Realistic BLW Meal Prep Tips for Tired Moms

Yes, You Can Do This — Even When You’re Touched Out and Running on Snacks

Feeding your baby doesn’t have to feel like a second job. It gets to be simple, doable, and yes — even enjoyable.

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If you’ve ever looked at a baby-led weaning plate online and thought, “Who has time for that?” — I see you. This episode is for the moms who are tired, busy, stretched thin, and wondering how in the world they’re supposed to prep meals for a baby on top of everything else.

Let’s talk about what works in real life — and how to make baby-led weaning feel more like real food, real fast, and real doable.

BLW doesn’t mean making a separate baby meal

One of the biggest myths about baby-led weaning?
That you need to cook baby-specific, low-sodium, rainbow-themed meals three times a day.

Nope. The beauty of BLW is that your baby can eat what you eat — with just a few simple tweaks:

  • Set aside salt-free veggies before seasoning the rest

  • Scoop out a plain portion of scrambled eggs

  • Offer safe pieces from your dinner (like roasted carrots or plain chicken)

Even if your dinner isn’t baby-friendly (like sushi or salad), you can still offer a few safe sides from the fridge. That counts!

You don’t need a perfect plan — just a few go-to foods

Tired moms don’t need meal plans shaped like woodland animals.
They need:

  • 2–3 roasted or steamed veggies

  • A protein or two (like salmon, shredded chicken, or beans)

  • A few carbs on hand (oatmeal, toast, cooked rice)

That’s it. Rotate, remix, and repeat.

And yes — frozen veggies, canned beans, and plain yogurt absolutely count

Real-life prep that actually works

Here are some non-overwhelming ways to prep for BLW:

  • 🍠 Roast a tray of veggies during nap time

  • 🥦 Steam broccoli while doing dishes

  • 🍗 Bake an extra chicken breast and stash it for baby

  • 🧊 Freeze extra portions in silicone trays

  • 🧺 Keep a baby-friendly bin in the fridge so you can grab and go

One mom I worked with prepped for just 20 minutes on Sunday and said, “It changed everything.”

You don’t need hours in the kitchen. You just need a plan that respects your energy

Variety over time, not variety every day

Your baby doesn’t need a brand-new meal every time. In fact, repetition is great for learning.

That banana? Serve it three ways:

  • Sliced into sticks

  • Mashed into oatmeal

  • Mixed into pancakes

Those sweet potatoes? Serve:

  • Roasted on Monday

  • Mashed with olive oil on Wednesday

  • Blended into lentils on Friday

Add a little yogurt or hummus dip, and boom — new texture, new flavor, new experience.

Tips from the trenches (that make life easier)

  • ✅ Buy in bulk: Frozen veggies save time

  • ✅ Double dinner: Set aside baby-safe portions while you cook

  • ✅ Fridge bin: Designate one drawer for prepped baby foods

  • ✅ Use spice blends: Add flavor without salt (think garlic powder, paprika, cinnamon)

  • ✅ Aim for 2–3 foods per meal: That’s more than enough

Let’s recap: Meal prep without the meltdown

  1. Pick 2–3 veggies, proteins, and carbs to rotate each week

  2. Batch cook soft foods — steam or roast once, serve all week

  3. Prep during nap or bedtime, even if just for 10 minutes

  4. Use tools you already have — no need for fancy gear

  5. Create a baby meal bin in the fridge for easy grab-and-go

  6. Repeat after me: Done is better than perfect

You don’t need Pinterest. You need food and love.

Ready for even more support?

If you liked this episode, you’ll love Orientation Day: BLW 101.
It’s my free, class that walks you through how to start solids with confidence — including how to simplify prep, reduce choking fears, and feed your baby without the pressure.

🎓 Save your seat here → babyledweaningacademy.com/od