Baby-Led Weaning (BLW)

BLW — does this acronym mean anything to you? We are talking about Baby-Led Weaning, which is simply another way of approaching the transition from exclusive liquid feeding to solid food. How does it all work?

BLW: explained

This weaning approach is simpler than it appears. Generally speaking, a baby's weaning begins at around 4 to 6 months, by gradually introducing blended foods, soups, compotes or purees. BLW is based on an entirely different principle: introducing foods in their original form — that is to say, solid.

At what age can BLW begin?

BLW is recommended at around 6 months, when the child can sit up unsupported and hold their head properly. Contrary to what one might think, the baby does not necessarily need to have teeth to start eating solid pieces of food.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages:

• The child develops their finger motor skills, particularly the pincer grip between thumb and index finger
• The child is the main actor at mealtimes: they explore, smell, taste, lick, touch… all their senses are engaged — it is a true discovery for them
• Less difficulty getting them to eat when you are out and about: even at a restaurant, they can have their own plate and taste the food
• They take an active part in family meals
• They can eat independently, meaning you do not need to feed them throughout the entire meal
• Fruit is not cooked and therefore retains its nutrients better
• Hunger and satiety are better respected (no pre-defined quantities)

The disadvantages:

• Meals can take longer as the child eats at their own pace, playing and exploring
• You will often need a bib and plenty of patience, as meals can be quite messy — especially at the beginning
• There is a risk of food going down the wrong way. This risk is also present when spoon-feeding, but vigilance is required.

Tips and precautions

This feeding approach requires vigilance on the part of parents, just as with traditional weaning. It is simply a matter of following a few basic rules:

• Offer fairly large pieces that can fit in their hand (roughly the width of their palm or slightly larger)
• Always explain what you are doing
• Choose a calm environment and lead by example when starting BLW
• Let your child eat in their own way and at their own pace — do not try to put pieces into their mouth yourself, as they must be in control of what goes into their mouth

Finally, do bear in mind that your child has a very effective gag reflex in case something goes down the wrong way. It can look quite alarming but you should not intervene — let the child handle it. Of course, the signs are different in the event of actual choking, in which case you must naturally act swiftly. Ultimately, we can only encourage you to trust yourself, speak to your paediatrician and listen to your child!

How to make BLW easier and safer?

BLW can sometimes feel daunting for parents, but with a few handy tips, you can make the experience more enjoyable and safer:

1. Use a secure highchair:
Make sure your child is sitting upright and well supported in their highchair to minimise the risk of food going down the wrong way.

2. Always be present:
Never leave your child to eat unsupervised. It is important to remain attentive so you can step in if needed, whilst still allowing them to explore freely.

3. Start with easy-to-manage foods:
Choose foods that dissolve easily in the mouth, such as steamed vegetables, to reduce the risk of choking.

BLW: Parents' experiences

Many parents who have adopted BLW share the benefits of this approach. Here is what they have to say:

Marine, mum to Léo (8 months):
"Since we started BLW, Léo eats with such enthusiasm! He loves exploring textures and flavours. I am amazed at how independent he is and how much he enjoys discovering food."

Julien, dad to Mila (10 months):
"At first, I was a bit nervous about Mila choking, but by following the advice and staying attentive, everything has gone smoothly. Mealtimes have now become a moment of sharing and discovery for the whole family."

Conclusion: BLW, a natural and beneficial approach

Baby-Led Weaning is far more than just a feeding method. It is a way of respecting your child's pace, encouraging them to explore food independently and making them a true participant in their own nourishment. With the right foods, a safe environment and plenty of patience, BLW can be a wonderfully enriching experience for both child and parents. So do not hesitate to give it a go and watch your little foodie blossom!