Look no further than our list of the best baby-led weaning(BLW) books to get your baby started on the right track!
You know that introducing solids is an important milestone in your baby's development, but with so many different books available, it can be hard to know which ones are right for you.
Our team of parenting experts has read thousands of product reviews to find the best BLW book for your needs. We've done all the hard work so that you can easily find and purchase the perfect guidebook for feeding your little one.
No more guesswork. No more wasted money. Just the perfect book to help make this important transition easier for both of you!
Check out our reviews of the best baby-led weaning books today!
What You Need To Know
During the first few years of life, babies reach many important milestones: first smile, first laugh, first crawl, and first steps. Along with these milestones, babies learn a lot of important life skills, such as how to feed themselves. As they grow older and learn new skills, their diet changes too. Gradually, babies will stop eating only breast milk or formula and start to discover solid food. At this stage, they can start eating what is on the family menus with a little help.
There are different ways that babies can learn how to feed themselves. One way is called "baby-led weaning" or "auto-feeding."
What Is Baby-Led Weaning?
When babies learn how to feed themselves, they start with easy-to-eat pureed foods. This starts the weaning process. Then they eat more complex baby foods. After that, they can eat regular food. Parents help feed their babies with a spoon until the baby is old enough to do it alone.
Baby-led weaning means that babies are in charge of what they are eating at mealtime. They decide when they are hungry and when they are done eating.
BLW is when parents let the baby decide when they are ready to start eating solids. This means that you should look for signs that the baby is ready to eat on their own. When they are ready, let them feed themselves.
Benefits of Baby-Led Weaning:
Baby-led weaning has many benefits for both families and babies.
All its benefits are not just for the baby or the whole family. It fosters child healthy eating habits with food and balanced meals. Your child will be a smiling and confident eater.
- It Can Be Faster and Save Money
When the entire family eats the same meal, it cuts down on the amount of time you spend preparing food. And it might also save you money because baby food can be expensive.
- Learning Path To Social Interactions
When parents allow their babies to feed themselves, it helps the baby learn about eating with other people. This is good for the baby's social and emotional development.
And most importantly, they feel like they are a part of the gang! It helps develop social interactions by starting in your family setting.
- Little ones learn about different foods
Most purees/spoon-feeding purees or baby foods have soft textures. Baby-led weaning means babies try different kinds of delicious food. They get to experience a lot of different tastes and textures this way when you introduce solid foods.
- Allows Them To Explore Development Stages and Fine Motor Skills
It is very helpful to let babies decide when they are hungry and when they are full. They will learn to control how much they eat. They will not eat too much because they can control what goes into their mouth. This develops a healthy relationship with food. Babies also get to practice tasks that require them to develop their fine motor skills.
When Should You Start Safe Baby-Led Weaning?
Baby is ready to eat on their own when they can sit up without help and when they try to pick up food and bring it to their mouth.
Most babies reach these milestones by around 6 months old, but every baby is different. Babies who were born early or premature might start doing these things at a later age.
You may need to watch for signs of readiness closer to the baby's corrected age (if they had been born on their actual due date) rather than their chronological age of 6 months. The best way to do baby-led weaning is to follow practical advice and meet the needs of your baby.
How To Start Baby-Led Weaning
A great way to start BLW is to gather as much information about it as possible! Isn't that how we start anything really, gathering information? When gathering information, it is important to talk with your pediatrician and get an idea of the direction and timeline that you want to go in.
This includes your baby's unique information about their healthcare. Is it known if they have food allergies to the baby food they've already tried, do they need gluten-free food perhaps? Or if you and your pediatrician think starting your little one out on puree instead of baby-led weaning or vice versa.
Your pediatrician can always recommend different resources for you as well. Talking with your pediatricians will give you practical advice. They will recommend and help develop a unique feeding plan for your baby that is sure to meet all of their unique needs or modifications. The modifications could be something like any known food allergies, and what baby food they do best with.
Baby-led weaning can be a wonderful way to get started feeding adventurous eater. For example, you and your infant can partner together by allowing them to take the spoon-fed purées straight from you and into their mouths.
Even if it's just for a short while, many babies find comfort in trying some purées first as they transition into solids. This is safe baby-led weaning, and also promotes self-feeding.
