Trusting the Process — Even If Your Baby Isn’t Eating Yet
Why Early Baby-Led Weaning Progress Is Invisible (and Still Worth It)
If the trash can is getting fed more than your baby — you’re not alone.
Prefer to listen?
Raise your hand if today’s lunch ended up on the floor.
Or smeared across the high chair.
Or squished with zero interest in swallowing.
If that’s your reality right now, take a breath. You’re not doing it wrong. In fact, you’re probably doing exactly what your baby needs.
Baby-led weaning is about learning — not eating
The early days of solids aren’t about stuffing bellies. They’re about:
Building oral motor skills
Practicing coordination
Exploring new textures
Gaining confidence with food
Every smear, toss, and squish? That’s a win.
If your baby picks up a strip of avocado, squishes it, and maybe gives it a lick — that’s progress.
If they toss broccoli to the floor but smile while doing it — that’s progress.
If they sit at the table without freaking out — also progress.
The biggest mistake? Expecting big bites right away
You’re not failing because your baby isn’t swallowing.
You’re not “behind” because solids are slow-going.
The truth? Progress at this stage is often invisible.
When you only look at the tray, you might miss the magic.
Look instead for:
First reach
First taste
First squish
First “this is weird but I’m curious” glance
Celebrate those tiny wins — they matter more than you know.
Real growth is slow, messy, and beautiful
One mama I supported felt discouraged because her baby wasn’t eating anything. But she kept showing up, offering safe foods, and trusting the process.
Then one day, her baby picked up a carrot stick and held it.
The next day? A squish.
And then… a tentative lick.
That little sequence? It was everything. Because:
Confidence is built one bite (or one squish) at a time.
Trust is part of the learning too
When you stay calm, your baby learns:
“This is safe.”
“There’s no pressure.”
“I can explore at my own pace.”
This kind of mealtime trust lays the foundation for:
Reduced picky eating
More adventurous tastes
Joyful, stress-free meals down the road
So instead of saying “Take a bite,” try:
“You’re exploring your food.”
“That feels soft, doesn’t it?”
“Look at you using your hands!”
Your words shape the experience.
Try these 4 takeaways to feel more grounded this week
1️⃣ Redefine success — A good meal might just mean exploring or sitting calmly.
2️⃣ Track the tiny wins — First lick? First grab? Celebrate it all.
3️⃣ Stay consistent — Offer safe, varied foods at regular intervals.
4️⃣ Use responsive language — Encourage curiosity, not performance.
Reminder: It’s working, even if it doesn’t look like it
This isn’t about visible bites. It’s about invisible progress:
Trust. Familiarity. Exploration. Practice.
Your baby is doing the work. So are you.
And if you’re craving some real-time support…
🎓 Join Me in Study Hall — July 1
Study Hall is my live support space inside the course — a casual, come-as-you-are call where you can ask questions, share wins, or just hang out with other BLW parents.
Didn’t attend Orientation Day? No problem.
Just DM me on Instagram @babyledweaningacademy or email hello@babyledweaningacademy.com and I’ll send you the Zoom link.
You’re invited. I’d love to see you there.
And if you're ready to go deeper...
💛 Baby-Led Weaning: The First Two Weeks
Doors are now open!
Join the only BLW course that pairs a no-fluff plan with live support, so you’re never doing it alone.
👉 Enroll now at babyledweaningacademy.com/ftw
You’ve got this, mama — and I’ve got you.
Even if the broccoli ends up in the trash. 😉