Baby Led Weaning Recipes — are you looking for easy, healthy meals your baby can feed themselves? Starting solids can be both exciting and nerve-wracking for parents. What foods are safe, what textures work best, and how can you make nutritious meals your little one will actually eat?
Baby Led Weaning (BLW) recipes focus on whole, soft, and finger-sized foods that encourage independence and healthy eating habits. From avocado toast strips to veggie fritters and banana pancakes, these baby led weaning meals are rich in nutrients and flavor. Experts like Dr. Gill Rapley, the founder of BLW, emphasize that letting babies self-feed builds confidence and fine motor skills right from the start.
Want to discover easy, tested recipes that make mealtime fun for both you and your baby? In this guide, we’ll share a collection of balanced BLW recipes, safety advice, and expert-backed tips to help your little one enjoy real food from day one. Let’s make baby-led weaning simple and delicious!
What Is the Best Food for BLW: Guide to Baby-Led Weaning Recipes
Introducing solids to your baby is an exciting milestone—and for many parents, Baby Led Weaning Recipes (BLW) make this journey both fun and nutritious. Baby-led weaning is a feeding approach that encourages babies to self-feed soft, manageable pieces of food from around six months of age. Instead of spoon-feeding purees, you provide appropriately sized finger foods that promote independence, fine motor development, and a positive relationship with food.
When starting BLW, safety is key. Always ensure that foods are soft enough to squish between your fingers, cut into safe shapes (like finger-length strips), and free from added salt or sugar. Early exposure to a variety of textures, colors, and flavors helps your baby learn to enjoy diverse foods and build healthy eating habits.
The best first foods for BLW include fruits like ripe banana, avocado slices, or steamed pear; soft-cooked vegetables such as sweet potato, carrot, and broccoli; protein-rich foods like scrambled eggs, fish, and lentils; and iron-rich options including meat, beans, and fortified cereals. Below, you’ll find 10 easy Baby Led Weaning Recipes that strike the perfect balance between taste, nutrition, and safety for little eaters.
The 10 Easy Baby Led Weaning Recipes – Yummy Toddler Food!
These easy and wholesome recipes are designed with your baby’s development and enjoyment in mind. Each one features simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and textures suitable for babies six months and older.
Toddler recipe: Salmon & Sweet Potato Muffins
Nutritional Highlights: Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamin A, and fiber.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked salmon (fresh or canned, flaked and bones removed)
- 1 medium sweet potato, steamed and mashed
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup oat flour or whole-wheat flour
- 1 tsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a muffin tray.
- In a bowl, combine mashed sweet potato and flaked salmon.
- Add eggs, oat flour, and olive oil. Mix until well combined.
- Spoon mixture into muffin cups and bake for 20–25 minutes until golden.
- Cool before serving to your baby.
These muffins are soft, packed with nutrition, and perfect for little hands. You can refrigerate them for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Broccoli Fritters – BLW Recipe
Nutritional Highlights: Iron, calcium, and vitamins C and K.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup steamed broccoli florets, finely chopped
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup grated cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs or oat flour
- 1 tsp olive oil for frying
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix all ingredients until a sticky batter forms.
- Heat oil in a non-stick pan and spoon batter into small fritters.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden and firm.
These broccoli fritters are soft inside with a lightly crisp edge—ideal for self-feeding baby and toddlers.
Chickpea Fritters – Healthy Recipe
Nutritional Highlights: Plant-based protein, fiber, and iron.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 small carrot, grated
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp flour (any type)
- 1 tsp mild cumin (optional)
Instructions:
- Mash chickpeas until mostly smooth.
- Add grated carrot, egg, flour, and cumin. Mix well.
- Form small patties and cook on a lightly oiled skillet for 3–4 minutes per side.
These are an excellent meat-free BLW option that pairs beautifully with avocado slices or plain yogurt for dipping.
Weaning Recipe: Chicken Meatballs
Nutritional Highlights: Lean protein, zinc, and iron.
Ingredients:
- 250g ground chicken
- ½ cup grated zucchini (squeezed dry)
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs or oat flour
- 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Shape into small, soft balls.
- Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 20 minutes or until cooked through.
Serve with steamed veggies or mashed potato for a complete meal. These chicken meatballs are tender and freezer-friendly.
Cutting a Well-Cooked Omelet Strips
Nutritional Highlights: High in protein and healthy fats.
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp finely chopped spinach or tomato
- A small sprinkle of cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Whisk eggs and mix in vegetables.
- Pour into a heated, lightly greased pan.
- Cook on low heat until firm, then cool slightly and cut into finger-length strips.
These strips are perfect for little hands and can be served warm or cold for breakfast, lunch, or a snack.
Cauliflower Cheese Cakes for Lunch or Dinner
Nutritional Highlights: Calcium, vitamin C, and fiber.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup steamed cauliflower, mashed
- ¼ cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup flour (whole wheat or oat)
Instructions:
- Combine ingredients to form a thick batter.
- Drop spoonfuls into a lightly oiled pan.
- Flatten slightly and cook on both sides until golden.
Serve warm for a nutritious, cheesy delight your baby will adore.
