Tips, Tricks, and Must-Have Gear from the Experts at Solid Starts

Starting baby-led weaning (BLW) can feel like a big step in your baby’s eating journey. As they transition from milk to solids, it’s important to approach this new chapter with patience, knowledge, and the right tools. Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate the process with confidence!

1. Look for Developmental Signs of Readiness

• Before diving into solids, it’s key to ensure your baby is developmentally ready. Look for signs around 6 months, such as:
  • Ability to sit with support
  • Bringing items to their mouth while sitting
  • Showing interest in food
• These signs signal that your baby is ready to explore solids and develop new skills.

2. Take an Infant CPR and Choking Rescue Class

• Emergencies are rare, but it’s important to be prepared. Taking an infant CPR class will give you the confidence to handle any situation, especially as your baby learns how to eat solids. These skills are vital for every parent, especially as your toddler starts exploring food more independent

3. Timing is Everything: Don’t Bring Baby to the Table Hungry

• Learning to eat is hard work, and no one does well when they’re starving! To set your baby up for success:
  • Try to wait 30 minutes after breastfeeding or bottle feeding to ensure they’re happy and not hangry! A well-fed baby will have more patience and be able to focus on the task of learning to eat solids better.

4. Lead by Example: Modeling Eating Habits

• Babies learn by watching, so be sure to model good eating habits at mealtime. Sit down together as a family and let your baby observe you and other family members eating. This encourages them to pick up food on their own and get curious about what you’re eating. With the UPPAbaby Ciro, you can easily bring your baby to the table with the perfect-fit-tray, allowing them to join in on family mealtimes and observe your eating habits up close!

5. Let Baby Take the Lead

• The beauty of baby-led weaning is that your baby gets to control their eating. Whether you start with purees or finger foods, your baby is capable of feeding themselves. No need to stress about how much they’re eating – it’s all about exploration and self-discovery at this stage!

6. Focus on Nourishing, Iron-Rich Foods

• While it’s normal for babies to play with food, it’s also important to prioritize nourishing, iron-rich options. Offer foods like:
  • Mashed avocado
  • Greek yogurt
  • Oatmeal
• These foods are nutritious and easy for babies to grasp and self-feed.

7. Use Thick Purees for Easy Self-Feeding

• If you’re starting with purees, consider thick options like Greek yogurt, mashed avocado, or oatmeal. These textures stick well to spoons and make it easier for babies to feed themselves. If you’re offering finger foods, use the Solid Starts App to safely prepare a variety of foods based on your baby’s age.

8. Minimize Choking Risks

• Safety is a top priority. To reduce choking risks:
  • Ensure baby is properly positioned in their high chair and always supervised.
  • Let them feed themselves—this is proven to reduce choking risks.
  • Modify high-risk foods (like nuts) and avoid choking hazards (like hard candies, or marshmallows).
  • Remember, gagging is normal as babies learn to chew and swallow. Familiarize yourself with the difference between gagging and choking so you know what to do.

9. Embrace the Mess and Be Patient

• Spitting, throwing, and gagging are all part of the process. Your baby is developing new skills, so give them time to experiment and enjoy the learning process. While still drinking breast milk or formula, there’s no rush to get them to eat solids immediately.

10. Must-Have Gear: The UPPAbaby Ciro High Chair

• When it comes to feeding, the right high chair can make all the difference. The UPPAbaby Ciro High Chair is a favorite for baby-led weaning:
  • Promotes comfortable hip, leg, and body positioning
    • Encourages stability and balance, preventing slouching
    • Supports independence in feeding posture and comfort
  • Adjustable footrest for growing babies
    • Keeps feet flat, promoting the ideal 90-90-90 posture
    • Aids digestion and swallowing with proper alignment
  • Grows with your child, offering flexibility and stability during meals
  • Tray fits directly over the table to let baby join you for the meal
  • Stable base to prevent tipping as your baby grows
  • The best part? Both the chair and straps are super easy to adjust AND to clean!
• The UPPAbaby Ciro provides a safe and supportive environment for your baby as they learn the ropes of self-feeding.

11. Unmatched Customer Support for Every Stage

• For over 18 years, UPPAbaby has built a reputation for reliability, customer satisfaction, and quality products. With Ciro, you get more than just a high chair. You get access to the dedicated Customer Experience Team and Hub Service Center & Showrooms, offering expert support from real parents who are there to help with any questions or concerns, either in person or virtually.

Bottom Line: You’ve got this! And we’ve got you.
Starting baby-led weaning is a journey, and with the right approach and support from Solid Starts, it can be a fun, empowering experience for both you and baby. Keep these tips in mind and embrace the process with patience. Happy feeding!