Many parents face confusion when it comes to deciding which solids to start their babies on. Teaching caregivers when to introduce solids and their options for doing so empowers them to give their baby a nutritious start.
There are two methods for introducing the wonderful world of food to babies: purees and baby-led weaning, or BLW for short. Although either method introduces a variety of ingredients, flavors, and nutrients, they differ in food textures.
Let’s review the concept of BLW, its potential benefits, and which foods are the best first BLW foods.
What is BLW?
BLW centers around the concept of babies feeding themselves vs being spoon-fed by a caregiver. Babies are offered strips of easy-to-hold, soft foods and are allowed to explore the food at their own pace.
Self-feeding supports independence and fine motor development, allows the baby to control what and how much they eat, and provides early exposure to a variety of textures. Purees tend to have the same smooth consistency and mouthfeel, whereas BLW introduces many different food shapes and textures.
First BLW Foods
Use these guidelines to help clients select appropriate first BLW foods:
- Choose soft foods or foods that can be cooked till soft.
- BLW foods should be mashable when squeezed between an adult’s fingers.
- Foods should be easy to pick up, not slippery or too small.
- Cut foods into strips about the length and width of one or two adult fingers.
- Skip foods that are hard, crunchy, sticky, or chewy.
- Stick to single-ingredient foods that are free from added sugar and salt.
With those guidelines in mind,here are 5 of the best first BLW foods.
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AvocadoMany parents offer avocado as a baby first food. The avocado’s smooth, creamy consistency makes it a great and healthy first food for baby. Avocados should be pitted, peeled, and cut into strips for BLW. Avocado strips can also be rolled in infant cereal to make them easier to grip.
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BananaBananas contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Ripe bananas can be peeled and cut into strips. Parents can also offer half of a banana with some of the peel still attached to make it easier to hold.
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BeefBabies need more iron around 6 months when maternal stores begin to dip. Iron is essential for transporting oxygen to every part of the body. Beef contains heme iron, which is easily absorbed. Ground beef can be shaped and baked into meatballs (no other ingredients needed) and cut into quarters for serving.
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EggsEncourage clients to prepare hard-boiled eggs or omelets, both of which can be cut into strips for serving to babies. Eggs contain protein, iron, and choline, which are important nutrients for brain development.
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Sweet PotatoesFruits and vegetables are important early foods because they provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Sweet potatoes can be cut into strips and boiled, steamed, or roasted until very tender. The skin should be removed before serving.
