Our baby led weaning (BLW) journey so far

Beyond ensuring your baby is showing all the signs of readiness for solids, diving into Baby Led Weaning (BLW) can feel a bit overwhelming when it comes to what to offer and how to prepare it. After navigating this journey with my own little one, I've gathered some practical tips and go-to recipes that have made our mealtimes a success! One of the most popular first foods is, of course, the banana. My baby absolutely loved them! I quickly learned that the "lollipop style" method – leaving a small portion of the peel on for your baby to grasp – was a game-changer. It makes it so much easier for them to hold onto the slippery fruit. Once they get more confident, you can move to banana finger strips, which are also fantastic for developing their pincer grasp. Always remember to serve these pieces in their high chair, ensuring they are sitting upright and safe. Another hit in our household has been banana pancakes. The recipe is incredibly simple and makes for a nutritious breakfast or snack. You only need 1 ripe banana, 3 tablespoons of flour (any kind works!), and 2 tablespoons of oat milk. Just mash the banana, mix in the flour and oat milk until combined, and cook small dollops on a lightly oiled pan until golden brown. These are perfect for little hands to pick up, especially when cut into manageable pieces. We sometimes add a tiny bit of sugar-free syrup on the side for dipping, as seen in some of our mealtime photos! When it comes to introducing meats, chicken has been a staple. For younger babies or those just starting out, shredded chicken is often easiest to manage. It's soft and easy to gum. As they get more experience, you can move on to small finger strip cuts of cooked chicken. I've also experimented with tiny cheeseburger pieces (ensuring they are soft and not too crumbly) and even butter chicken with white rice, making sure the chicken was cut appropriately and the rice was soft enough. For sides, soft, cooked vegetables like sweet potato fries (halved for easier grasping, just like regular fries!) or steamed broccoli florets are great options too. The key is always to ensure foods are soft enough to be easily mashed by gums and cut into shapes that minimize choking hazards. Remember, the goal of BLW is to let your baby explore different textures and tastes at their own pace. Don't be afraid of the mess – it's all part of the learning process! Always supervise your baby during meals, and offer a variety of foods to ensure they're getting a balanced diet. Watching them pick up a piece of banana, a banana pancake, or even a tiny bit of shredded chicken and truly enjoy their meal is one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.