BLW (Baby Led Weaning) is a feeding solids method for babies 6months +, where baby food and purees are skipped and baby started to be self-fed and consumes finger food. More on what BLW is can be found in the article here.  

BLW is the method that I have chosen to follow as Noah is starting solids, because I truly believe all the benefits are more than worth it, plus when it comes to it, its actually a lot more easier and practical than baby food and purees, since eventually Noah will simply eat what we eat.  

Research is still on going into discovering the long-term benefits of BLW (since it’s a relatively new method) but what is known for sure are the benefits that a baby gets when they self-feed 

Self-feeding in babies fosters independence first and foremost. This way the baby is empowered and has complete control over their food. With BLW baby controls what they eat, how they eat it, and how much of the food they consume. According to feeding specialists its this type of control that fosters a positive relationship with food, as babies turn into toddlers, and lowers significantly the risk of them becoming picky eaters on the long run. 

More often than not food turns into an issue of control and manipulation (in many if not most cultures): “Eat one more bite, or mommy will be very sad”. This not only becomes highly stressful for the baby who now is in doubt about what to choose: their stomach hurting from being too full or hurting their most precious mommy; but it also leads to kids forming a very bad connotation of food in general – thus a negative relationship is born 🙁 

Baby Led Weaning Picture

With BLW this whole issue is avoided as the baby is the one in complete control since day one. 

 Another very important benefit of BLW is the amazing exercise the baby gets for his muscle groups in his hands, fingers and mouth, his eye-hand and eye-hand-mouth coordination. All of this not only assists the fine motor skills into development but they help tremendously with oral and verbal skills down the road. 

Last but not least the nightmare of all moms: choking! We automatically assume that BLW increases the risk of choking – this is not at all what evidence suggests. Babies who self feed and do BLW have no increased risk of choking compared to babies who are fed purees or baby food. 

The development of fine motor and oral skills, appetite control, gaining independence, eating as a family and so much more, are all benefits that I personally love BLW for, and why I think is the best choice for Noah, who actually seems to love it thus far.  

For sure there might be cases when poured food is on the menu, but even then mama try to give your baby full control: fill up the spoon and hand it over, and sit back, relax and watch your precious baby grow and develop new skills each day!