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Baby-led weaning explained — what it is and how it works

Baby-led weaning (BLW) is an approach to introducing solid food where the baby feeds themselves from the start, rather than being spoon-fed purées.

How it works

From around 6 months, soft finger foods are offered at family mealtimes. The baby picks up the food, explores the texture, and decides how much to eat. Examples: steamed carrot batons, soft avocado slices, scrambled egg, ripe banana.

Benefits

The gagging concern

Gagging is normal and different from choking. Babies have a sensitive gag reflex that moves food forward — this is a safety mechanism. Never leave a weaning baby unattended. Learn infant first aid before starting weaning.

Log every new food with our free baby weaning tracker.