Baby-Led Weaning Starter Foods

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Starting baby-led weaning can feel a bit overwhelming, but don’t worry—you’re not alone in this journey! As a parent, it’s natural to feel nervous about introducing solid foods, especially when you’re taking a more hands-off approach. The good news is that baby-led weaning (BLW) can be a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your little one.

Although there are many Baby-Led Weaning Recipes (blw-muffins, blw-pancakes, blw-pasta) you actually don't need to start with anything complicated. To ease into BLW, begin with soft, easy-to-handle foods that are safe for your baby to explore.

Think about starting with ripe, cooked fruits like sweet potatoes or carrots, and soft, well-cooked proteins like chicken or fish. These foods are not only gentle on tiny tummies but also provide the right textures for little hands to grasp and enjoy. Remember, BLW is all about letting your baby take the lead, so offer a variety of healthy options and let them decide what they want to taste.

It’s perfectly okay to feel a bit unsure at first, but trust in your ability to support your baby’s journey toward self-feeding. Keep meal times relaxed and enjoyable, and let your baby explore at their own pace. With time, patience, and a positive attitude, you’ll both get the hang of it and enjoy many happy, mealtime moments together. Remember, every parent’s journey with BLW is unique, and there’s no “right” way—just what works best for your family.

I'm currently working on a complete baby-led weaning foods; an A-Z of how to serve absolutely everything and anything baby-led weaning style. But you don't need any complicated food lists or recipes to get started with baby-led weaning. In fact below are eleven easy first foods you can get started with today.

Apple

Peel, slice into pieces and bake or steam until finger squishable, or try pre-loading a short-handled baby spoon with homemade apple puree for your baby to self-feed.

My babies have all loved baked pieces of cinnamon apples and continue to love them as a snack even now that they are big kids.

Avocado

Choose a ripe but firm avocado (too soft and it's very hard to pick up. Cut a finger-width slice, being sure to leave some of the peel in place as it will make the avocado easier to hold.

Other options are to serve mashed avocado on a baby spoon so that it can be self-fed or dust the avocado in breadcrumbs or ground almonds so that it is not as slippery to hold.

I have lots of ideas for avocados for babies on my website.

Banana

The ends of bananas are great for babies to hold. Cut the end from a banana, trim the peel from the top of the piece you have cut, this will allow the baby to suck, gum, or gnaw on the banana while still having the peel to grasp. or try pre-loading a short-handled baby spoon with mashed banana or banana puree for your baby to self-feed.

Broccoli

Cut broccoli into florets, then steam until they are finger-squishable.

Beef/Lamb

Meat can be offered for baby-led weaning cut in large strips or on the bone (lamb cutlet), your baby will be able to suck the iron-rich juices.

Chicken

Particularly dark meat cuts can be offered for baby-led weaning on the bone for your baby to suck the iron-rich juices.

Rolled Oats/Oatmeal

pre-load a short-handled baby spoon with homemade baby porridge for your baby to self-feed. Or try making porridge fingers that your baby will be able to hold.

Pear

Very ripe pears that are able to be squished with your fingers are the right texture for baby-led weaning and do not need cooking. Cut soft peeled pear into finger-sized pieces.

Pasta

Large pasta shapes such as large spiral, and penne, when cooked to a soft texture are easy finger food to offer babies.

Sweet Potato: Roast, bake or steam finger-sized batons of sweet potato until soft.

Zucchini

Cut the zucchini into finger-sized batons (does not need to be peeled). Steam, roast, bake or stir fry until a soft finger-squishable texture is reached.

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