Weaning can be an overwhelming time; after all, there’s so much conflicting advice from friends, family, and online. That’s why we’re here to clear up any myths and misconceptions around weaning, giving you the facts you need to confidently guide your baby through this new and exciting stage of their life.

• Baby led weaning is a safe and natural way to introduce solid foods to your baby’s diet
• Common myths about baby led weaning can lead to confusion and uncertainty
• It’s important to understand the benefits and challenges of baby led weaning 
• The right environment and foods is key to successful weaning
• Knowing how to minimise risks and ensure your baby gets the nutrients they need is crucial

Baby led weaning lets your baby feed themselves, unlike traditional spoon-feeding. 

By giving your little one soft, finger-sized pieces of food, they will learn to feed themselves,  trying different foods at their own speed.

Although both traditional and baby led weaning introduce solids to your baby’s diet, they do differ slightly. It’s important to remember however that you can incorporate both methods into your baby’s weaning journey.

Baby-led weaning lets your baby try different textures and tastes at their own speed. This helps them learn important self-feeding skills. It also helps your baby develop healthy eating habits and a good relationship with food early on.

Your baby’s hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills will also improve during baby-led weaning and they will also learn to eat just the right amount of food by listening to their body.

You might be concerned about your baby choking during baby-led weaning. To minimise the risk, only give your baby soft, easy-to-mash foods in small pieces and avoid giving them foods like whole grapes, cherry tomatoes, or hard veggies like raw carrots.

Make sure you always keep an eye on your baby while they eat; sit with them as much as you can. This helps to make meal times a positive experience. 

You might also be worried that your baby isn’t getting enough nutrients during baby led weaning. Aim to give your little one a mix of foods from all different food groups, like soft-cooked meats, small chunks of wholegrain bread and colourful, soft fruits and veggies.

Let your baby decide how much to eat, as they will know when they’re hungry or full and keep breast milk or formula as the main food until your baby is at least 1 year old.

If you’re worried, talk to a healthcare professional to make sure your baby is getting enough nutrients for healthy growth and development.

Start by giving your baby soft, easy-to-handle foods full of nutrients. Cut these foods into small pieces so your baby can easily pick them up and try different tastes and textures. 

Try ripe fruits like bananas, avocados, peaches, and pears as well as steamed or boiled veggies such as sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, and courgettes.

Gradually introduce other foods such as soft-cooked pasta, rice, or quinoa as well as scrambled eggs or omelettes cut into strips. Try soft-cooked shredded meat, fish or tofu, and soft cheeses like ricotta or cottage cheese too.

Keep things plain and avoid adding salt, sugar, or other seasonings as your baby’s taste buds are very sensitive at this early stage.

It’s important to give your baby a mix of foods for a nutrient-rich, balanced diet.

The weaning process is an exciting time for you and your baby and it’s a great time for you to bond.

• Creating a safe and comfortable spot for feeding is key. Pick a high chair or booster seat that supports your baby well and make sure the area is bright and free from distractions. Use a mat or towel under your little one’s high chair to catch spills and make cleaning up easier!
• Offer your baby soft, easy-to-grasp foods like cooked veggies, ripe fruits, and small pieces of meat. Baby-led weaning is about letting your baby take charge of their food so let them feed themselves to improve their hand-eye coordination and self-feeding skills.
• Getting messy is a big part of weaning. Your baby will likely get food on the floor, in their hair, and on their face. They may even get food on you! Use easy-to-clean bibs or aprons and a splat mat to protect the floor. Although mess can be frustrating, remember that the mess shows your baby is learning and enjoying food– embrace it!

Baby-led weaning is a great way to encourage your baby to eat on their own and it helps your little one develop good eating habits early on. Cutting your baby’s food into tiny pieces and staying with them as they eat, can help make baby-led weaning safer and more enjoyable for both you and your baby. Although there may be a lot of mess along the way, with patience and a positive outlook, you and your baby can enjoy the benefits of successful weaning.