Ready to start baby-led weaning? To help you get started, we’ve put together a delightful 1-week menu filled with nutritious and delicious meals that your baby will love. Check out our list of delicious BLW meals to introduce to your little eater.
Baby-Led Weaning
Welcome to the wonderful world of baby-led weaning! As your little one reaches the milestone of 6 months, it’s time to embark on an exciting journey of introducing solid foods.
Baby-led weaning is a popular approach to introducing solid foods to infants. It involves allowing babies to self-feed from the very beginning, promoting independence and a healthy relationship with food.
Here are some reasons why parents adopt baby-led weaning in their households:
- it facilitates the development of the baby’s oral motor control
- makes eating a positive and interactive experience
- strengthens self-regulation
- increases exposure to table food
- it helps kids become more adventurous eaters later in life
Baby-led weaning is all about allowing your baby to take the lead in their feeding journey. Instead of spoon-feeding purees, this method involves offering age-appropriate finger foods and letting your little one explore textures, flavours, and self-feeding.
Here are a few essential tips to keep in mind:
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Safety first: Make sure the food you offer is soft and easy to chew, and cut it into small, manageable pieces to prevent choking hazards.
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Offer a variety of foods: Introduce a wide range of flavours, textures, and colours to develop your baby’s palate and encourage them to explore different tastes.
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Let your baby explore: Allow your baby to touch, squish, and play with their food. It’s part of the learning process and helps them develop their motor skills.
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Patience is key: Remember, mealtimes should be relaxed and enjoyable. Be patient as your baby learns to self-feed, even if it gets a bit messy!
1 Week BLW Meal Plan
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Now that we have the basics covered, let’s move on to the menu!
Here’s a 1-week baby-led weaning menu packed with nutritious options for your little one:
Monday
Breakfast: Banana Oatmeal Fingers
Lunch: Broccoli and Cheese Bites
Dinner: Sweet Potato and Black Bean Quesadilla
Tuesday
Breakfast: Blueberry Pancakes (made with whole wheat flour)
Lunch: Spinach and Feta Mini Muffins
Dinner: Carrot and Lentil Soup with Whole Grain Bread
Wednesday
Breakfast: Mango Yogurt Parfait
Lunch: Chicken and Vegetable Skewers
Dinner: Mini Turkey Meatballs with Roasted Veggies
Thursday
Breakfast: Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Bites
Lunch: Cauliflower Tots
Dinner: Salmon and Sweet Potato Patties with Steamed Green Beans
Friday
Breakfast: Pumpkin Banana Muffins
Lunch: Veggie Frittata Squares
Dinner: Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers
Saturday
Breakfast: Spinach and Cheese Omelette
Lunch: Mini Tuna Cakes with Avocado Dip
Dinner: Vegetable and Chickpea Curry with Brown Rice
Sunday
Breakfast: Strawberry Chia Pudding
Lunch: Mini Corn and Zucchini Fritters
Dinner: Beef and Vegetable Stir-Fry with Quinoa
Remember to adjust portion sizes and textures based on your baby’s developmental stage. As always, ensure that the foods are soft, easily mashable, and cut into appropriate sizes to prevent choking hazards. Enjoy this exciting culinary adventure with your little one!
BLW Breakfast Ideas
Ready to make BLW meals for your little one? You can start by trying these easy BLW recipes.
Image Source: iStock
These recipes are for reference purposes only. It is essential to consult with a paediatrician or a qualified healthcare professional before introducing new foods to your baby.
Start your little one’s day with a nutritious and delicious breakfast that fuels their adventurous spirit! Baby-led weaning breakfasts provide an opportunity for your baby to explore new flavours and textures while promoting self-feeding skills. In this listicle, we’ll share three flavorful and baby-friendly breakfast ideas to kickstart your day. Let’s get cooking!
Banana Oat Pancakes
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1 egg, beaten
- Dash of cinnamon (optional)
Instructions:
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In a bowl, combine the mashed banana, rolled oats, beaten egg, and cinnamon (if desired). Mix well to form a batter.
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Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly grease it.
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Pour small spoonfuls of the batter onto the pan to form pancakes.
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Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
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Allow the pancakes to cool slightly before serving them in baby-sized portions. Let your little one enjoy self-feeding and exploring the tasty pancakes!
Veggie Egg Muffins
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup finely chopped veggies (such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms)
- 1 tablespoon grated cheese (optional)
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin.
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In a bowl, mix together the beaten eggs, finely chopped veggies, grated cheese (if using), salt, and pepper.
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Spoon the mixture evenly into the mini muffin tin.
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Bake for approximately 10 to 12 minutes or until the egg muffins are cooked through and slightly golden.
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Allow them to cool before serving. These mini veggie egg muffins are perfect finger foods for breakfast!
Yogurt Parfait with Fruit
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- Fresh fruits (such as berries, diced mango, or sliced bananas)
- Sprinkle of granola or crushed cereal (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small bowl or baby-friendly container, layer the plain Greek yogurt with fresh fruits.
- Top with a sprinkle of granola or crushed cereal for added texture and crunch (if desired).
- Offer a small spoon or let your baby explore the yogurt parfait with their hands.
- Enjoy the creamy and fruity goodness together!
