Baby Led Weaning First Week: What to Expect
The first week of baby led weaning is an exciting time for both babies and parents. Instead of spoon-feeding purees, babies explore soft finger foods and learn how to feed themselves.
During the first week, babies may only eat small amounts. That's completely normal. The goal is not to replace milk feeds yet, but to help your baby practice chewing, tasting new foods, and developing feeding skills.
This guide explains what typically happens during the first week of baby led weaning, which foods to offer, and simple meal ideas to get started.
What Happens During the First Week of Baby Led Weaning?
When babies first begin eating solid foods, they are learning several new skills at the same time.
During the first week you may notice your baby:
- • touching and squishing food
- • bringing food to their mouth
- • dropping food on the floor
- • eating very small amounts
This is all part of the learning process. Breast milk or formula still provides most of your baby's nutrition at this stage.
Best Foods to Offer During the First Week
During the first week, choose foods that are soft, simple, and easy for babies to hold.
Good beginner foods include:
- • avocado slices
- • banana sticks
- • steamed broccoli
- • roasted sweet potato
- • soft mango slices
- • scrambled eggs
You can explore a full list of safe foods here. See also first foods for baby.
These foods are naturally soft and easy for babies to mash with their gums.
Simple BLW Meal Ideas for the First Week
Here are some easy meal ideas for the first week of baby led weaning.
Breakfast
- • oatmeal with mashed banana
- • yogurt with soft fruit
- • avocado slices
Explore more breakfast ideas here.
Lunch
- • steamed broccoli florets
- • roasted sweet potato wedges
- • soft pear slices
More ideas: baby lunch recipes.
Dinner
- • scrambled eggs
- • avocado slices
- • soft carrot sticks
Remember that your baby may only taste a few bites - and that's perfectly fine.
How Much Food Should Babies Eat?
During the first week of baby led weaning, babies usually eat very small amounts of food.
Some babies may only:
- • lick food
- • chew briefly
- • swallow small bites
Milk feeds remain the main source of nutrition during the first year.
The first week is mostly about learning and exploration.
Safety Tips for the First Week
Safety is an important part of starting baby led weaning.
Follow these guidelines:
- • always supervise your baby during meals
- • offer foods that are soft enough to mash
- • avoid small round foods that can be choking hazards
- • ensure your baby sits upright while eating
Learn more about safe preparation here.
verifiedSources & References
This guide is informed by current guidelines from leading health organizations:
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a baby eat during the first week of BLW?
During the first week of baby led weaning, babies can explore soft foods such as avocado, banana, sweet potato, broccoli, or scrambled eggs.
How much should babies eat during the first week?
Babies usually eat very small amounts during the first week. Many babies simply explore and taste food rather than eating full meals.
Can babies gag during baby led weaning?
Gagging is common when babies are learning to eat solid foods. It is part of the learning process as babies develop chewing and swallowing skills.
Should I offer three meals during the first week?
Many parents start with one small meal per day and gradually increase to two or three meals as their baby becomes more comfortable with solids.
Can I mix baby led weaning with purees?
Yes. Many families combine finger foods with spoon-fed foods while their baby is learning to eat.
What foods should I avoid during the first week?
Avoid foods that are hard, small, or round, as they can pose choking risks for babies.
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