Hvordan starter man med BLW?

Start omkring 6 måneder, når baby kan sidde støttet og viser interesse for mad. Begynd med bløde stykker i pølsestørrelse, og sørg for tryg siddestilling og opsyn.

Hvad er de første madstykker til BLW?

Bløde, aflange stykker som dampet gulerod, blød broccoli, banan, avocado og kogt kartoffel — så bløde, at de kan mases mellem to fingre.

Hvad skal jeg undgå ved BLW?

Undgå hele nødder, hårde stykker, hele druer og andet, der kan sætte sig fast. Tilsæt heller ikke salt til babys mad.

Skal baby sidde oprejst?

Ja, baby skal altid sidde oprejst og aldrig ligge tilbage, mens den spiser. Vær desuden tæt på ved hvert måltid.

Skal baby spise sig mæt fra start?

Nej, i begyndelsen handler det om at udforske. Mælken er stadig hovedmåltidet, og baby bestemmer selv tempoet.

BLW: how to get started

TL;DR

Start BLW around 6 months, when the baby can sit supported and shows interest in food. Begin with soft, sausage-sized pieces, ensure a safe sitting position and supervision, and let the baby set the pace.

Are you ready to let the baby self-feed but unsure how to start safely? BLW doesn’t have to be difficult or scary — it’s mostly about calm, good food pieces, and attention.

Here you get the signs that the baby is ready, the first food pieces, and the most important safety tips for a secure start.

Baby grabs a soft piece of vegetable in a high chair

Is the baby ready?

Most are ready around 6 months. The signs are that the baby can sit supported with good head control, can grasp things and bring them to the mouth, and shows interest in food.

Wait until all signs are there — this makes the start both safer and easier. If you’re unsure about timing, talk to the health visitor and follow the advice from the Danish Health Authority.

The first food pieces

Start simple and soft:

Shape: elongated pieces about the size of a sausage, easy for baby to grasp.
Consistency: soft enough to be mashed between two fingers.
Ideas: steamed carrot, soft broccoli, banana, avocado, boiled potato.
No salt: do not add salt to the baby's food.

Parent sits close to the baby who is self-feeding at the table

Safety above all

Safety is the most important aspect of BLW:

Upright: the baby should always sit upright, never recline.
Never alone: stay close at every meal.
Avoid: whole nuts, hard pieces, grapes, and other items that can get stuck.

Let the baby set the pace

In the beginning, it's more about exploring than eating until full — milk is still the main meal. Let the baby play, taste, and decide how much to take in. It gets messy, and that's part of it.

Grow with the child

As the child grows out of the high chair, a learning tower can provide a stable, safe place at the table — and later a kitchen set can let the child help prepare food. Also read what BLW is.

Get started with BLW when the baby shows signs of readiness around 6 months. Start with soft pieces the size of a sausage, ensure an upright sitting position and supervision, and let the baby set the pace. Calm and security are the best recipe.

Find more advice about baby and food on our blog.

Frequently asked questions

How do you start with BLW?

Start around 6 months, when the baby can sit supported and shows interest in food. Begin with soft pieces the size of a sausage, and ensure a safe sitting position and supervision.

What are the first food pieces for BLW?

Soft, elongated pieces like steamed carrot, soft broccoli, banana, avocado, and cooked potato — soft enough to be mashed between two fingers.

What should I avoid with BLW?

Avoid whole nuts, hard pieces, whole grapes, and anything else that can get stuck. Also, do not add salt to the baby's food.

Should the baby sit upright?

Yes, the baby should always sit upright and never lie back while eating. Also, stay close during every meal.

Should the baby eat until full from the start?

No, in the beginning it's about exploring. Milk is still the main meal, and the baby sets the pace.