Your Baby-Led Weaning Starter Pack (Free Printable Inside)
Hi, lovely parents! Let’s talk weaning — specifically baby-led weaning, aka BLW. You’ve probably heard it mentioned in baby groups, fellow parent friends, or spotted it while scrolling through Instagram. And if you’re sitting there thinking, “Wait, am I supposed to just know everything about this?!” — don’t worry, you’re in good company.
Honestly, as a newborn and baby photographer here in Milton Keynes, I hear this chat all the time during sessions. It’s one of those parenting milestones that creeps up just as you feel like you’re finally getting a handle on sleep and milk feeds… and suddenly it’s, “time to start solids!”
So let’s break it down in a no-stress way.
What Even Is Baby-Led Weaning?
In short? BLW is just a fancy name for skipping the spoon-feeding stage and letting your baby take the lead on their food journey.
Instead of purees, you give your baby soft, grab-friendly food and let them explore. Think squishy avocado slices, steamed carrot batons, and banana pieces — real food they can pick up and munch on themselves, usually from around 6 months old.
Yes, it will get messy. Yes, they will wear more food than they eat. But yes, it’s absolutely adorable. (Pro tip: have your phone ready for the sweet potato smushed into their eyebrows moments).
But Is It Safe?
A completely understandable question. The idea of handing over a chunk of food to a tiny human who’s only just stopped dribbling milk down their chin can feel a bit… brave.
But if your baby is showing signs of readiness (like sitting up independently, good head control, and that curious, “I want what you’re eating” look), BLW is absolutely safe, as long as you’re offering age-appropriate foods.
Just steer clear of the no-nos like whole grapes, hard raw veg, and nuts. And yes, gagging is normal — it’s how they learn to handle food safely in their mouths. Terrifying the first time, I know, but try not to panic (which is easier said than done).
Why Do So Many Parents Love It?
So many reasons!
It encourages independence: your little foodie learns to trust their own hunger cues.
It’s easy-ish for you: with a few adjustments, baby eats what you eat.
It’s fab for motor skills: grabbing bits of food is like baby gym for their tiny fingers.
Plus, there’s just something too cute about watching your little one explore new foods and textures. It’s messy, chaotic, and completely heart-melting.
Want Some Help Getting Started?
Good news — I’ve made a free baby-led weaning planner for you! Inside, you’ll find:
First food ideas
Safety tips
A meal planner
A handy food tracker
Basically, everything I wish I had when I started with my own two boys.
Click here to download your FREE planner now.
Oh! And if you want some baby-led weaning recipe inspo, I’ve got another blog with free printable recipe cards to help you out. Pop over and have a read:
P.S. My cosy Milton Keynes studio is always open for newborn and milestone sessions if you’re still in those dreamy baby days and want to capture this fleeting stage before the weaning chaos begins.
Happy Baby-Led Weaning!💛