Baby-Led Weaning & Breastfeeding: All You Need to Know
If you’re planning to do baby-led weaning while breastfeeding, you may have all sorts of questions.
Some common worries include whether your milk supply will stop, how much breast milk to give while offering solid foods, and what your baby’s new feeding schedule should look like.
As a baby-led weaning coach and a mom of two who exclusively breastfed my kids even while transitioning them to solid foods, I’ve experienced all these anxieties and more about the process.
I’m here to answer some of your questions and offer tips and advice on baby-led weaning while breastfeeding.
You should also read – BLW and Water: Ultimate Guide to Help Babies Drink Water Safely
What Is Baby-Led Weaning and How Will It Affect Your Baby’s Diet?
Baby-led weaning (BLW) is an approach to feeding where breastfed babies and those on infant formula learn to self-feed with finger foods instead of relying on pureed food or spoon-feeding.
This method helps develop important skills like hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills that your baby will need later on.
BLW also helps parents introduce a wide variety of foods to their baby’s diet during the weaning process. Foods that babies on purees wouldn’t get the chance to try.
Instead of relying on just a single puree food, babies can learn to eat fruits, vegetables, and different textures and flavors with the rest of the family.
Read these articles first before you continue:
- Baby-Led Weaning: The Most Comprehensive Guide
- The Ultimate Baby-Led Weaning First Foods Guide + Recipes & Sample Menu
- Baby-Led Weaning vs. Traditional Weaning: Which Is Right For You?
What Solid Foods Should I Start Feeding My Baby?
You can start feeding your baby the same food that you serve to the rest of your family. These are sometimes called complementary foods because they go with breast milk.
I know starting solids may seem scary but it shouldn’t be.
As long as you cut and serve each food in the appropriate size for your baby’s age, then they should be able to eat it.
Some parents prefer to start with soft foods like mashed sweet potatoes, steamed fruits, and cooked vegetables, in small portions.
Make sure you give them lots of iron-rich foods because the amount of iron supplied to your baby from breastmilk reduces after 6 months old.
Always provide opportunities for your baby to try new tastes at their own pace because every baby is different.
Prioritize healthy foods over processed foods like hotdogs, deli meats, and other pre-packaged foods.
Read these articles next before you continue:
- 15 Best Vegetables for Starting Solids: According To A Feeding Expert
- Baby-led Weaning And Cereal: When Can Babies Eat Cereal?
- Oatmeal for Babies: An Ultimate Guide + Recipes
- Egg Recipes For Babies + Ultimate Feeding Guide
- Avocado For Baby’s First Food: All You Need To Know + 9 FAQs
- Carrot For Babies: Everything You Need To Know
- Feeding Rice In BLW: Answers To Your Burning Questions
- 63 Safe Baby-Led Weaning Foods: The Ultimate Guide + Free Printable
- Baby-led Weaning Deli Meat Guide: When & How To Feed Them Safely
- BLW and Water: Ultimate Guide to Help Babies Drink Water Safely
Signs of Readiness: Is Your Baby Ready To Start Solids?
Most babies aren’t ready to start baby-led weaning until they show ALL the signs of readiness for solid foods. This usually occurs around six months of age.
Below are some of the signs of readiness for solid food and baby-led weaning
- Good Neck control: The ability to hold their head steady without support from you or a chair.
- Sitting unassisted in a high chair or other proper sitting position. This means no cushions being used for sitting assistance.
- Interest in family foods during family mealtimes, often imitating family members who are eating.
- Developing the pincer grasp to pick up small pieces of food or other items and bring them to their mouths.
Read this article to get a complete breakdown of the signs of readiness to start solids. It goes into more detail.
Read these articles next before you continue:
- The Best Baby Bibs for Starting Solids & Baby-Led Weaning | Rated By Real Moms
- Best Baby-led Weaning Plates & Bowls For Starting Solids
- The Best Spoons for Baby-led Weaning (Tested By A Mom Of Two & BLW Coach)
Tips for Feeding Solid Foods Safely to Babies
Cut food to the appropriate size
When in doubt, offer your baby small portions of soft foods to help reduce the risk of choking.
Some foods like bread, meat, waffles, and pancakes are better when cut into large strips for babies to hold.
