So, you've heard about Baby Led Weaning (BLW), and now you're wondering—how strict do you need to be? Should you follow the guidelines to the letter, or is there room for flexibility? If you’ve been scrolling through mom forums, you've probably seen everything from “my baby eats exactly what we do” to “I’m terrified of choking, so we’re mostly doing purées.” Let’s break it down.

What Is Baby Led Weaning (BLW)?

At its core, BLW is about skipping traditional purées and allowing babies to self-feed soft, appropriately sized finger foods from the start. This method encourages independence, improves motor skills, and helps babies develop a natural relationship with food.

How Strict Do You Really Need to Be?

Like most things in parenting, the answer is: it depends. Some parents go full BLW, offering only finger foods from six months onward, while others use a hybrid approach with some spoon-feeding mixed in. Some fully advocate feeding baby exactly what they eat, while others don't care about that at all. Here’s what to consider:

1. Safety First

• Choking hazards are a real concern, so learning the difference between gagging and choking is crucial.
• Offer foods that are soft and easy to squish between your fingers (think roasted sweet potatoes or ripe avocado).
• Avoid round, hard foods like whole grapes, nuts, and raw carrots.

2. Flexibility Is Key

It’s perfectly okay to mix BLW with traditional weaning. Some babies love finger foods, while others prefer a mix of self-feeding and spoon-feeding. The goal is to help them explore textures and tastes, not stress over rules.

3. Nutritional Balance

While BLW allows for food exploration, ensuring your baby gets enough iron, healthy fats, and proteins is essential. If they’re not eating much in the beginning, you might need to supplement with iron-fortified cereals or nutrient-rich purées.

4. Mess Factor

BLW is messy—there’s no way around it. If the thought of cleaning up a yogurt-covered high chair three times a day makes you cringe, a mix of spoon-feeding and self-feeding might work better for your sanity. You can ease the pain by using wearable full body bibs, as well as placing a waterproof floor mat under the high chair during mealtimes.

Real Talk: Every Baby Is Different

One mom’s “BLW champion” is another’s “food thrower.” Some babies take to solids immediately, while others play with their food for weeks before swallowing anything substantial. The key is to follow your baby’s cues and adjust accordingly.

Final Thoughts

There’s no right or wrong way to approach Baby Led Weaning. The most important thing is that your baby is learning to enjoy food in a safe and supportive environment. Whether you go fully BLW, mix it up, or transition slowly, the best method is the one that works for your family.

Are you trying Baby Led Weaning? What’s working (or not working) for you? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear your experience!