How to Start Baby Led Weaning: Simple Tips for Success
Mar 25, 2026You will love the look on your babys face when they eat their piece of broccoli. It is a mix of confusion and pure joy. If your baby is six months old you have probably heard of Baby Led Weaning. Baby Led Weaning is different from the way of feeding your baby. With Baby Led Weaning your baby gets to feed themselves.
They get to pick up food and put it in their mouth. This way of eating is messy. It is also very exciting. It is a way to teach your baby to eat different foods. If you want to start Baby Led Weaning without getting stressed here are some tips.
What is Baby Led Weaning?
Baby Led Weaning means your baby eats finger foods from the start. They do not need to eat pureed food. Around six-month-old babies can pick up food. Bring it to their mouth. Baby-led weaning recipes 6 months helps them learn how to eat and stop when they are full.
Signs Your Baby is Ready
Before you start Baby Led Weaning check if your baby's ready. Here are three things to look for:
- Your baby can sit with minimal support on the high chair
- Your baby does not push food out of their mouth with their tongue.
- Your baby is interested in your food.
- Hand eye mouth coordination is present
The Six Month Weaning Schedule
At weaning recipes for 6 month old babies still include breast milk or formula. Solids are like practice for your baby.
In the morning your baby drinks breast milk or formula.
In the mid-morning you can give offer your baby few pieces of finger food and also purees which they will eat themselves with a preloaded spoon- yes you can still do purees with baby led weaning if you dont want to follow it strictly. It is still baby led- because baby is putting spoon in mouth themselves- you just have to preload
In the afternoon and evening your baby still drinks breast milk or formula.
The goal is to start with one meal a day and slowly add meals.
To make baby led weaning safe make sure you do the following:
- only offer finger food when baby is sitting on high chair in upright position
- baby has to put finger food in their mouth , you cannot feed them otherwise the gag reflex won’t get activated
- Offer a safe finger food. No choking hazards- nothing hard, sticky,round, slippery.
You should cut food into finger-shaped pieces. This way your baby can hold the food. Chew on it.
Here are some food recipes for your baby:
1. Steamed Sweet Potato
Cut a potato into thick fingers and steam it until it is soft.
This food is great because it is flavorful, full of good carbs and has Vitamin A.
2. Smashed Avocado
Cut an avocado into pieces. You can coat the avocado with seeds or rice so it is not slippery.
3. Roasted Zucchini
Roast zucchini strips in a bit of oil until they are soft.
This food is great because it has a texture for your baby to try.
4. Banana
Roll a banana in almond flour to add grip and good fats.
Golden Rules for Success
Here are three rules to follow:
- Do not add salt or sugar to your baby's food.
- Eat with your baby. Babies like to copy what you do.
Know the difference between gagging and choking. Gagging is normal. Choking is not. Always stay with your baby when they eat.
Starting solids is a milestone for your baby. It does not have to be hard. If you let your baby lead they will learn to trust their body and enjoy eating. For information you can check out resources like Sanchita Daswani’s Introduction, to Solids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Best way to introduce baby-led weaning safely and gradually?
Introduce baby-led weaning safely using age-appropriate foods, gradual texture progression, and close supervision.
Best baby-led weaning recipes for beginners?
Beginner-friendly baby-led weaning recipes should be soft-textured, nutrient-rich, and easy to prepare.
How to make baby-led weaning recipes fun and nutritious?
Make baby-led weaning recipes fun by adding colorful foods, varied textures, and balanced nutrients, as advised by Sanchita Daswani.
