At what age do you start baby-led weaning (BLW)?
⚡ Short answer: To start BLW, your baby needs to be at least **6 months old** and have these skills: - **Sit unsupported** (hold their head and body steady, sitting independently for a few seconds) - **Reach for objects, grasp, and bring to mouth** (developed hand-eye coordination) - **Move food backward with tongue instead of pushing it out** (loss of tongue thrust reflex)
Anonymous
bir anne · Feeding
I want to try baby-led weaning. What age and skills does my baby need to start BLW?
Maiyko AI ADVISOR
The real reply from the in-app AI advisor
To start BLW, your baby needs to be at least 6 months old and have these skills:
- Sit unsupported (hold their head and body steady, sitting independently for a few seconds)
- Reach for objects, grasp, and bring to mouth (developed hand-eye coordination)
- Move food backward with tongue instead of pushing it out (loss of tongue thrust reflex)
This reflex usually fades around 5-6 months. It's also important that your baby shows strong curiosity about food during meals. If there's early delivery, assess based on corrected age.
Before starting BLW, I recommend learning about tongue position and the gag reflex - it's very important to tell the difference between gagging and choking for safety.
⚕️ Health note: This answer is for general information only; it is not medical advice. Every baby is different — for decisions about your baby's health, consult your pediatrician.
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