Introducing your little one to solids is an exciting milestone, but when it comes to baby-led weaning (BLW), many parents wonder: Is my baby ready? What foods should I start with? How do I make it safe?
If you’re curious about BLW, we’ve got you covered! Here’s everything you need to know about getting started, plus some easy, mess-free options to make mealtime a breeze.
What Is Baby-Led Weaning (BLW)?
BLW is a self-feeding approach where babies explore solids by eating soft, graspable pieces of food instead of being spoon-fed purées. Instead of you controlling the spoon, your little one takes the lead, learning to chew, explore textures, and develop independence at mealtime.
Why Do Parents Love BLW?
✅ Encourages self-feeding skills
✅ Helps develop fine motor coordination
✅ Introduces baby to different textures early
✅ Promotes independence and food exploration
✅ Can reduce picky eating later on
But before diving in, it’s important to make sure your baby is ready for BLW.
Signs Your Baby is Ready for BLW
Not all babies are ready to start solids at the same time, but here are some key signs that they’re developmentally ready for BLW:
👶 Sits up unassisted – Baby needs to sit upright in a high chair without support.
👅 Loses the tongue-thrust reflex – If they push food out with their tongue, they may not be ready.
🤲 Has good hand coordination – Baby can reach for food and bring it to their mouth.
😋 Shows interest in food – They watch you eat and try to grab your plate!
🦷 Gums or chews objects – Even without teeth, babies can safely gum soft foods.
If your little one checks all these boxes, they might be ready to start BLW! 🎉
Best First Foods for BLW
The key to BLW is offering soft, easy-to-hold foods that your baby can safely explore. Some great beginner options include:
🥕 Steamed veggie sticks (carrot, zucchini, sweet potato)
🍌 Ripe banana pieces (cut into strips)
🥑 Avocado slices (rolled in crushed oats for grip)
🍞 Soft toast fingers (lightly spread with hummus)
🍗 Shredded or soft-cooked meats (like chicken or beef)
👉 Tinybeets Foods makes it even easier! Our BLW-friendly meals include:
✅ Veggie Sticks – Perfectly soft and easy for little hands to grip
✅ Tater Tot Patties – A fun way to introduce texture
✅ Greek-Style Meatballs & Aussie Lamb Koftas – Soft, protein-packed, and baby-approved
BLW Safety Tips for a Stress-Free Start
Starting BLW can feel nerve-wracking, but here are some tips to keep mealtime safe:
🚫 Avoid choking hazards – No whole nuts, raw veggies, or hard foods.
👀 Always supervise – Stay close and watch baby eat.
🪑 Use a proper high chair – Ensure baby is sitting upright.
🥣 Start with soft, manageable pieces – Think easy-to-mash textures.
😌 Trust your baby – Gagging is normal as they learn to handle food!
Making BLW Easy with Tinybeets
We get it—prepping baby-friendly meals every single day can be exhausting. That’s why we’ve made BLW simple, nutritious, and stress-free with our range of chef-created, ready-to-serve baby meals.
🚀 No chopping, no cooking—just heat & serve!
💛 Fresh, high-quality ingredients made for little tummies
🥦 Balanced meals with veggies, protein & iron
👶 Designed for BLW & textured feeding stages
Whether your baby is just starting solids or moving on to more textures, Tinybeets makes mealtime easy, fun, and mess-free.