How to Fit Baby-Led Weaning into Your Real Life (Not the Pinterest Version)
A Sanity-Saving Reminder That Your Baby’s Plate Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect
Love beats Pinterest. Every time.
Prefer to listen?
Let’s get real, mama. You’re not a food stylist — you’re a parent doing your best.
Baby-led weaning doesn’t need to look like a magazine spread to matter. If you’ve ever felt like your baby’s meals are too boring, too basic, or not “right” — this episode is for you.
What real baby-led weaning actually looks like
Instagram and Pinterest? Not real life.
Real baby-led weaning looks like:
Leftovers on a high chair tray
Yogurt in the eyelashes
Crumbs on the floor
Avocado stolen off your plate
A meal with one or two food groups — not five
The aesthetics don’t matter. Connection does.
You don’t need a perfect routine to be consistent
Here’s a myth we’re busting:
Consistency ≠ 3 meals a day from the start.
What it can look like:
One solid meal a day to start
Focusing on dinner because that’s when you’re home
Skipping days when life is hectic — and knowing that’s okay
Baby-led weaning is supposed to fit into your life, not take it over.
Feeling “behind” is a lie
One mom told me her toddler was sick, so they only made it to the table twice that week. She felt behind — but both meals were joyful, stress-free, and full of connection.
That’s not behind. That’s a win.
PSA: You don’t need 100 different foods
If giant food lists feel inspiring to you? Great.
But if they make you feel overwhelmed or behind? Let them go.
Your baby doesn’t need 17 fruits this week.
They need:
A few safe, simple foods
Repetition for practice
Love and calm at the table
Even you probably don’t eat 100 different foods a month. Why should your baby?
How to make BLW work for your real life
Here’s what flexibility looks like:
Prep a few veggies at the start of the week
Offer them a few times (yes, repeats are great!)
Skip a day when needed — no guilt allowed
Let baby gnaw on food while you cook or eat
Use “snacky” moments as learning opportunities, even if it’s not a formal meal
This is not a test. It’s a process.
Tips to keep it simple and sustainable
Pick one mealtime to focus on (you don’t need three)
Serve what you’re already eating — just modify as needed
Batch prep when you can (think broccoli, banana, pasta, etc.)
Celebrate the small wins — one simple meal = a big deal
Track variety over a week, not a day
Do it your way — safe, supported, and real is more than enough
This is your permission slip
Let the crumbs fall. Let the plate be basic. Let you feel proud.
You’re doing great — even when it’s messy.
And if you’re craving some support as you start, I’ve got just the thing…
💛 Orientation Day: BLW 101 — Your Free Live Class
Starting solids? Don’t do it alone.
Join me for Orientation Day, a free class where I’ll walk you through:
Readiness signs
Gagging vs. choking
What to serve first
How to feel calm, confident, and capable from day one
Live sessions are happening June 24, 25, and 28 — with live Q&A and a whole lot of support.
Can’t make it live? You’ll get instant access to the replay.