A great tip is preloading the spoon so that they may hold onto it safely with little help from you - giving them independence when eating!
It is okay if your baby eats with their hands and makes a mess. It is a good experience for them. Do not worry if they do not eat much when they first start eating solids. It takes time for them to learn how to eat complementary foods. Don't forget breast milk or formula is the most important source of nutrition for the first year of life.
It is okay if baby-led weaning is slow or not working. Some babies like to eat in different ways. You can try different methods until you find one that works for your baby.
Big Book of Organic Baby Food
Baby Purées, Finger Foods, and Toddler Meals For Every Stage
Big Book of Organic Baby Food: Baby Purées, Finger Foods, and Toddler Meals For Every Stage
by Stephanie Middleberg MS RD CDN(Author)
Why We Love It
The Big Book of Organic Baby Food is a necessary guide for any parent! This whole foods baby food cookbook offers tons of healthy recipes and whole foods recipes designed to accommodate a wide range of tastes and needs, from weight loss concerns and diets.
Filled with tasty dishes like Sweet Potato Puree, Maple-Glazed Salmon, and Roasted Green Beans, this book is great for nourishing your baby from infancy through the toddler years and beyond.
Plus, each chapter covers developmental changes and provides FAQs to help you make the best nutritional decisions.
What You Should Know
Cooking as a parent can be difficult, but The Big Book of Organic Baby Food makes it easier. With more than 150 easy recipes from purees to smoothies to finger foods, you are sure to find something that you and your little one love.
I love this book because it gave me the confidence I needed on how to puree unusual foods like meat and fish. Plus, I still use it for weeknight family dinners. Not only has my son loved every single meal and snack I’ve made from it, but my husband and I have too. It has become our family cookbook.
So if you’re looking for a comprehensive baby food cookbook with tons of delicious and nutritious recipes, The Big Book of Organic Baby Food is a perfect choice!
People Who Have Read It Say
Provides great direction for foods by age group, spoon-fed, start solids, common allergies, and kitchen tools needed like a food processor.
Each recipe will give you a nice amount of practical tips - if you make a few different ones it can easily be a week of food prepped.
This baby food cookbook is good for learning what kinds of foods to give children of different ages.
It also covers allergy prevention, how to introduce new foods, and what common allergies to watch out for.
Plus, it lists all the kitchen tools you will need for tasty recipes.
If you make a few different recipes, you can have a lot of food prepared for the week ahead.
The first set of purées is the simple recipes that you can use for the following chapters. If you aren't doing all organic, she has a list of the dirty dozen to aim for getting organic.
This book is great and not too difficult to understand. I suggest getting the Cuisinart steamer pan combo for harder foods because it steams them quickly.
Adding milk or water will make the purees thinner, but I like to leave them thicker. That way I can freeze it and then add water when I thaw it out.
If you are using breastmilk to thin out food, I suggest only doing it just before preparing it for the baby. It is best to look at the CDC's guidelines on breastmilk storage. I suggest using the haaka silicone freezer containers for cooling in the fridge. The nine 1oz ice cube trays are perfect for freezing overnight and then putting in a labeled freezer bag.
Baby-Led Weaning, Updated & Expanded
The Essential Guide for BLW - Tenth Anniversary Edition
Baby-Led Weaning, Completely Updated and Expanded Tenth Anniversary Edition: The Essential Guide
Gill Rapley PhD(Author), Tracey Murkett(Author)
Why We Love It
Baby-led Weaning, Completely Updated and Expanded Tenth Anniversary Edition is the perfect guide for parents looking to introduce their baby to solid foods in a healthy, natural way.
This book explains all the benefits of baby-led weaning, such as the baby participating in family meals right from the start and learning to love a variety of foods.
It also includes updated research on allergy prevention, safely feeding your little one, and a guide to using BLW at daycare.
What You Should Know
This comprehensive guide provides all the information (the food director) you need to know about teaching your child healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime. The book includes nutritious milk feedings, helpful advice on transitioning to solids at your baby's own pace, and tips for developing hand-eye coordination, chewing skills, and confidence.
Plus, it's been completely updated and expanded with the latest research and insights from experts in the field.
