12 Healthy Baby-Led Weaning Recipes: BLW Foods

Making the transition from breast milk to solid foods is a big step in your baby’s life. Many mothers worry on how to do the transition and whether their baby will happily accept it or not. Well, the ideal approach is to take it slow, and your baby will adapt soon to the changes. If you are in favour of the idea of baby-led weaning and looking for some healthy recipes, you are reading the right post. In this post, we shall be sharing 12 healthy and simple recipes for baby-led weaning.

Breakfast for Baby-Led Weaning Recipes

These baby-led weaning breakfast recipes are simple, nutritious, and perfect for little hands to grasp, helping your baby develop independence while enjoying delicious meals.

1. Vegetable Omelette

This yummy egg recipe is loaded with the goodness of vegetables, too.

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped spinach
• 1 teaspoon grated carrots
• ½ teaspoon chopped onions
• ¼ teaspoon chopped green coriander leaves
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper powder
• ½ teaspoon butter
• 1 tablespoon milk
• Salt to taste

Prep Time: 5 to 7 minutes

Cooking Time: 3 to 4 minutes

Servings: Makes 2 small omelettes

Method

1. Whisk the egg nicely and add chopped spinach, grated carrots, chopped onions and chopped green coriander leaves to it.
2. Add black pepper salt and milk and whisk again.
3. Warm up butter in a pan and pour the egg mixture.
4. Cook well from both the sides.
5. Cut the omelette into bite-size pieces.

2. Banana Pancake

Your baby is going to relish this sweet delight.

Ingredients

• ¼ banana, mashed
• ½ cup flour
• 2 tablespoon milk
• 2 tablespoon curd
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder
• ¼ cup powdered brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon butter

Prep Time: 8 to 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 5 to 6 Minutes

Servings: Makes 3 to 4 small pancakes

Methods

1. Sieve flour and baking powder and keep aside.
2. Mix curd, sugar, milk, cinnamon powder and mashed banana together.
3. Slowly add flour to the banana mixture. Mix well.
4. Heat butter in a non-stick pan and pour the pancake mix.
5. Cook well from both sides.
6. Cut pancake into small pieces and serve to your baby.

3. Avocado Toast Soldiers

Creamy avocado on soft toast strips makes a nutrient-rich first food.

Ingredients

• ½ ripe avocado
• 1 slice whole grain bread (toasted)
• 1 tsp breast milk/formula (optional, for thinning)
• Squeeze of lemon juice (optional)

Prep Time: 3 minutes

Cooking Time: 2 minutes (toasting)

Servings: 1–2 servings

Method

1. Toast the bread until lightly golden.
2. Mash avocado with lemon juice (and milk/formula if needed) until smooth.
3. Spread the mixture on toast and cut into long, thin “soldier” strips.
4. Serve at room temperature.

4. Sweet Potato & Apple Mash Fingers

This naturally sweet combo is packed with vitamins and easy for babies to hold.

Ingredients

• ½ cup steamed sweet potato (peeled)
• ¼ cup steamed apple (peeled)
• 1 tsp unsalted butter
• Pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes (steaming)

Servings: Makes 8–10 finger-sized pieces

Method

1. Steam sweet potato and apple until fork-tender (about 8–10 minutes).
2. Mash together with butter and cinnamon until slightly chunky.
3. Form into finger-shaped logs or spread on toast strips.
4. Let cool to room temperature before serving.

Baby-Led Weaning Lunch Recipes

Who says lunch can’t be fun? Baby-led weaning turns mealtime into an adventure, letting your little explorer squish, smash, and (eventually) swallow delicious, wholesome foods at their own pace.

1. Yummy Carrot Fingers

This is easy to make and can be introduced as one of the first babies-led weaning foods for your little one.

Ingredients

• 2 medium-sized carrots
• 1 teaspoon butter
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Prep Time: 3 to 4 minutes

Cooking Time: 4 to 5 minutes

Servings: Makes 15 to 20 carrot fingers

Method

1. Nicely wash and scarp the outer skin of the carrot.
2. Cut the carrot into small fingers.
3. Steam the carrots for 4 to 5 minutes in a steamer.
4. Coat the carrots with butter, salt and pepper.
5. Alternatively, you can give carrots without the butter and seasonings too.

