What You Need to Know to Start Solids in a Simplified Way with BLW

What you need to know to start solids (simplified using the BLW method)

Discover what Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) is, its benefits, and your next go-to resource to give your baby the best start. 

Introducing solids is a major milestone in a baby’s development. For parents, finding the best approach to make this transition smoother can be challenging. That’s where the BLW Meals App comes in—a must-have tool to make this journey easier and more enjoyable.

In this article, we’ll explore the BLW approach, how the app can help simplify how to start solids, and the benefits of adopting the BLW method for introducing solids.

What is BLW?

BLW stands for Baby-Led Weaning, a term coined by Gill Rapley and a method that encourages babies to feed themselves independently from the start of solids, usually around 6 months of age. The term “wean” in this case is referring to British English where ‘weaning’ means ‘adding complimentary foods.’ We want to emphasize that when you’re initially starting solids with your baby, we do not recommend you cut out milk feeds. You simply add in complimentary foods and the milk feeds will slowly reduce naturally with time.

The foundation of the approach is rooted in Responsive Feeding – where caregivers follow the baby’s cues on hunger and fullness, but also support the concept of self-feeding. Instead of offering purees or mashed foods on a spoon and traditionally enforcing the baby finish a specific amount, caregivers provide finger-sized pieces of food that babies can hold and bring to their mouths on their own.

Simplify how to start solids

There are many advocates for Baby-Led Weaning that promote a strict “finger foods only” approach in the beginning of starting solids. However, recently in media even Gill Rapley has noted that due to the approach being rooted in responsive feeding other foods and textures can and should be offered.

The approach does ultimately support the concept of still offering purees and mashed foods, but encourages the baby to explore the food on their own whether with their hands or a pre-loaded spoon, without the spoon or food being forced into their mouth. This approach supports the development of fine motor skills and allows babies to explore flavors, textures, and their ability to self-feed.

Baby-led weaning also supports the idea that you are able to feed your baby the foods your family eats right from the start. It gives you suggestions and ideas for how to safely serve the food so you don’t have to make separate meals.

Benefits of the BLW Approach

BLW offers numerous benefits, including:

• Fine motor skill development: Feeding themselves helps babies develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and chewing control.
• Exposure to diverse foods: Babies are introduced to a variety of flavors and textures early, which may help expand their palate and food preferences in the long run.
• Healthy eating habits: Babies learn to listen to their bodies’ needs and regulate their hunger and fullness cues, fostering a positive relationship with food.
• Social mealtime experience: Sharing family meals helps babies learn the social and cultural aspects of eating.

Overcoming Challenges in BLW

While the BLW approach has many advantages, it’s not without challenges. Here are tips to address them:

• Messiness: BLW can get messy since they are still learning and developing their fine motor skills. Protect your space with plastic mats or newspapers to make cleanup easier.
• Introducing allergens safely: Whether you are offering purees, mashed foods or finger foods it is highly recommended by many health organizations to introduce the top 9 allergens early and often when starting solids. However, it is recommended to space out the allergens and offer them individually first, and monitor for a reaction before moving onto another allergen or combining them.
• Fear of choking: Many parents worry about choking. However, studies show the choking risk for offering safe finger foods is similar to traditional feeding methods ^{(1-5) .}Always supervise your baby and learn basic first aid. Read more here about the gag reflex and choking risks in our free guide in BLW Meals App.
• Family skepticism: Convincing family members or caregivers about BLW can be tough. Share resources, such as the BLW Meals App, to educate and reassure them.

Let us guide you with BLW Meals App

The BLW Meals App is an invaluable resource for parents looking to adopt the BLW method. It offers a comprehensive guide covering all stages of your baby’s development, from 6 months to 2 years.

Here are some key features and benefits of the app:

• Pediatric Dietitian-developed recipes: With over 600 recipes, the app ensures your baby gets balanced, nutritious meals. Recipes are made and tailored for every stage of development.
• Step-by-step instructions: The app provides clear guidance on preparing and cutting over 100+ foods safely to minimize choking risks.
• Meal suggestions and a year of meal plans: Knowing what to serve in the early days of solids can be overwhelming. The app offers meal plans based on development and ideas to ease the transition from breast milk or formula to solid foods.

Try the BLW Meals App

Curious to try the BLW Meals App? It offers a 14-day free trial, giving you full access to all its features and resources. Explore every detail and see if it meets your family’s needs.

For parents looking for a simple and positive way to introduce solid foods, the BLW Meals App is an excellent, highly recommended choice. Download it for free today!

We can help you figure out what you need to know to start solids! It doesn’t have to be intimidating. 

References:

1.Rapley, G. (2015). Baby-led Weaning: Helping Your Baby to Love Good Food. Vermilion.

2.Rapley, G., & Murkett, T. (2019). Your Baby Can Self-Feed Too: Adapted Baby-Led Weaning for Children with Developmental Delays or Other Feeding Challenges. The Experiment.

3.Daniels, L., Heath, A. L. M., Williams, S. M., Cameron, S. L., Fleming, E. A., Taylor, B. J., & Taylor, R. W. (2015). Baby-Led Introduction to SolidS (BLISS) Randomised Controlled Trial: Aims and Methods. BMJ Open, 5(7), e008926. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2015-008926

4.Taylor, R. W., Williams, S. M., Fangupo, L. J., Fleming, E. A., Heath, A. L. M., & Daniels, L. (2017). Effect of a Baby-Led Approach to Complementary Feeding on Infant Growth and Overweight: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Pediatrics, 171(9), 838–846. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapediatrics.2017.1284

5.Fangupo, L. J., Heath, A. L. M., Williams, S. M., Erickson Williams, L. W., Morison, B. J., Fleming, E. A., Taylor, B. J., & Taylor, R. W. (2016). A Baby-Led Approach to Eating Solids and Risk of Choking. Pediatrics, 138(4), e20160772. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2016-0772