Starting Solids and Baby-Led Weaning (Katie Ferraro)

Grounded in: the work of Katie Ferraro, a registered dietitian known for baby-led weaning resources and her "100 first foods" approach (search her videos), together with mainstream pediatric feeding guidance. Summarised in Cradle's own words, not quoted.

When to start

• Around 6 months, when the baby shows readiness: sits with little support and has good head control, has lost the tongue-thrust reflex, and shows interest in food. Check timing with the pediatrician, especially for babies born early.
• Breast milk or formula stays the main nutrition through the first year; early solids are about practice and exposure.

Baby-led weaning in brief

• The baby feeds themselves soft, appropriately shaped whole foods from the start, rather than (or alongside) spoon-fed purées. Both approaches are valid; many families mix them.
• Early on, offer long finger-shaped pieces the baby can grip, soft enough to squash between your thumb and finger. Smaller pieces come once the pincer grasp develops.
• Offering a wide variety of foods, flavours and textures in the first year is a central idea of the "100 first foods" approach.

Safety

• Gagging is common and is a protective reflex; choking is silent or ineffective coughing and needs action. Learn infant choking first aid before starting.
• Always seated upright and supervised; no eating in the car seat or while crawling around.
• Avoid choking hazards: whole grapes, whole nuts, popcorn, hard raw vegetables, round slices of hot dogs.
• No honey before 12 months. Limit added salt and sugar.
• Early introduction of common allergens (such as peanut in a safe form, like thinned peanut butter, and egg) is recommended by current guidance for most babies; babies with severe eczema or a known allergy should see the pediatrician first.
• Iron-rich foods matter from about 6 months (meat, beans, lentils, iron-fortified cereal).

Themes

Katie Ferraro, baby-led weaning, BLW, starting solids, first foods, 100 first foods, 6 months, readiness, purees, finger foods, gagging, choking, allergens, peanut, egg, iron, honey, food shapes, high chair, weaning