What Is Baby-Led Weaning and How It Aligns With Montessori

Baby-led weaning (BLW) is an approach to introducing solids where babies feed themselves whole, soft foods—no purees, no spoon-feeding. Instead of being fed, they’re in control, choosing what and how much to eat. And guess what? That’s very Montessori.

Montessori encourages following the child, fostering independence from the earliest stages. With baby-led weaning:

• Babies explore food through touch, taste, and smell

• They develop fine motor skills as they grasp and self-feed

• Meals become social and inclusive, not just a task

From around 6 months, babies can begin self-feeding soft strips of avocado, banana, steamed carrots, or scrambled eggs. It’s messy, yes—but it’s also full of learning.

Montessori-aligned weaning focuses on real foods, not pouches or purees. It encourages child-sized utensils, open cups, and involving your baby in mealtime routines.

Safety note: Always supervise closely and offer appropriate, soft foods that reduce choking risk.

By letting your baby lead, you support their natural development and build a foundation for a positive relationship with food—Montessori style.