2. Baked Cauliflower Florets

This recipe is very easy to make, and your baby will relish it to the core.

Ingredients

• 1 small cauliflower
• ½ teaspoon cumin powder
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder
• A pinch of pepper
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil
• Salt to taste

Prep Time: 4 to 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 to 30 minutes

Servings: Makes 10 to 12 florets

Method

1. Wash the cauliflower. Cut it into small florets.
2. Drizzle oil over the florets.
3. Take cumin powder, cinnamon powder, pepper and salt and mix well.
4. Sprinkle the mixed spices over the florets.
5. Preheat the oven at 160 degrees and cook the florets for 10 to 12 minutes from both the sides.

3. Chicken on Toast

This is one of the easiest and yummiest chicken recipes for baby-led weaning.

Ingredients

• 1 white bread slice
• 1 tablespoon boiled chicken
• 1 teaspoon homemade mayonnaise
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Prep Time: 5 to 7 minutes

Cooking Time: 1 to 2 minutes

Servings: Makes 6 to 8 small toasts

Method

1. Take the boiled chicken and shred it nicely.
2. Add homemade mayonnaise and black pepper to the shredded chicken. Mix well.
3. Take the bread slice and remove the sides.
4. Spread the chicken mixture on the bread slice.
5. Cut the toast into 6 to 8 small pieces.

4. Cheesy Broccoli Bites

In this BLW recipe, these soft, veggie-packed bites are perfect for little hands to grab and explore.

Ingredients

• 1 cup steamed broccoli florets (finely chopped)
• ½ cup cooked quinoa or rice
• ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 egg (lightly beaten)
• 1 tbsp whole wheat breadcrumbs (optional for binding)

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Servings: Makes 10–12 bite-sized pieces

Method

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix chopped broccoli, quinoa/rice, cheese, egg, and breadcrumbs.
3. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and shape into small patties or balls.
4. Bake for 12–15 minutes until golden and firm.
5. Cool completely before serving.

Dinner for Baby-Led Weaning Recipes

Dinnertime just got more exciting with these baby-led weaning dinner recipes—perfect for letting your little explorer join in the family meal!

1. Corn and Spinach Pancake

This egg recipe is loaded with protein and vitamin C and is also a great lunch recipe option for your munchkin.

Ingredients 

• ½ cup sweet corn, boiled
• ½ cup spinach leaves, blanched
• ½ cup flour
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 egg
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon oil for frying
• Salt to taste

Prep Time: 8 to 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 5 to 6 minutes

Servings: Makes 8 to 10 pancakes

Method

• Take all the ingredients and churn them into a fine batter.
• Heat a non-stick pan and pour the batter.
• Cook well from both the sides.

2. Potato and Spinach Patty

Babies usually love to eat potatoes, and in this potato recipe, we will sneak in some spinach for a healthier twist.

Ingredients

• 1 boiled potato
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped spinach leaves
• ¼ teaspoon cumin powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper powder
• 1 teaspoon oil for frying
• ½ slice of bread (for binding)
• Salt to taste

Prep Time: 8 to 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 5 to 7 minutes

Servings: Makes 5 to 6 small potato patties

Method

• Mash the boiled potato nicely.
• Add spinach leaves, cumin powder, black pepper powder and salt and mix well.
• Shred the bread and add to the potato mixture. Mix well.
• Heat oil in a shallow pan.
• Make small patties with the potato mix and cook well on both sides.
• You may cut the patties into smaller pieces.

3. Mini Salmon & Sweet Potato Patties

These nutrient-rich patties are packed with omega-3s and perfect for baby-led weaning.

Ingredients

• ½ cup cooked salmon (flaked, skin & bones removed)
• ½ cup mashed sweet potato
• 2 tbsp whole wheat breadcrumbs
• 1 egg (lightly beaten)
• ½ tsp dried parsley (optional)
• 1 tsp olive oil (for cooking)

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Servings: Makes 6–8 small patties

Method

1. In a bowl, mix flaked salmon, mashed sweet potato, breadcrumbs, egg, and parsley.
2. Shape into small, flat patties (about 1-inch wide).
3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
4. Cook patties for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and firm.
5. Let cool slightly before serving.