People Who Have Read It Say
I love this book! I fed my three older children and did not know there was another way. We are excited to try this "system/method" when our little man reaches 6 months.
This book is easy to read and understand. I finished it in a few days. The chapters are organized well and easy to read.
The author talks about everything from what foods to avoid, how to prepare foods so your baby can eat them easier, how your baby should be seated for feeding baby safely eating, and more!
Feeding Littles and Beyond -
100 Baby-Led-Weaning Friendly Recipes the Whole Family Will Love
Feeding Littles and Beyond: 100 Baby-Led-Weaning-Friendly Recipes the Whole Family Will Love
by Ali Maffucci(Author), Megan McNamee(Author), Judy Delaware(Author)
Why We Love It
Feeding Littles and Beyond: 100 Baby-Led-Weaning-Friendly Recipes the Whole Family Will Love is a must-have resource for parents looking to introduce solids to their little ones by following baby-led weaning recipes.
This book is written by Megan McNamee and Judy Delaware, the dietitian/ occupational therapist duo behind the preeminent parenting resource Feeding Littles.
It offers strategies for feeding baby, as well as food safety and other common parental concerns. The book also provides tips for dealing with challenges such as picky eaters and dining out and even a one-of-a-kind visual index for plating food that babies can feed to themselves!
What You Should Know
Feeding Littles and Beyond - is packed with tasty recipes in categories including Morning Fuel (with plenty of egg-free options), Less Is More (using five ingredients or less), and Mostly Homemade (no shame in using pantry staples!).
It also features modifications for families with allergies, positive food language, and how to promote body positivity.
Plus, it includes meal-prep strategies that work with any family's schedule, so you can make sure your little one gets the nutrition they need while being able to spoon-fed meals with the whole family.
People Who Have Read It
My 3-year-old likes helping me cook! I think this cookbook is a great product for anyone trying baby-led weaning (BLW).
I have a six-month-old and a 2.5-year-old, and I think they will both benefit from the recipes and tips in the book.
I like that it features recipes for the whole family. And the recipe index in the back of the book is very helpful to give ideas on what to feed the baby for EVERY RECIPE.
Baby-Led Feeding: A Natural Way to Raise Happy, Independent Eaters
A wonderful guide with some of the latest research on self-feeding.
Baby-Led Feeding: A Natural Way to Raise Happy, Independent Eaters
Jenna Helwig(Author)
Why We Love It
This is a perfect guide and has some of the latest research for new parents who want to transition their baby to finger foods the natural way through self-feeding.
This book is a baby food cookbook that is packed with over 100 ideas and simple recipes that are both healthy and wholesome. It contains practical advice like essential safety and nutrition guidelines, frequently asked questions, basic fruit and vegetable prep, more complex finger foods, and family meals.
Plus, the newly revised edition includes updated information regarding common allergens and substitutions, helpful new content like sample menus, and new recipes featuring a wider range of flavors.
What You Should Know
Auto-feeding is thought to promote motor skills and establish lifelong healthy eating habits for your little one.
This book is full of delicious and nutritious easy recipes that are sure to get your baby excited about mealtimes. All recipes are reviewed by a registered dietitian and include nutrition information to ensure a healthy mealtime.
With this guide, you can skip the tiny jars and pouches of bland baby food and introduce your baby to balanced meals in a more natural, flavorful, and family-friendly way.
People Who Have Read It Say
This baby food cookbook has good ideas for making the foods we eat at home into foods that are okay for our baby to eat.
As our baby grows, we can give them more complex foods and family meals. This is an easy way to give our child healthy food with not a lot of work. I did not want to make special food for the baby or have to buy a lot of jars and pouches.
BLW has been the easiest way to feed someone else in our house without having to make big changes to grocery shopping or meal preparation.
Baby-Led Weaning Made Easy:
The Busy Parent's Guide to Feeding Babies and Toddlers with Delicious Family Meals
Baby-Led Weaning Made Easy: The Busy Parent's Guide to Feeding Babies and Toddlers with Delicious Family Meals
by Simone Ward(Author)
Why We Love It
Baby-Led Weaning Made Easy: The Busy Parent's Guide to Feeding Babies and Toddlers is the perfect guide for busy parents to help them feed their babies and toddlers with ease.
