Introduction
Baby led weaning is a feeding method that encourages babies to feed themselves from the start of their weaning journey. This method is becoming increasingly popular among parents who want their babies to develop healthy eating habits from a young age. If you’re planning to start baby led weaning, this article will give you a list of the first 100 foods you can offer your baby.
What is Baby Led Weaning?
Baby led weaning is a method of introducing solid foods to babies that involves letting them feed themselves. This means that instead of spoon-feeding purees and mashed foods, you offer your baby finger foods that are cut into manageable pieces. The idea behind baby led weaning is that babies learn to regulate their own appetite and develop their motor skills and hand-eye coordination through self-feeding.
When to Start Baby Led Weaning
The recommended age to start baby led weaning is around 6 months, when your baby is showing signs of readiness for solid foods. These signs include sitting up without support, showing an interest in food, and being able to pick up objects and bring them to their mouth.
First 100 Foods for Baby Led Weaning
1. Avocado
Avocado is a great first food for baby led weaning because it’s soft and easy to mash with gums. It’s also packed with healthy fats and nutrients.
2. Banana
Banana is another great first food for baby led weaning. It’s easy to hold and has a natural sweetness that most babies love.
3. Steamed Carrots
Steamed carrots are a nutritious and easy-to-digest food for babies. Cut them into thin sticks for easy handling.
4. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries are a fun and tasty food for babies to explore. Cut them into finger-sized pieces and bake them in the oven until tender.
5. Broccoli
Broccoli is a great source of vitamins and minerals. Offer it to your baby in small florets that are easy to hold.
6. Egg Yolk
Egg yolks are a good source of protein and healthy fats. Soft-boil or poach an egg and offer the yolk to your baby.
7. Peas
Peas are a sweet and nutritious food for babies. Offer them cooked and mashed or whole for your baby to explore.
8. Toast Soldiers
Cut whole-grain toast into thin strips and offer them to your baby as “soldiers” for dipping into soft-boiled eggs or mashed avocado.
9. Cooked Pasta
Cooked pasta is a fun and easy food for babies to pick up and explore. Try small shapes like mini shells or spirals.
10. Blueberries
Blueberries are a nutritious and easy-to-hold food for babies. Offer them whole or cut in half for younger babies.
11. Grilled Cheese
Grilled cheese is a fun and tasty food for babies to try. Cut it into small squares or sticks for easy handling.
12. Mango
Mango is a sweet and juicy fruit that most babies love. Offer it cut into small cubes or strips.
13. Soft Cheese
Soft cheeses like cream cheese or goat cheese are a good source of protein and healthy fats. Offer them spread on toast or crackers.
14. Roasted Squash
Roasted squash is a nutritious and easy-to-digest food for babies. Cut it into small cubes or sticks.
15. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a nutritious and easy-to-digest food for babies. Offer it cooked and mashed with a little breast milk or formula.
16. Papaya
Papaya is a sweet and juicy fruit that’s easy to cut into small pieces for babies to explore.
17. Green Beans
Green beans are a nutritious and easy-to-hold food for babies. Offer them steamed and cut into small pieces.
18. Grapes
Grapes are a sweet and easy-to-hold food for babies. Offer them cut in half for younger babies.
19. Roasted Chicken
Roasted chicken is a good source of protein for babies. Offer it shredded or cut into small pieces.
20. Kiwi
Kiwi is a sweet and juicy fruit that’s easy to cut into small pieces for babies to explore.
21. Tofu
Tofu is a good source of protein and nutrients for babies. Offer it cooked and cut into small cubes or sticks.
22. Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a nutritious and easy-to-digest food for babies. Offer it steamed and cut into small pieces.
23. Raspberries
Raspberries are a sweet and easy-to-hold food for babies. Offer them whole or cut in half for younger babies.
24. Salmon
Salmon is a good source of protein and healthy fats for babies. Offer it cooked and flaked into small pieces.
25. Watermelon
Watermelon is a sweet and juicy fruit that’s easy to cut into small pieces for babies to explore.
26. Spinach
Spinach is a nutritious and easy-to-digest food for babies. Offer it cooked and cut into small pieces.
27. Turkey
Turkey is a good source of protein for babies. Offer it shredded or cut into small pieces.
28. Blackberries
Blackberries are a sweet and easy-to-hold food for babies. Offer them whole or cut in half for younger babies.
29. Quinoa
Quinoa is a nutritious and easy-to-digest food for babies. Offer it cooked and mashed with a little breast milk or formula.
30. Apple
Apple is a sweet and easy-to-hold fruit for babies. Offer it cut into small cubes or strips.
31. Hummus
Hummus is a good source of protein and healthy fats for babies. Offer it as a dip for vegetables or crackers.
32. Pear
Pear is a sweet and easy-to-hold fruit for babies. Offer it cut into small cubes or strips.
33. Lentils
Lentils are a good source of protein and nutrients for babies. Offer them cooked and mashed or in small pieces.
34. Mango Lassi
Mango lassi is a tasty and nutritious drink for babies. Blend mango with yogurt and a little breast milk or formula.
35. Zucchini Fritters
Zucchini fritters are a fun and tasty food for babies to try. Grate zucchini and mix with egg and flour, then fry in a little oil.
36. Plum
Plum is a sweet and easy-to-hold fruit for babies. Offer it cut into small cubes or strips.
37. Yogurt
Yogurt is a good source of protein and healthy fats for babies. Offer it plain or with mashed fruit.
38. Beetroot
Beetroot is a nutritious and easy-to-digest food for babies. Offer it cooked and cut into small pieces.
39. Peaches
Peaches are a sweet and easy-to-hold fruit for babies. Offer them cut into small cubes or strips.
40. Chickpeas
Chickpeas are a good source of protein and nutrients for babies. Offer them cooked and mashed or in small pieces.
41. Melon
Melon is a sweet and juicy fruit that’s easy to cut into small pieces for babies to explore.
42. Cucumber
Cucumber is a nutritious and easy-to-digest food for babies. Offer it cut into small sticks or cubes.
43. Peanut Butter
Peanut butter is a good source of protein and healthy fats for babies. Offer it spread on toast or crackers.
44. Mango Chutney
Mango chutney is a tasty and nutritious condiment for babies. Offer it as a dip for vegetables or crackers.
45. Tuna
Tuna