Why It’s Never Too Late to Begin Baby-Led Weaning with Confidence

You Didn’t Miss the Moment — Starting Solids Later Is Still Right on Time

You didn’t miss the moment. You’re making it right now.

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Feeling Behind on Starting Solids?

Maybe your baby is already seven or eight months old.
Maybe everyone around you started months ago.
Maybe life has been a lot—travel, sleep regressions, postpartum anxiety, or just... everything.

If you’ve been wondering, “Did I wait too long?” or “Is it too late for baby-led weaning?”—this post is for you.

Let me say it clearly:

You’re not behind.
You didn’t miss the window.
And you absolutely can start baby-led weaning now—safely, simply, and joyfully.

There’s No Expiration Date on Starting Solids

We’ve been told there's a "right" time to start solids—like if you don’t begin on the exact day your baby turns six months, you’ve messed it up.

That’s just not true.

Starting at six months is a guideline, not a deadline.

Some babies are ready at six months on the dot.
Others need more time to meet those readiness signs.
And some families simply need more space to begin.

That doesn’t make you late. It makes you human.

A Real-Life Reminder: It’s Never Too Late

One of my former foster daughters came to me at 14 months old—with zero experience eating solids. Only bottles. No table food. No mealtime skills.

I’ll be honest: I panicked. It felt late. It felt overwhelming.
But we took a breath. We started slow.
We followed the same steps I’d use with a six-month-old:

  • Simple foods

  • Safe textures

  • Gentle pacing

  • No pressure

And guess what?
She figured it out.
She caught up.
She thrived.

Because feeding is about readiness, not rushing.

Another Mama, Another Story of Grace

Recently, a mom joined my free class Orientation Day: Baby-Led Weaning 101 when her baby was almost 8 months old. She messaged me first, filled with guilt—everyone in her mommy-and-me group had already started solids. She felt like she was failing.

After the class, she realized:

  • There’s no penalty for starting later

  • Her baby wasn’t broken

  • She was just waiting for the right time

A few days in, her baby was exploring food with curiosity.
She felt calm.
And the guilt?
It started to melt, replaced by joy and presence.

Please Don’t Cram—You Don’t Need to Catch Up

Here’s a trap I see when parents feel “behind”: the cram phase.
You try to:

  • Serve ALL the foods at once

  • Introduce new textures daily

  • Pack every meal with nutrients

  • Make up for “lost” time

But your baby doesn’t need a crash course.
They need practice.
They need patience.
They need presence.

Whether your baby is six months, eight months, or older, the steps are the same:

  1. Offer one soft food

  2. Let them explore

  3. Watch their cues

  4. Repeat

Eating is a skill, not a speed test.

Delayed Doesn’t Mean Damaged

If life got in the way and you didn’t start solids when you “meant to,” that doesn’t mean you did something wrong.

Feeding isn’t just about your baby’s skills.
It’s about your capacity. Your energy. Your circumstances.

Maybe you were dealing with:

  • Postpartum anxiety

  • Illness or medical concerns

  • Travel

  • Burnout

  • Or just pure survival mode

That’s real life.
And now? You’re here.
You’re ready.
That’s what matters.

Delayed doesn’t mean broken. It means intentional.

5 Gentle Reminders If You’re Starting Solids Later Than You Planned

Here’s what I want you to carry into your next mealtime:

1. Start where you are—not where social media says you should be

Your baby isn’t behind. Your journey is valid.

2. Focus on confidence and safety—not speed

No cramming necessary. Simple foods, safe textures, and trust go a long way.

3. Begin with soft, easy-to-grip foods

Banana, sweet potato, avocado, scrambled egg—all great first bites, even at 8+ months.

4. Let go of guilt

You didn’t miss the moment. You’re making it right now.

5. Get support if you need it

You don’t have to go it alone. You deserve guidance and encouragement.

Need Help Getting Started?

Come join my free, on-demand class:

🎓 Orientation Day: Baby-Led Weaning 101

In just 30 minutes, I’ll walk you through:
✔️ How to start solids (even if you're starting “late”)
✔️ Signs of readiness and safe first foods
✔️ Why your baby-led weaning journey is still right on time

✨ Watch Orientation Day here — and start solids with clarity, not pressure.

Let’s Chat — Have You Felt “Behind” on Starting Solids?

Come tell me on Instagram @babyledweaningacademy. I’d love to hear your story—and remind you just how right on time you are. 💛