February 23, 2026
Baby led weaning (often shortened to BLW) is a style of introducing solids where babies feed themselves soft, baby-safe foods from around six months of age.
If you’ve started looking into how to wean your baby, you’ve probably come across the term baby led weaning, but what exactly does it mean?
Baby led weaning (often shortened to BLW) is a style of introducing solids where babies feed themselves soft, baby-safe foods from around six months of age. Rather than being spoon-fed purées, little ones are encouraged to explore food at their own pace.
This approach allows babies to experience a range of textures and flavours while practising hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Many parents find that baby led weaning helps their child become more confident with food, turning mealtimes into an enjoyable and social experience for the whole family.
Before baby led weaning became popular, most families followed traditional weaning. This method involves starting with smooth puréed foods offered on a spoon, before gradually moving on to mashed and lumpier textures, and then finger foods.
According to NHS weaning guidance, the recommended age to start solids is around six months, regardless of which method you choose. Both styles have their benefits and can be adapted to suit your baby’s needs and your family routine.
Traditional weaning can feel a little less messy and allows parents more control over portion sizes and nutrients, but it may take slightly longer for babies to learn self-feeding skills compared to a baby led approach.
The NHS weaning advice is clear, babies are usually ready for solid foods at around six months old. However, every baby is different, so it’s important to look out for the signs that they’re ready, such as:
If your baby isn’t showing these signs, it’s best to wait a little longer. Starting too early can increase the risk of choking or discomfort, and their tummies may not yet be ready to handle solid food.
One of the loveliest parts of baby led weaning is watching your baby discover new flavours and textures. The key is to keep meals simple, nutritious, and soft enough for little gums to manage.
At breakfast, try soft banana pancakes - they’re naturally sweet, easy to hold, and full of energy for the day ahead. You can make them using just mashed banana and a beaten egg, gently cooked until golden and fluffy.
For lunch, steamed broccoli florets make a brilliant finger food. They’re rich in vitamins and the perfect shape for small hands to grasp. The slightly rough texture also helps babies practise chewing safely.
At dinner, soft-cooked salmon flakes are a great choice. They’re packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain development, and the gentle, flaky texture makes them ideal for self-feeding.
When it comes to snacks, ripe avocado slices are a winner. Creamy, full of healthy fats, and naturally soft, they’re both delicious and nourishing.
Always make sure foods are soft enough to squish easily between your fingers, and avoid hard, sticky, or round foods like whole grapes, nuts, or raw carrot sticks.
Some parents choose to combine both methods, which can work beautifully. You might begin with smooth purées and then gradually introduce soft finger foods, giving your baby a bit of both worlds.
If you’re wondering how to wean your baby safely, here are a few top tips:
At Little Oaks Day Nursery, we support both baby led weaning and traditional weaning approaches. Our experienced nursery team works hand-in-hand with parents to make sure each baby’s feeding journey is tailored, safe, and enjoyable.
Many families find that a flexible approach works best. Offering purées alongside self-fed finger foods can help your baby get the best of both experiences.
This combined style builds confidence while ensuring your baby gets all the nutrients they need. At Little Oaks, we encourage a calm, responsive mealtime environment where babies are free to explore food in a way that suits them.
When it comes to baby led weaning vs traditional weaning, there’s no single ‘right’ answer. Every baby develops at their own pace, and the best method is the one that feels right for you and your child.
Whether you decide to follow baby led weaning, start with purées, or blend both styles, what matters most is creating a positive relationship with food from the very beginning.
Trust your instincts, take your time, and enjoy watching your baby’s confidence grow as they discover the wonderful world of food.
At Little Oaks Day Nursery, we’re here to support you through every stage of your baby’s early development, including weaning.
Our caring and experienced team are trained in both baby led weaning and traditional feeding techniques, ensuring your child’s transition to solid foods is safe, supported, and stress-free.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about our nurturing environment, dedicated staff, and how we can support your little one’s growth and learning journey.
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