How do I get started with baby led weaning?

Keep baby’s milk feeds unchanged

When you begin weaning your baby’s milk feeds all remain unchanged. It’s important for baby to continue to get the nutrition she needs from her bottle or breastmilk.

Offer soft, mild finger foods as batons

Start baby led weaning by giving your baby soft foods, which are mild and easy to digest and then gradually introduce them to new textures and tastes. Cut first foods into slices and batons that are big enough for your baby to grasp and hold.

A good idea is to make them long enough to fit in your baby’s fist with a little bit sticking out for the to chew on. You can use your own index finger as a rough size guide for these batons.

Offer a variety of foods

Offer your baby a variety of foods over the week. Let her play with them, touch them and taste them. Try not to hurry her or encourage her to eat. Let her lead the way. Gradually introduce your baby to different tastes and textures.

By their first birthday they will be eating the same meals as the rest of the family.