Understanding the Basics

• Baby-led weaning is about letting infants self-feed from introducing solids, rather than spoon-feeding purees.

• Benefits: Improvements in motor skills, self-regulation of appetite, and exposure to a variety of textures and flavors.

• Assessing Readiness

• Age & Development: Most babies are ready for solids around 6 months, once they can sit up with minimal support and have good head control.

• Interest in Food: Look for signs like reaching for food or showing curiosity about what others are eating.

• Safe Food Preparation—cutting foods into manageable sizes and shapes (like sticks or fingers) and avoiding foods that are hard, round, or sticky.

• Supervision: Constant supervision during meals.

• Allergy Awareness: Introducing new foods one at a time to monitor for any allergic reactions.

• Meal Times

• Family Meals: Eat together as a family, turning mealtime into a shared experience.

• Variety & Balance: Offer a wide range of soft, nutrient-rich foods—vegetables, fruits, proteins, and grains.

• Mess Is Part of Learning: A messy table is often a sign of active learning and exploration.

Addressing Concerns

• Worries About Nutrition: As a licensed occupational therapist and a mom of two, evidence shows that with a varied diet, baby-led weaning can meet nutritional needs and help you identify allergies early. 

• Mess and Waste: Embracing the learning process, perhaps using bibs, washable mats, or even a dedicated feeding area.

Encouraging Experimentation

• Adaptability: Each baby is unique—what works for one might not work for another. Remain flexible in your approach.

• Celebrate Milestones: Celebrate progress, whether it’s picking up food independently or trying a new flavor.