What Baby-Led Weaning Really Means -

And Why It’s So Much More Than Skipping Purees.

Baby-led weaning isn't about skipping spoons. It's about starting something so much bigger.

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Let’s clear something up right away…

If you’ve been hearing that baby-led weaning (BLW) just means “don’t do purées” and “no spoons allowed”—I’m here to lovingly say: nope. That’s not the full story. That’s like saying motherhood is just diaper changes. Technically true, but wildly missing the magic.

BLW isn’t a strict set of rules.
It’s not a contest to see whose baby eats steak by 7 months.
And it’s definitely not just about ditching applesauce.

So what is baby-led weaning really about?

Let’s dig in. 💛

Baby-Led Weaning Is a Feeding Philosophy—Not a Food List

You’ve probably saved a few “100 first foods” lists (hi, same), and maybe even Googled “BLW vs. purées” at 3am with a baby snoozing on your chest. But here’s the scoop:

BLW isn’t about checking off kale and quinoa.
It’s about how your baby eats—not just what they eat.

At its heart, baby-led weaning is about self-feeding. That means your baby is the one picking up the food, bringing it to their mouth, exploring the tastes, textures, and yes—occasionally launching it across the room.

“You’re not spooning bites in. You’re offering food to them and letting them take the lead.”

Think of it like this:
You’re the sous chef.
Your baby’s the star of the show.

You prep the food. You set the vibe. They explore it, at their own pace.

It’s Not “No Purees Allowed”—It’s Baby in Control

Here’s the truth: some babies love soft textures like mashed sweet potato or applesauce. And guess what? If you preload a spoon, hand it to your baby, and they bring it to their mouth? That’s still baby-led weaning.

Why? Because they’re still leading. They’re in charge of the pace, the interest, the bite—not you.

BLW isn’t anti-spoon. It’s pro-autonomy.

Let’s release the idea that BLW means no spoons, no mashed food, and no room for flexibility. That rigidity? It misses the point.

We’re here to build trust, not tension.

What Really Happens When a Baby Leads the Way

Let’s paint a real-life picture:

You offer your baby a soft-cooked strip of sweet potato. They pick it up. Drop it. Pick it up again. Stare at it. Gnaw on it. Squish it. Maybe even fling it onto the dog.

That, my friend, is baby-led weaning in action.

Here’s what’s happening in that delightfully messy mealtime:

  • Fine motor skills – reaching, grasping, and releasing

  • Hand-eye coordination – lining up hand → food → mouth

  • Oral motor development – chewing, even without teeth

  • Sensory exploration – tasting, smelling, feeling

  • Core strength + balance – sitting upright and steady

  • Body autonomy – building trust in hunger and fullness cues

All that… from one piece of sweet potato. Wild, right?

It’s Not Just About Food—It’s About Learning

Your baby isn’t just eating. They’re practicing. Playing. Exploring.

They’re learning how to eat—not just being fed.

So when your baby licks the avocado, smashes it, and grins proudly with green eyebrows? That’s a win.
No bites swallowed? Still a win.

This stage is about exposure, not performance.

Let’s stop grading meals like there’s a baby feeding report card.

What we’re really after is:

  • Confidence (for both of you)

  • Curiosity

  • Connection

BLW Is for Real Families—Not Just Instagram Reels

Listen, I love a beautiful, aesthetic lunch tray as much as the next mom. But baby-led weaning doesn’t have to look like rainbow quinoa on a bamboo plate with edible flowers.

It can look like:

  • Half a banana in a silicone bib

  • Soggy broccoli on the high chair tray

  • You, in yoga pants, cheering on your baby with a diet coke in hand

Feeding your baby doesn’t have to be fancy.
It just has to be real.

Quick Recap: What Baby-Led Weaning Really Means

Let’s break it down:

  • BLW is about how you feed, not just what you feed
    → If your baby is self-feeding—whether that’s with fingers or a spoon—you’re doing it.

  • The early days are about learning, not calories
    → Breast milk or formula still does the heavy lifting.

  • Mess is part of the magic
    → Every swipe, squish, and splat is part of the process.

  • It’s not about doing it perfectly
    → It’s about showing up with curiosity and presence.

  • You don’t need special gear or a rigid plan
    → Just food, a baby, and a little trust.

Real Talk: Trust Your Baby… and Trust Yourself

Maybe your baby won’t eat much at first.
Maybe you’ll forget the bib (been there).
Maybe your in-laws will raise an eyebrow.

That’s okay.

Because baby-led weaning isn’t about getting it “right” every time. It’s about creating a safe space for learning, discovery, and connection.

“Your baby is ready to explore.
You are ready to lead with love.”

You’ve got this—and I’ve got you. 💛

Ready for Your Next Step? 🎉

If this post gave you that “okay, I can do this” feeling, I’d love to invite you to my free class:

🎓 Orientation Day: Baby-Led Weaning 101

Inside, you’ll learn:
✔️ What BLW actually looks like
✔️ How to know when your baby’s ready
✔️ What gear you do (and don’t) need
✔️ My favorite first foods—and how to serve them safely

It’s the calm, clear starting place I wish every mama had.

✨ Click here to watch Orientation Day and start solids with confidence—not chaos.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

What surprised you most about what baby-led weaning really means?

Leave a comment below or come say hi on Instagram @babyledweaningacademy. You’re not doing this alone. 💛