Pot Butter Chicken Fast and Easy Family Meal
Nutritional Highlights: Protein, iron, and mild spices for flavor exploration.
Ingredients:
- 1 small chicken breast, diced
- ½ cup coconut milk
- ½ tsp mild curry powder
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp tomato puree
Instructions:
- Melt butter in a pan, add chicken and cook until browned.
- Add tomato puree, curry powder, and coconut milk.
- Simmer for 10–12 minutes until chicken is tender.
Serve with soft cooked rice or mashed sweet potato. This gentle curry introduces mild flavors safely for BLW babies.
Mini Egg Muffins with Cheese and Veggies
Nutritional Highlights: Protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Ingredients:
- 4 eggs
- ½ cup chopped mixed vegetables (spinach, bell peppers, zucchini)
- ¼ cup shredded cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Whisk eggs and stir in veggies and cheese.
- Pour into mini muffin tins and bake for 15–18 minutes until set.
These are perfect for breakfast, lunchboxes, or snacks. They freeze and reheat beautifully for busy mornings.
How to Store BLW Foods?
Proper storage keeps your Baby Led Weaning Recipes fresh, safe, and ready for quick baby led weaning meals. Here are best practices:
- Refrigeration: Store cooked items like muffins, fritters, and meatballs in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Most BLW foods freeze well. Wrap individual portions in cling film or store in labeled freezer bags for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before serving.
- Reheating: Warm foods gently in a microwave or on the stovetop until piping hot, then cool to baby-safe temperature. Avoid reheating more than once.
- Fresh Produce: Cut fruits like avocado or banana should be served fresh. For apple or pear slices, dip them in lemon water to prevent browning.
Tip: Prepare meals in batches during the weekend and freeze portions. It saves time and ensures your baby always has nutritious options ready.
Commonly Asked Questins about Best Baby-Led Weaning Recipes (FAQs)
Thinking about giving your little one a sippy cup?
You can introduce a small, soft-spouted sippy cup around 6 months during mealtimes. This helps your baby practice sipping while you are feeding baby. Choose a simple, handles-free cup to support oral motor development as they transition from a bottle.
Is Baby Led Weaning is choking Normal?
Gagging is normal and different from choking in baby-led weaning. It’s a safety reflex as your baby learns to manage solids. To minimize risks, always offer soft, gummable foods cut into strips that are great for babies to hold safely.
What are simple ingredients for happy family meals?
Create simple, adaptable family meals using ingredients like sweet potatoes, lentils, and soft-cooked vegetables. These are great for babies and adults. Before adding salt or spices, set aside a portion for your baby, making it perfect for baby-led weaning.
What are baby-led weaning recipes?
Baby-led weaning recipes are designed for infants to explore solid foods independently. These recipes focus on easy-to-hold finger foods that encourage self-feeding, promoting healthy eating habits while allowing babies and young children to experience various tastes and textures.
How can I make mealtime easier with baby-led weaning?
To simplify mealtime, prep easy lunches like finger foods that babies can hold. Incorporate healthy baby foods, such as roasted broccoli or pieces of meat, ensuring they are easy for baby to chew and free of added sugar for safe feeding.
What are some favorite baby-led weaning recipes?
Some favorite baby-led weaning recipes include muffins packed with fresh fruit, chicken thighs, and sheet pan meals. These dishes are super versatile and can be modified to suit the rest of the family while being perfect for babies 6 months and older.
When is my baby ready for solid starts?
Your baby is ready for solid starts around 6 months of age, showing interest in foods and the ability to sit up. Consult your pediatrician if you have concerns, ensuring that your baby can safely handle finger foods and feed themself.
Are there any allergens to consider with baby-led weaning?
Yes, be cautious of common allergens when introducing baby-led weaning. Introduce one new food at a time, monitoring for reactions. foods for baby like nuts, dairy, and eggs should be approached carefully, ensuring meals are safe and appropriate for babies and young children.
How can I make meals that the entire family can enjoy?
To create meals that the entire family can enjoy, prepare family-friendly dishes that cater to both babies and adults. Use ingredients like chicken thighs or veggies that can be prepared easily and served on a preloaded spoon for the little ones.
What are some easy lunch ideas for busy mornings?
Easy lunch ideas for busy mornings include make-ahead finger foods like muffins or roasted vegetables. These baby food recipes can be doubled for convenient baby led weaning meal prep, ensuring that your baby has nutritious options ready to enjoy while keeping mealtime stress-free.
Conclusion
Starting your BLW journey can feel overwhelming, but with a bit of planning and creativity, it becomes one of the most rewarding phases of parenting. These 10 Easy Baby Led Weaning Recipes are wholesome, simple, and tailored to meet your baby’s developmental and nutritional needs.
Remember the essentials: always supervise your baby while eating, serve food in appropriate textures, and introduce one new ingredient at a time to monitor for allergies. From Salmon & Sweet Potato Muffins to Mini Egg Muffins with Cheese and Veggies, these meals make weaning a joyful adventure for your little one—and a stress-free experience for you.
Empower your baby’s independence, nurture their curiosity for new flavors, and enjoy the messy, marvelous world of baby-led weaning. Healthy beginnings start with mindful and easy baby led weaning meals—and your little foodie will love every bite.
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