BLW Recipes for Lunch
Lunchtime can be a fantastic opportunity to introduce your little one to a variety of flavours and textures through baby-led weaning. With these three nutritious and baby-friendly recipes, your baby can enjoy a satisfying midday meal while exploring the joy of self-feeding. Let’s dive into these delicious lunchtime delights!
Quinoa Veggie Bowl
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup cooked quinoa
- Assorted steamed vegetables (such as carrots, broccoli, and peas)
- Avocado slices for garnish
Instructions:
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Cook quinoa according to package instructions and set it aside.
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Steam the vegetables until they are tender but still firm.
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Allow the quinoa and vegetables to cool.
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Arrange a small portion of quinoa and a variety of vegetables in a baby-friendly bowl or plate.
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Add avocado slices for garnish.
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Encourage your baby to dig in and enjoy this nutritious and colourful meal!
Mini Turkey and Veggie Meatballs
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup finely grated zucchini
- 1/4 cup finely grated carrot
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup ground turkey
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a bowl, combine the grated zucchini, grated carrot, breadcrumbs, ground turkey, and beaten egg. Mix well.
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Shape the mixture into small meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes or until cooked through.
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Allow the meatballs to cool before serving them as finger foods or cut them into small pieces for your baby to enjoy.
Chickpea and Sweet Potato Patties
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato
- 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas, mashed
- 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Dash of salt
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, mashed chickpeas, whole wheat flour, ground cumin, paprika, and salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Shape the mixture into small patties.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly grease it.
- Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Allow the patties to cool before serving them as a tasty lunch option.
3 Winning Baby-Led Weaning Dinner Recipes
Dinnertime is a perfect opportunity for your little one to enjoy a satisfying meal while exploring new flavours and textures through baby-led weaning.
These three winning dinner recipes are packed with nutritious ingredients and designed to please tiny taste buds. Get ready to delight your baby’s palate with these delicious and baby-friendly dinner ideas!
Baked Salmon with Sweet Potato Wedges
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets, skin removed
- 1 sweet potato, cut into wedges
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Dash of garlic powder (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Place the salmon fillets and sweet potato wedges on the baking sheet.
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Drizzle olive oil over the salmon and sweet potatoes.
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Sprinkle a dash of garlic powder over the sweet potatoes for added flavour (optional).
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Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and the sweet potatoes are tender.
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Allow the meal to cool before serving bite-sized portions to your little one. Enjoy the tasty combination of salmon and sweet potato goodness!
Mini Vegetable Lasagna
Ingredients:
- 4 lasagna noodles, cooked and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup finely chopped mixed vegetables (such as zucchini, spinach, and mushrooms)
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a small baking dish.
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In the baking dish, layer half of the lasagna noodles, followed by half of the tomato sauce, mixed vegetables, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
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Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
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Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Allow the mini vegetable lasagna to cool before serving it as a scrumptious dinner option for your little one.
Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients:
- 2 bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
- 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/4 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, black beans, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Stuff the mixture into the halved bell peppers.
- Place the stuffed peppers on the baking sheet.
- Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
- Allow the stuffed peppers to cool before serving them as a delightful dinner option.
Reminder: Parents should always monitor their baby’s reaction to each food and identify any potential allergies or sensitivities. By spacing out the introduction of new foods, parents can observe any adverse reactions and make informed decisions about their baby’s diet.
Tips for Preparing Baby’s Food for Baby-Led Weaning
Image Source: iStock
Preparing food for your baby’s baby-led weaning journey is an exciting and important step. As you embark on this adventure, it’s crucial to keep a few key things in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for your little one. Here are five essential tips to remember when preparing your baby’s food for baby-led weaning. Let’s dive in!
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Choose Nutritious Foods: When preparing food for your baby, prioritise nutrient-rich options. Opt for a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This will help provide essential vitamins, minerals, and energy for your baby’s growth and development.
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Offer Soft and Appropriate Textures: One of the core principles of baby-led weaning is to provide foods that are easy for your baby to pick up and eat. Ensure that the foods are soft, cooked thoroughly, and cut into appropriate sizes. Soft steamed vegetables, ripe fruits, and tender meats are excellent options to introduce.
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Avoid Added Salt, Sugar, and Spices: Babies have delicate palates, and their taste buds are still developing. It’s best to avoid adding salt, sugar, and strong spices to your baby’s food. Allow them to experience the natural flavours of the foods and gradually introduce new tastes over time.
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Mindful Food Preparation: Practice good hygiene when preparing your baby’s food. Wash your hands thoroughly, clean utensils and surfaces properly, and use fresh ingredients. Steer clear of potential allergens such as honey, nuts, and certain seafood until your baby is older.
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Be Mindful of Choking Hazards: Safety is paramount during baby-led weaning. Ensure that the foods you offer are cut into manageable pieces to prevent choking hazards. Avoid small, hard, or round foods that can easily get stuck in your baby’s throat. Always supervise your baby during mealtime.
Embarking on a week of flavorful baby-led weaning meals is an exciting and rewarding experience for both you and your little one. By introducing a variety of nutritious and delicious foods, you’re nurturing your baby’s taste buds, promoting their self-feeding skills, and instilling a love for healthy eating from an early age.
Remember, each baby develops at their own pace. Be patient and supportive as your little one explores new tastes and textures. So, let the yummy adventures continue as your baby grows and thrives on their flavourful baby-led weaning journey! Celebrate their milestones and enjoy this wonderful bonding experience together!
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