National Baby Led Weaning Day

National Baby-Led Weaning Day is an annual celebration dedicated to promoting an innovative approach to introducing solid foods to infants. This method, known as baby-led weaning (BLW), encourages babies to self-feed from the start, fostering independence and healthy eating habits.

Quick Facts

When is it?: July 1st
Tagged as: Baby feeding, Infant nutrition, Parenting
What’s the hashtag?: #NationalBabyLedWeaningDay
When was it founded?: July 1, 2021
Who founded it?: Katie Ferraro, a registered dietitian and nutrition professor

History of National Baby-Led Weaning Day

National Baby-Led Weaning Day was established to raise awareness about the benefits of BLW and provide support to parents exploring this method. The date, July 1st, was chosen as it marks exactly six months into the year, aligning with the recommended age for infants to start solid foods according to pediatric guidelines.

Timeline

2008: Gill Rapley publishes “Baby-Led Weaning: Helping Your Baby to Love Good Food”
2021: Katie Ferraro establishes National Baby-Led Weaning Day
2021 onwards: Annual celebration of National Baby-Led Weaning Day on July 1st

Dates by Next Year

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	July 1	Tuesday
2026	July 1	Wednesday
2027	July 1	Thursday
2028	July 1	Saturday
2029	July 1	Sunday
2030	July 1	Monday

National Baby-Led Weaning Day Observed

National Baby-Led Weaning Day is observed by parents, caregivers, and nutrition professionals worldwide. Activities include sharing experiences on social media, hosting baby-friendly potlucks, and organizing educational events to spread awareness about BLW.

Fun Facts About National Baby-Led Weaning Day

BLW can help babies develop motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
It may lead to less picky eating habits in the future.
BLW allows babies to explore different textures and tastes from an early age.
The method encourages family meals and bonding time.
BLW supports babies in recognizing their own hunger and fullness cues.

Quiz

When is National Baby-Led Weaning Day celebrated?
Who founded National Baby-Led Weaning Day?
What age is typically recommended for starting baby-led weaning?

(Answers: 1. July 1st, 2. Katie Ferraro, 3. Around 6 months)

FAQs

Q: Is baby-led weaning safe?
A: Yes, when done properly and with appropriate foods, BLW is safe for most babies.

Q: Can I combine traditional weaning with baby-led weaning?
A: Yes, many parents use a combination of both methods.

Q: What are the signs that a baby is ready for BLW?
A: Signs include sitting up unassisted, loss of tongue-thrust reflex, and showing interest in food.