First Foods Checklist for BLW Beginners
First Foods Checklist for BLW Beginners – First Foods Checklist You’ll Actually Use
The ultimate first foods checklist every BLW beginner needs for a confident start.
New to baby-led weaning and not sure what belongs on the plate? This First Foods Checklist for BLW Beginners bundles expert NHS guidance, iron-rich starters, and an easy Baby-led weaning food Chart you can stick on the fridge. Scroll down for a First foods checklist for BLW beginners PDF free download—plus a bonus Baby First 100 foods PDF free Download to keep variety flowing from day one.
1. Why bother with a written checklist?
A checklist streamlines meal prep, guarantees nutrient coverage, and keeps anxiety low when Grandma asks, “Can she eat this yet?”. Parents following the First foods checklist for BLW beginners NHS find they hit iron targets sooner and introduce allergens safely. For on-the-go reference, grab the Baby’s first foods checklist PDF.
2. Safety signals before you offer the first bite.
2.1 Six readiness signs.
- Sits upright without slumping.
- Shows hand-to-mouth coordination.
- No tongue-thrust reflex pushing food out.
- Good head and neck control.
- Opens mouth eagerly when food approaches.
- Hits roughly 6 months corrected age.
2.2 90-90-90 posture recap.
Make sure hips, knees, and ankles are each at 90 ° angles. This seated stability—the foundation covered in our BLW 101 safety guide—reduces choking risk.
3. First foods checklist (6–8 months) – organised by nutrient.
A. Iron heroes.
| Food | BLW-friendly shape | Why serve it? |
|---|---|---|
| Soft-boiled egg quarters | Lengthwise quarters, yolk still runny. | Iron, choline. |
| Baked salmon fingers | Finger-thick strips, skin off. | DHA & high-absorption heme iron. |
| Slow-cooked beef strands | Clump into cigar shape. | Iron + zinc. |
B. Vitamin-C sidekicks that aid iron absorption.
- Mango cheeks—peeled, pit as built-in handle.
- Steamed broccoli florets (“trees”).
- Strawberry halves rolled in ground oats for grip.
C. Healthy-fat boosters for brain growth.
- Avocado spears, half skin left on.
- Full-fat Greek yogurt on pre-loaded spoon.
- Banana pieces dusted with chia seeds.
D. Fibre & slow carbs.
- Steamed sweet-potato wedges.
- Overnight oats bars (oats + breast milk).
- Roasted butternut squash sticks with olive oil.
Don’t forget to log every new ingredient on your Free printable baby first food Checklist—included in the PDF pack.
4. Allergy introduction plan.
Adopt the 4-day rule—introduce one new food and wait four days before the next. Print the Baby-led weaning food Chart to record reactions: rash, hives, changes in stool. Peanut, egg, and dairy can appear early as thin purĂ©es or baked forms to help tolerance. All steps mirror the latest Solid Starts baby led weaning recommendations.
5. Building your meal flow for week one.
5.1 Day-by-day snapshot.
- Day 1: Avocado spears + soft-boiled egg.
- Day 2: Sweet-potato wedges + mango cheek.
- Day 3: Salmon finger + broccoli tree.
- Day 4: Banana-chia bites + Greek yogurt spoon.
5.2 Hybrid purée tip.
If iron intake lags, add a spoon-fed purée alongside Baby-led weaning starter foods. Hybrid feeding maintains texture exploration while safeguarding nutrition.
6. Downloads & printing instructions.
- First foods checklist for BLW beginners PDF – one-page kitchen poster.
- First foods checklist for blw beginners pdf free download – gets emailed instantly.
- Baby First 100 foods PDF free Download – colour-coded list to boost variety.
Laminate the Free printable baby first food Checklist and erase with dry-wipe markers as your infant conquers new bites. Bookmark this First Foods Checklist for BLW Beginners for easy reference, and pair it with our BLW 101 safety guide before meal number one.