How to Manage Baby-Led Weaning If You’re Back at Work or Short on Time

A Real-Life Guide for Busy Moms Who Still Want to Do This Right

BLW was made for real life — not just stay-at-home schedules and Pinterest plates.

Prefer to listen?

Whether you’re back at work, counting down to your return, or just plain busy… you can still do baby-led weaning.

Yes, really.

In this episode, we’re talking about how to make solids work when time is tight — from prepping smarter to partnering with daycare to letting go of the myth that it all has to be perfect.

One meal a day is more than enough

Let’s get this out of the way: your baby doesn’t need three sit-down meals a day from the start.

In fact, one solid meal per day is perfect for beginners — especially if you’re juggling work, childcare, or just life in general.

Choose a time that works:

  • Breakfast before work

  • Dinner with the family

  • Weekend mealtimes when you’re home

No matter when you serve it, that one meal matters.

Why weekend prep is your best friend

Here’s a sanity-saving trick: batch prep on the weekend.

Think:

  • Roasted sweet potatoes

  • Steamed carrots

  • Chicken thighs

  • Pork strips

  • Pasta spirals

These foods reheat beautifully and can be portioned for multiple meals. You don’t have to prep daily to be consistent — just smart once a week.

Let daycare be a partner — not a dealbreaker

Worried that daycare or a nanny won’t support baby-led weaning?

Let’s talk options:

  • Some daycares are open to BLW with a little education

  • A short conversation, printed handout, or demo video can go a long way

  • Even if your daycare isn’t fully on board, you can still do BLW at home — evenings and weekends totally count

  • Pack simple, soft, easy-to-hold foods like banana, pasta, or sweet potato for care settings

And if you have a nanny? This is a great time to model meals together and build shared confidence.

Real example: how Hannah made it work

Hannah is a full-time working mom of three. When her youngest was ready to start solids, she was gone from 7am–6pm most days — and totally overwhelmed.

We looked at her schedule and landed on dinner as her anchor meal.

The nanny handled bottles during the day. At night, Hannah simply served a safe version of what the family was eating — sometimes it was rice and chicken, other times toast and avocado.

Her baby thrived. She felt empowered. And best of all? She didn’t wait for “more time” to get started.

6 quick BLW tips for busy moms

  1. Start with one meal a day — sustainable > ideal

  2. Prep in bulk — roast, steam, or bake once, use it all week

  3. Serve what you’re eating — modify, don’t make separate meals

  4. Build a meal rotation — repeat meals are great for babies

  5. Ditch perfection — one safe exposure a day is a win

  6. Communicate with caregivers — keep guidance simple and clear

BLW fits into your life — even if that life is full

There’s no one “right” way to do this.
There’s just your way — messy, flexible, real.

No elaborate meals. No pressure to do it all.
Just one bite at a time, with calm and confidence.

💛 Ready for real support? Join Orientation Day: BLW 101 (Free Live Class)

Feeling stretched thin but still want to get solids right?

Join Orientation Day, my free live class made for real parents who want clarity, calm, and a solid plan to begin baby-led weaning. We’ll cover:

  • Readiness signs

  • Gagging vs. choking

  • First foods to try

  • Feeding routines that work for busy families

🎉 Happening June 24, 25 & 28
✨ Includes one evening and one Saturday option

Can’t join live? The replay is available anytime.

👉 Save your seat or watch the replay