Your baby gives clear signals when they’re ready to try solid foods. Watch for the signs to start weaning at 6 months such as your baby steadying their head and sitting up with a little help. Some babies start reaching for food from your plate or watch every bite you take with growing interest. These behaviours tell you their bodies are getting ready for solids and weaning. You can start planning some easy BLW meals for them around this time.
Starting solids works best when your baby shows you they’re physically ready. Their neck muscles must be strong enough to help them swallow safely. Most babies are ready for this around six months, but every baby grows at their own pace. Your doctor can help you with all the signs and choose the best time to begin BLW. IOr you can download our baby weaning app to start this journey effortlessly.
How Can I Recognize the Signs of Readiness for BLW Weaning?
Most babies begin showing these signs at 6 months of age, but every child develops at their own pace.
Physical readiness plays a big role in starting solids safely. When your baby can sit upright in their high chair with minimal support, that’s a first sign. You’ll notice they hold their head steady and strong when sitting, which helps them eat safely. This head control usually develops around the same time they’re getting ready for solids, making it easier for them to swallow properly.
Your baby’s interest in food is another clear signal to watch for. They might follow your spoon with their eyes during meals or reach for food on your plate. Some babies even open their mouths when food comes near, just like they do with their bottle or breast. These behaviors show they’re mentally ready to try something new.
Key Signs to Watch for BLW Weaning:
- Your baby stays upright in their chair and controls their head well
- They open their mouth when food comes close
- Their tongue pushes food to the back instead of out
- They show excitement during family mealtimes
When Should I Start Offering Solids?
While doctors recommend starting around 6 months, knowing exactly when to begin depends on your baby’s development. The World Health Organization and American Academy of Pediatrics suggest this timing because your baby’s digestive system needs time to mature and handle infant led feeding foods safely.
Every baby develops differently, so watching your child’s cues matters more than following a strict timeline. Some babies might show readiness for BLW weaning closer to 6 months, while others need more time. Your baby’s digestive system goes through important changes during these early months.
Breast milk stays your baby’s main food source through the first year, even after starting solids. These solid foods are practised at first – they help your baby learn new skills and discover different tastes. You need to keep up regular milk feedings while slowly adding in solid foods. This approach helps your baby adjust while getting the nutrition they need.
What Foods Should I Begin With for Infant Led Feeding?
Grains
Iron-fortified rice cereal makes a perfect first food because it’s gentle on your baby. You can add breast milk to it to create a thin consistency that your baby can easily swallow. You can start with just a small spoonful once a day, watching how your little one responds to this food.
Vegetables
After your baby gets comfortable with cereal, you can introduce vegetables. You can start with steamed and pureed carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin or lauki (bottle gourd). Make sure to cook them well and puree until very smooth. Make sure to serve just one vegetable at a time to watch for any reactions.
Fruits
Fresh fruits bring natural sweetness to your baby’s diet. Ripe bananas, soft pears, papaya or chikoo are great options too. Serve fruits plain without any added sugar or honey. Your baby will love the taste of fruits on their own.
Keep meal times safe by following some simple rules. You can cook all vegetables thoroughly and strain any pulses to remove skins. Wait 1 week days between introducing new foods to watch for allergic reactions. You can skip common allergens like nuts and dairy in the beginning. Stay away from adding salt, sugar, or spices to your baby’s food during BLW weaning.
How Can I Ensure a Safe Feeding Experience?
Your baby’s high chair is important for every meal. You can choose one with strong safety straps that keep your little one secure and comfortable. Never leave your baby alone during feeding time. Small portions work best when starting out – just a spoonful or two at first. Keep mealtimes calm and unhurried, letting your baby set the pace.
Essential High Chair Safety Tips:
- Keep the eating surface at chest height for comfortable reaching
- Place the chair on a flat and level surface away from walls
- Remove loose toys or objects from the tray while eating
- Clean straps regularly to prevent food buildup
- Ensure the tray locks securely in place
- Position the chair where you can easily reach your baby
- Check for any sharp edges or loose parts daily
- Keep the area under the chair clear of trip hazards
Some foods pose risks for babies just starting infant led feeding. You don’t offer them round and hard foods like whole grapes, cherry tomatoes, or nuts that could block their airways. You can cut all foods into small pieces no larger than a pea. Soft and well-cooked vegetables and fruits work best at first.
You can start with single ingredients and wait 3-5 days before trying something new. This waiting period helps you spot any allergic reactions clearly. Watch for signs like rashes, unusual fussiness, or tummy troubles. Keep a simple food diary to track what your baby tries and how they respond.
What Are Common Myths About BLW Weaning?
Let’s clear up some common misunderstandings about feeding your baby their first foods.
- The idea that adding cereal to bedtime bottles helps babies sleep longer simply isn’t true. Your baby’s sleep patterns depend on their development, not on solid foods. Adding cereal to bottles also raises choking risks and might lead to overfeeding.
- If your baby drinks breast milk, it doesn’t change when they should start infant led feeding. Breastfed babies need to wait until around 6 months, when their digestive systems are ready. You can see your baby’s development signs, not their feeding method, to know when to begin.
- Despite traditional beliefs, honey poses serious risks for babies under 12 months. Even a bit of taste can cause infant botulism, a rare but dangerous illness. This includes both raw and processed honey, even when mixed into other foods or used in cooking.
