The book
subscribe

I'm starting BLW

1. What is BLW ?

BLW BLW is a different approach to traditional weaning: we move away from traditional purees and spoon-fed baby food, allowing babies to discover foods independently. Of course, babies can still eat purees and other smooth textures, but we change how we present them (using carriers or pre-filled spoons). Because in BLW, babies are active participants in their meals, bringing the food to their mouths and controlling the portions. Our role? To offer healthy and varied foods in safe formats and prioritize homemade meals to avoid added sugar in baby food.

BLW is therefore not just about giving baby pieces of food, it's much broader than that: It's a true food philosophy!

Learn more
What foods pose a risk in BLW ? They are basic, small, round, and hard foods. We explain everything in the article.

2. Why choose BLW ?

When to start BLW ? There are three conditions to meet before you can start BLW with your baby. Before starting BLW , you need to familiarize yourself with the various safety rules. A frequently asked question is: What about water and babies? What is the appropriate amount to give a baby? You will find the answers to your questions before starting BLW .

This diversification method offers many advantages such as:

  • Food discovery with all the senses
  • the development of motor skills,
  • the discovery of the true nature of food,
  • The ability to share a real meal as a family!

Significant advantages for the healthy development and growth of the baby !

Learn more

3. When to start BLW ?

We can't stress this enough: every child is different. Age guidelines should always be taken with a grain of salt, but here are a few criteria to help you determine when your baby is ready to start BLW :
  • Baby is 6 months old and he can now sit up straight when he is sitting in his chair.
  • He can turn his head from left to right and bring objects to his mouth by himself.

Does your baby meet all the criteria? Now is the time to get equipped before you start !

Did you know:

Learn more
Can you offer purees to a baby on a BLW ? Absolutely. BLW also offers other baby food recipes. When preparing meals, you'll need to be careful with the salt content. Yes, salt and babies don't mix.

4. Fears surrounding BLW

Finally, the last safety rule is to inform your family and friends about your chosen weaning method. This will help them offer food to your baby correctly. What about childcare and BLW Baby-Led Weaning)? How do you manage? Don't stress, we'll explain everything!

When talking about BLW , there are often two recurring reservations among parents.

First, the fear of choking. Rest assured, you will always offer foods with textures and sizes adapted to your baby's abilities. Studies also show that there is no greater risk of choking with traditional weaning than with BLWWheat). We often tend to confuse the feeling of choking with the well-known gag reflex, which can sometimes be quite alarming.

Secondly, parents often worry that their baby won't eat ! However, during the period of food discovery, this is perfectly normal! Babies will focus on exploring food with their five senses and will initially put very little food in their mouths. But don't worry, between 6 and 8 months, milk covers more than 80% of their energy needs. So, even if your baby eats little, or almost nothing, their energy needs will be met.

Significant fears can also be generated by those around the child (family, care facility, etc.) who are unfamiliar with BLW.

5. Before starting the BLW

Whether you choose traditional weaning or baby-led weaning, in both cases you will need to know some safety rules basic foods that are risky or should be avoided.

Introducing solid foods is a major milestone in a baby's life, but also in the lives of parents! Each stage brings its own set of stresses and questions:

What types of fats can be used to prepare baby food?

6. I'm starting BLW

What is BLW ? It's also about enjoyable family meals where everyone eats at their own pace.

As with everything, the hardest part is getting started! The beginning will undoubtedly be challenging, and your baby may take some time to adjust, but remember that every child develops at their own pace , and that's perfectly normal. When starting out, you'll certainly ask yourself some questions, such as:

6. The first MEALS

To help you start BLW with your baby in complete peace of mind, we have put together two balanced and easy-to-prepare menus.

My baby hasn't started eating yet.

See the menu

My baby has already eaten purees/porridges.

See the menu
What food should you start with and in what quantity? We recommend starting the BLW with vegetable sticks in very small quantities.

7. And then what?

Mom prepares the groceries to make baby's BLW recipes.

Have you finished your starter menu? Don't expect to go back to purees and purées. Baby is now having so much fun eating that they'll want to discover new textures, new foods, new flavors…

No more spoon-feeding! Mealtimes have become a playful and exploratory experience, and you'll see it's just as fun for you as it is for your baby! To continue sharing great recipes with your little one, subscribe to access all our recipes.

While making all these new recipes, you will probably still ask yourself some questions such as:

subscribe
The book
Starting purees at 4 months and wanting to start BLW at 6 months is perfectly possible. Or perhaps you're wondering how to combine breast milk/infant formula and BLW .

Need help getting started?

Receive our free guide printable PDF

  • safety rules to follow
  • key points to know
  • Baby's first week BLW menu

By signing up, you agree to receive informative emails from BLW Bébé about nutrition, tips, recipes, promotions and information on introducing solid foods.