks of meat and vegetables and put them on the highchair tray.

  2. Rice and beans. Give your baby a small bowl so they can pick up beans with their fingers. Add some chunks of avocado.

  3. Scrambled eggs and toast. Your baby can try egg curds and piece of toast

  4. Grilled chicken breast and vegetables. Try chicken breast strips and spears of vegetables.

  5. Roast broccoli with tofu. Give whole pieces of broccoli to hold and munch on and slices of tofu.

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