BLW 101: Baby-Led Weaning – How to Start Baby-Led Weaning Safely

Kick-off Baby-Led Weaning 101: Safely Starting Your BLW Journey.

Baby-led weaning (BLW) invites your 6-month-old to self-feed soft, graspable foods instead of being spoon-fed purées. In this How to Start Baby-Led Weaning Safely guide we cover up-to-date safety rules, must-try starter foods, common pitfalls, and downloadable resources ( BLW 101 How to Start Baby Led Weaning Safely PDF & Baby-led weaning food Chart ) to make the transition smooth. Every tip aligns with recommendations from Solid Starts baby led weaning specialists and recent pediatric guidelines.

1. How to safely start baby-led weaning?

Starting safely begins with timing—when to start baby-led weaning is after the big six readiness signs (sits upright, good neck control, etc.). Offer foods that squash easily between thumb and forefinger to minimize choking risk. Seat your infant in the 90-90-90 position (explained below) and never leave the table during meals. For a printable safety checklist, grab the BLW 101 PDF.

Key readiness checklist.

• Sits without support for at least 60 seconds.
• Shows interest in family food.
• No tongue-thrust reflex pushing food out.
• Ability to grasp large pieces (palmar grip).
• At—or close to—6 months chronological age.

2. What is the 90-90-90 rule for baby-led weaning?

The 90-90-90 rule means your baby’s hips, knees, and ankles are each at 90° angles while seated. This stable, foot-supported posture enhances core control, reduces choking risk, and encourages fine-motor practice. Choose a high-chair with an adjustable footrest; we review budget options in our Gear Guide.

Setting up the chair.

1. Adjust seat height so elbows rest just above tray level.
2. Place a flat, non-slip suction plate (see our Best Suction Plates 2025 review) .
3. Fasten harness snugly—loose straps = tipping hazard.

3. What foods to introduce first for baby-led weaning?

Baby-led weaning starter foods focus on iron, healthy fats, and vitamin C for optimum growth. Below are nutrient-dense options shaped into finger-length, thumb-width pieces. Download the complete Baby-led weaning guide PDF for a printable shopping list.

Avoid hard raw carrots, whole nuts, and sticky spoonfuls of nut butter during the first month. Need inspiration? Browse our 6–8 Months recipes.

4. What is the 4 day rule for baby-led weaning?

The 4 day rule recommends introducing one new food, then waiting four days before adding another. This spacing makes it easier to spot allergies and digestive reactions. Use the downloadable Baby-led weaning food Chart to log dates, reactions, and portion sizes. Once common allergens (egg, peanut, dairy) are tolerated, you can accelerate variety under pediatric guidance.

Tracking template highlights.

• Date introduced.
• Quantity eaten (grams).
• Any reaction within 24 h—rash, vomiting, etc.
• Notes on texture acceptance.

5. Disadvantages of baby-led weaning.

While BLW encourages motor skills and family-style eating, parents should consider a few drawbacks.

• Mess. Expect floors to be artistic for a few months.
• Iron intake concern. Needs careful planning of iron-rich starter foods like lentils and beef ragù.
• Parental anxiety. Gagging is normal but can be stressful. Learn the difference between gagging and choking (see safety section).
• Slower calorie intake Early on, self-feeding is playful; keep breastfeeding/formula as main nutrition.

Balancing spoon-assisted purées with self-feeding—sometimes called a hybrid approach—may offset these disadvantages of baby-led weaning.

6. Putting it all together.

Download the BLW 101 How to Start Baby Led Weaning Safely PDF and tape the food chart to your fridge. Share family meals, follow the 90-90-90 rule, honour the 4 day rule, and rotate iron-rich Baby-led weaning starter foods. You’ll build confident, curious eaters while capturing adorable messy-face photos. For more guides, see our BLW Starter Guides archive.

← How to Start Baby-Led Weaning Safely | Back to Top →