What To Expect With Baby Led Weaning

If you're starting baby led weaning with your little one, you may be very unsure of how mealtimes will go. Here are some very normal things to expect with baby led weaning, so you can feel less stressed about your journey with solids!

Baby with raspberries on his face, hands and onesie with text overlay.

"Is that normal?" It seems like that goes through your head at least a few times a day when you're the parent of an infant. Baby led weaning can be even more of a question mark, especially if you've never seen it done in real life. To help answer some of your questions and put some worries to rest - perhaps before they happen! - here are a few things you can expect when starting baby led weaning for the first time.

What To Expect When Starting Baby Led Weaning

Messy baby in a high chair playing with spoon.

1. It Will Be Messy.

Baby led weaning is messy. Especially in the beginning, when baby is just learning how to grasp foods and bring them to his mouth. Plus, it's fun for baby to explore all those new textures. I find that later on, BLW babes are actually less messy eaters once they get the hang of it. In the early days, do your best to embrace the mess - it's all part of the learning process!

2. Baby Will Not Eat Much.

In the early days, and even weeks, baby will not actually eat much food. This beginning stage is all about learning how to feed himself, and very little food might actually make it into his mouth and belly. He may only swallow a few bites. That's ok for now - see next point!

3. Milk Feeds Will Continue as Usual.

In the early days, milk feeds will be the same as usual and will be the main source of nutrition for baby. Continue breast feeding on demand or bottle feeding as before. Milk will slowly start to taper down over time as solid food increases. Let baby be the guide!

baby hand grabbing carrot stick and noodle off of high chair tray.

4. Amount of Food Eaten Will Vary By Meal.

Even once baby has the hang of eating solid food, the amount eaten will vary greatly day to day and even meal to meal. Some meals, baby may eat 4 servings, and the next only a couple of bites. This is normal! At some point, you will probably be surprised by how much baby can eat!

5. Mealtimes May Take Longer.

When baby is allowed to self-feed, your mealtimes will probably take longer than spoon feeding. That's okay! It allows baby to adequately chew and digest food. Take the opportunity enjoy your own meal and a slower pace, since as a busy mama, you probably rarely slow down!

6. Gagging Will Happen.

All babies gag. It is a normal part of learning how to eat. It is a protective reflex that will probably occur more in the early days of starting solids as baby learns how to move food around his mouth.

7. Diapers May Surprise You!

Food doesn't spend as much time in baby's digestive tract, so it doesn't get broken down as well. Baby also may not be chewing very well just yet. Don't be alarmed if you see small pieces of food, or even whole beans in baby's diaper!

8. Baby may get frustrated.

Learning something new is hard! Baby might get frustrated at meal times, especially if he is overly tired or hungry. If this happens for too long, end meal time for baby and try again at the next meal. To reduce frustration, make sure you're offering appropriate shapes for little ones, and don't start a meal too close to nap time or if it's time for a milk feed.