Other foods are better when cut into small pieces or shredded.
You will learn what works for your baby as go through the baby-led weaning journey.
Read this next – BLW On The Go: Tips and Easy Recipes For Feeding Baby While Traveling
Follow the 4-day rule for starting solids
The 4-day rule states that you should feed your baby the same type of food for four days straight to assess them for any signs of allergic reactions.
This rule may be hard to follow for some families to follow, especially those who eat different foods every day.
The most important thing is that you watch your baby for signs of food allergies after feeding, regardless of what rule you follow.
Eat Together As A Family
Involve family members in the process of baby-led weaning by eating together during family mealtimes.
This helps young children feel included and supported as they explore new tastes.
Eating together also that you have more eyes keeping a lookout for your baby’s safety in case of an allergic reaction or choking accident.
How to Balance Breastfeeding and Baby-Led Weaning
Continuing your breastfeeding journey while starting BLW is not only possible but beneficial.
Both the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics encourage moms to continue breastfeeding past 1 year of age.
Most of your baby’s nutrients will still come from breast milk or formula milk during the first 12 months of life. So don’t give up your breastfeeding journey just yet.
The trick to balancing breastfeeding and baby-led weaning is to find a schedule that works for you and your baby.
Sample Breastfeeding and Baby-led Weaning Schedule
Below are two versions of a sample breastfeeding and BLW schedule. In the first version, you feed your baby three times a day. In the second version, you only feed them once a day.
If you’re nervous about starting BLW, go with the second version until you’re comfortable adding more meals.
You can gradually increase your feeding from once to twice and then three times a day when you’re comfortable.
Take things slow and go at your baby’s pace to ensure a smooth weaning process.
Can I Combine Spoon-Feeding and Self-Feeding?
While BLW focuses more on infant self-feeding, you can combine this method with the traditional method of spoon-feeding.
Combining baby-led weaning and spoon-feeding is great for families with young children or babies needing extra support due to developmental delays.
There is no right or wrong way to wean a baby from the breast. It’s important to do what’s best for you and your baby and go at your own pace.
Read these articles next before you continue:
- Baby-Led Weaning vs. Traditional Weaning: Which Is Right For You?
- Advantages and Disadvantages of BLW: What No One Tells You
Will Baby-led Weaning Reduce My Milk Supply?
Your milk production will gradually reduce as your baby gets older and starts eating more new foods. They will naturally take in less human milk.
This isn’t a bad thing.
Your baby will still be getting all the nutrients they need from your breastmilk even if they will drink less of it as time goes on.
They will also be getting crucial nutrients like iron from the solid foods you give them. That’s why it’s important to start solids when they’re ready at 6 months old.
Remember that kids don’t just breastfeed for food. They also breastfeed for comfort, so continue to offer the breast to your baby for as long as they need.
Supporting Your Breastfeeding Journey During Weaning
Organizations like La Leche League and other breastfeeding supporters offer valuable resources and encouragement for mothers who are breastfeeding and doing BLW.
Seeking their support can make a big difference in maintaining your milk supply while introducing solid foods.
Your breastfeeding journey doesn’t have to stop as soon as you start your baby on solid foods.
Can I Give My Baby Cow’s Milk During Baby-led Weaning?
Babies should not be given cow’s milk until they are over 1 year of age. Continue to offer breastmilk or formula milk in a cup during baby-led weaning meals to make sure they get enough liquid to drink.
When Should I Consult A Doctor During Baby-led Weaning?
It’s a good idea to consult your child’s pediatrician before you begin baby-led weaning. They will be able to give you up-to-date medical advice on the process.
Also, babies with medical conditions or special needs may require a special approach to baby-led feeding.
Your pediatrician will be able to assess your child and provide more information if your baby does require some feeding adjustment.
Final Word on Breastfeeding and Baby-led Weaning
Weaning from breastmilk and the bottle is a gradual process that is different for every baby.
Some babies take to solid foods very quickly while others require more time to get used to things.
It’s okay if you don’t do baby-led weaning in the same way as other moms do. You can customize the process based on what’s best for your baby.
Be patient during this transition and understand that some babies might have a difficult time adjusting to new foods.
Offer small portions to avoid overwhelming your child and make mealtimes a positive experience.
