Introducing solid foods is a significant milestone for both babies and parents. One approach that’s becoming increasingly popular across the UK is baby-led weaning (BLW). It introduces babies to self-feeding from the start, offering opportunities to explore food and practise early coordination skills.

Here’s a simple guide based on trusted UK health advice to help you get started.

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What Is Baby-Led Weaning?

Baby-led weaning is a method where babies are offered a variety of finger foods and are encouraged to feed themselves from the outset. Unlike traditional spoon-feeding, this approach allows babies to explore food at their own pace, learning how to grasp, chew, and swallow with growing independence.

The NHS advises that solid foods can be introduced from around six months, provided your baby can sit up unaided, has good head control, and can coordinate their eyes, hands, and mouth to pick up food and put it in their mouth (NHS Start for Life).

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How to Get Started

Begin with soft, easy-to-hold foods cut into pieces roughly the size of your finger. Ideal first foods include:

  • Soft-cooked carrot sticks or broccoli florets

  • Ripe avocado or banana slices

  • Toast fingers or strips of soft pita bread

  • Cooked pasta spirals or penne

  • Strips of well-cooked chicken or flaky white fish (with bones removed)

Make sure your baby is sitting upright in a highchair, and always supervise them during meals. It's important to let your baby explore food at their own pace - even if most of it ends up on the floor at first.

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What About Milk Feeds?

During the first year, breast milk or infant formula remains your baby’s main source of nutrition. Solid foods at this stage are complementary, helping them practise chewing and experience new flavours and textures (NHS Weaning Guide).

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Foods to Avoid

While variety is important, some foods are not safe for babies under 12 months:

  • Honey: Avoid due to the risk of infant botulism

  • Whole nuts and grapes: Choking hazards; nuts should be crushed and grapes cut lengthwise

  • Salty or processed foods: Babies should have less than 1g of salt per day

  • Sugary snacks and drinks: Increase the risk of tooth decay

For more detailed advice on what to avoid, visit the NHS’s food safety guidance (NHS Food Safety for Babies).

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Tips for Success

  • Offer meals when your baby is alert and not overly hungry or tired

  • Keep mealtimes calm and relaxed; eating together helps

  • Let your baby lead the way, stopping when they show signs of being full

  • Expect mess — this is part of learning

Many parents find that baby-led weaning not only supports healthy eating habits but also makes mealtimes more engaging and enjoyable.

For extra guidance on your weaning journey, you can connect with trusted child care and healthcare experts through The Village. Support is always just a tap away.

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Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your health visitor or GP for personalised support.