Is BLW safe, is there a choking risk?

Your interest in BLW and your safety concerns are completely understandable — this is the first question every parent considering this approach asks themselves.

Is BLW safe?

Research comparing BLW to traditional puree methods shows no significant difference in choking risk. The real risk comes from starting before the baby is ready or serving foods in the wrong size.

To minimize choking risk:

• Wait until baby is ready: At least 6 months old, able to sit up without support, and able to pick up food and bring it to her mouth.
• Start with the right foods: Soft, palm-sized pieces of food (steamed carrot, avocado slices, sweet potato) are ideal.
• Absolutely avoid: Whole grapes, cherry tomatoes, raw apple slices, hard crackers, sausages — any round or hard foods.
• Keep baby upright and never leave unattended. Coughing is actually a good reflex — don't intervene if your baby is coughing; she'll handle it herself. But if she goes silent and turns blue, act immediately.
• Learn infant CPR — not because you'll need it, but so you feel confident. Never using it is the best outcome.

The first few weeks are a learning curve for both you and your baby — your baby's gag reflex (which is different from choking) appears often in BLW and is normal. As you get used to it, your worry will lessen.