With my first child, Safiya, I really wanted to try baby-led weaning (BLW): letting her discover for herself what food is. With my second, Ilyas, I also gave him the space to feel, grab, and taste things himself. I noticed how much I liked not just looking at how much was eaten, but also at everything that was discovered along the way.
Because a first bite is so much more than food. It is tasting a new flavor, holding a spoon, and sometimes, above all, using your hands to investigate what is in front of you. And yes, sometimes something ends up next to the plate or on the floor!
These are the things I wanted to know myself when we started.
1. It doesn't have to be a full meal yet
Between 4 and 6 months, you can start with small practice bites. A few spoonfuls are enough. Your baby is getting to know new flavors and practicing how to eat; breast milk or formula remains the most important source of nutrition during this period.
I found that a comforting thought: a whole bowl doesn't have to be emptied right away.
2. Start at a calm moment
A child who is tired or very hungry is usually not waiting for something unknown on a spoon. It is better to choose a moment when you are both relaxed. Is the bite spat out or does your baby turn their head away? Then you can try again later.
3. Let your child discover in their own way
What I loved about Ilyas was letting him discover things himself, too. Feeling food, trying to hold a spoon, and being curious about what is on the table: it is all part of learning to eat.
You don't have to choose between only letting them grab food themselves or only feeding them with a spoon. Focus on what suits your child at that moment and offer food in a texture they can handle well.
4. Keep the first flavors simple
A little mashed vegetable or fruit is a nice start. By offering flavors separately at first, your baby gets the chance to learn them. A surprised face doesn't immediately mean something tastes bad. Sometimes a flavor is just new.
5. Gradually make bites coarser
Start finely mashed and adjust the texture step by step as eating goes well. Always stay with your child while they are eating and let them sit quietly and upright. Also, be careful with food that young children can choke on, such as whole grapes, nuts, and hard pieces of apple.
6. Don't forget peanut and egg
The advice is to introduce smooth peanut butter and well-cooked egg before the age of 8 months. Does your baby have severe eczema or a food allergy? Then consult your attending physician or dietitian first about how to start with this.
7. A bit of a mess is part of it
As a mother, I now know: a clean bib at the end of the meal is not a goal in itself. Sometimes food is eaten, sometimes it is mostly about feeling and exploring. Those little attempts are beautiful to see.
For me, eating together is not about a perfect plate or an empty bowl. It is about giving your child time to become familiar with food, in a way that suits you both.
So, are you at the beginning of those first bites? Start small, stay with your child, and give yourself and your baby the space to practice. Those little moments at the table are already valuable enough.