4. Lentil & Veggie Soft Sticks

A protein-packed, easy-to-hold finger food for baby-led weaning dinners.

Ingredients

• ½ cup cooked red lentils (mashed)
• ¼ cup grated zucchini (squeezed to remove excess water)
• ¼ cup grated carrot
• 2 tbsp oat flour
• 1 tbsp grated cheese (optional)
• ½ tsp mild herbs (like thyme or basil)

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Servings: Makes 8–10 soft sticks

Method

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray.
2. Mix mashed lentils, zucchini, carrot, oat flour, cheese, and herbs in a bowl.
3. Shape into finger-sized logs and place on the tray.
4. Bake for 12–15 minutes until firm but still soft.
5. Cool before serving.

Things to Keep in Mind While Preparing Baby-Led Weaning Recipes

Baby-led weaning (BLW) encourages self-feeding and helps babies explore textures and flavors at their own pace. However, safety and nutrition are key—meals should be soft, easy to grasp, and free from choking hazards. Here’s what to remember when preparing easy baby-led weaning recipes (1):

• Texture Matters: Foods should be soft enough to squish between your fingers (e.g., steamed veggies, ripe fruits). Avoid hard, round, or sticky foods (like whole nuts, grapes, or globs of peanut butter).
• Size & Shape for Little Hands: Cut food into finger-sized strips or sticks (about the size of an adult pinky) for easy gripping. Avoid small, round shapes that could block airways (e.g., cherry tomatoes should be quartered).
• No Added Salt or Sugar: Babies’ kidneys can’t process excess salt, and sugar isn’t needed for their developing palates. Use herbs, spices (like cinnamon or garlic powder), or natural sweetness from fruits/veggies.
• Watch for Allergens: Introduce common allergens (peanuts, eggs, dairy) one at a time and in small amounts. Wait 3–5 days between new foods to monitor reactions.
• Prioritize Iron-Rich Foods: Babies’ iron stores deplete around 6 months. Include foods like lentils, meat, eggs, and fortified cereals.
• Avoid Honey Until Age 1: Honey can contain bacteria that cause infant botulism, a serious illness.
• Supervise Every Meal: Always stay with your baby while they eat, even if they’re handling food well. Learn infant CPR for emergencies (though gagging is normal, choking is silent).
• Embrace the Mess: BLW is messy but helps babies develop motor skills. Use a splash mat or bib with a catch pocket.
• Follow Baby’s Cues: Let them decide how much to eat. Some days they’ll devour food, others they’ll just play—both are normal!

FAQs

1. Can I combine baby-led weaning (BLW) with purees?

While BLW focuses on self-feeding, some parents opt for a hybrid approach. Occasional spoon-fed purees (like yogurt or oatmeal) are fine, but always prioritize letting your baby explore textures independently to develop chewing skills.

3. What if my baby isn’t actually swallowing much food?

It’s common for BLW babies to play with or taste food without swallowing much initially. Trust that they’ll eat more as they grow. Breast milk or formula still provides most nutrients until around 12 months. Focus on exposure, not intake.

Try out these easy to make recipes for your baby. We hope your baby relishes them too! Happy Cooking!

References/Resources:

1. American Academy of Pediatrics- Baby-Led Weaning: Is It Safe?

2. Cleveland Clinic – Baby-Led Weaning: What You Need To Know

3. BMC Pediatrics – Baby-Led Introduction to SolidS (BLISS) study: a randomised controlled trial of a baby-led approach to complementary feeding

4. BMJ Journals – Baby knows best? The impact of weaning style on food preferences and body mass index in early childhood in a case–controlled sample

5. Wiley Online Library – Parent-Child Feeding Strategies and Their Relationships to Child Eating and Weight Status

Also Read:

Baby Self-Weaning
Benefits of Weaning Baby
How to Start Weaning Your Baby