Written by Simone Ward, a mom who has guided all four of her children through baby-led weaning, this baby food cookbook is packed to the brim with time-saving tips, advice, and easy-to-follow recipes.
It is the only book on the market that combines Simone Ward"s wealth of first-hand knowledge with a collection of family-friendly recipes that are great for babies and every other family member.
What You Should Know
Baby-Led Weaning Made Easy also includes a wide range of tasty recipes like Tuna and Chickpea Fritters, Spinach and Almond Pesto Pasta, Lentil Bolognese, Sweet Potato and Broccoli Tots, Salmon, and Pea Egg Muffins, and Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders.
All recipes come with easy-to-follow instructions and many include ideas for switching up flavors or using convenient appliances like an Instant Pot® or slow cooker.
Plus, recipes have easy-to-reference labels that note if the meal is ready in 30 minutes or less, allergen-friendly, a good source of key nutrients like iron, make-ahead friendly, or a little messy.
This book truly has it all and will be an invaluable family reference for years to come.
People Who Have Read It
This book is a good way to learn more about BLW.
I love how this book gives you a good foundation for cooking (if you weren't already good at it). The recipes are delicious and easy to make. So far, I've loved every recipe I've tried.
It's also been able to feed our whole family, not just the adults or just the baby.
Are you looking for a book that will help you in the baby-led weaning journey - to help you get started with feeding your baby? It can be overwhelming to look through all the different books out there, but it doesn't have to be.
Baby-Led Weaning FAQ's
We've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about baby-led weaning books so you can be sure to pick the right one for you and your baby. We'll help you understand the different types of books available, how to choose the best one for your baby, and what to look for in a quality book. With our help, you can find the perfect baby-led weaning book for your family.
What book for baby-led weaning is highly recommended?
The best book for baby-led weaning is "Baby-Led Weaning: The Essential Guide to Introducing Solid Foods - and Helping Your Baby to Grow Up a Happy and Confident Eater" by Gill Rapley and Tracey Murkett. This book provides comprehensive information on how to introduce solids to your baby safely and healthily, as well as advice on how to encourage your baby to explore and enjoy different types of food. It also includes a variety of recipes and meal ideas to help you get started.
What are the potential drawbacks of Baby Led Weaning?
The main disadvantage of BLW is that it can be difficult to ensure that your baby is getting enough nutrition from the food they are eating. It can also be difficult to ensure that your baby is getting a balanced diet, as they may not be eating enough of certain foods. Additionally, there is a risk of choking with BLW, as some of the foods may be too large or hard for your baby to chew safely. Finally, BLW can be messier than other methods of feeding, as your baby may not be able to eat all of the food given to them.
Is Baby Led Weaning a controversial topic?
Baby-led weaning (BLW) is a method of introducing new food to babies that involves allowing the baby to self-feed rather than feeding the with a spoon. This method has become increasingly popular in recent years, but it is still considered controversial by some.
The main concern with BLW is that it can be difficult to ensure that the baby is getting enough nutrition. Babies are not able to chew or swallow as well as adults, so it can be difficult for them to get enough calories and nutrients from certain foods. Additionally, some parents worry that the baby could choke on the food if they are not supervised properly. For these reasons, it is important for parents to be aware of the potential risks associated with BLW and to ensure that their baby is getting the nutrition they need.
Is Baby Led Weaning endorsed by pediatricians?
Yes, many doctors recommend baby-led weaning (BLW), which is a method of introducing solids to babies without spoon-feeding. BLW allows babies to feed themselves, allowing them to learn to self-regulate their intake and explore different textures and flavors. BLW also helps babies to develop their hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and chewing skills. Additionally, it may help to reduce the risk of picky eating in the future.
In Conclusion
When it comes to feeding your little one, the best book for weaning your baby can be an invaluable resource.
From tips on introducing solids to delicious recipes, these books are sure to provide you with the information you need to make sure your baby gets the best start in life.
We hope this review has helped you narrow down your search and choose the best book to start your baby-led journey for you and your baby.
From fun recipes to helpful tips, these books are sure to provide you with the information and support you need to make the transition to solid foods as smooth and stress-free as possible.
So, pick up one of these books today and get ready to embark on your baby-led weaning journey!
