Tips for baby-led weaning

Baby-led weaning is a child-centered approach to feeding and transitioning from breastfeeding to a solid food diet. Allowing baby to set the pace — eat when hungry and stop when full — is a responsive feeding approach, one that has been positively associated with healthy eating and body weight.

If you choose to use a BLW approach to feeding your baby, follow these tips to ensure safety and success:

• Exclusively breast-feed your baby for the first six months.
• Continue breast milk (preferable) or formula for at least the second six months of life. No regular cow’s milk or milk alternatives until after a year of age, and then whole fat sources should be used until age two.
• Make sure baby shows developmental-readiness for solid food by sitting upright without props or assistance, reaching for food, or showing other signs of interest.
• Feed your baby the food your family eats (soft-cooked, well-cooked or cut into graspable pieces).
• Offer a variety of foods from all the food groups. Don’t rely on starchy foods like crackers, breads and cereals.
• Understand the unique and important nutrient needs of your baby, including iron, zinc, vitamin D, total fat, and DHA.
• Let baby regulate his or her eating.
• Watch for signs of choking.