Solids for Babies

Baby-led weaning

Avocado for baby-led weaning

Suitable with prep

Usually suitable from about 6 months when baby is developmentally ready.

A good candidate when baby is ready and the texture is adjusted.

BLW serving shape

Leave part of the peel on a large wedge for grip, or mash onto a preloaded spoon.

For baby-led weaning, the goal is a shape baby can hold while the food remains soft enough to mash between fingers.

At a glance

Age signal

Usually suitable from about 6 months when baby is developmentally ready.

Direct answer

Usually suitable from about 6 months when baby is developmentally ready.

Texture

Soft ripe wedges, mashed scoop, or thick puree.

Risk watch

Low choking risk when ripe and soft, but slippery pieces can be hard to hold.

BLW prep checklist

  1. Start with readiness: baby can sit upright with support, bring food to the mouth, and is closely supervised.
  2. Set the texture: Soft ripe wedges, mashed scoop, or thick puree.
  3. Change the shape: Leave part of the peel on a large wedge for grip, or mash onto a preloaded spoon.
  4. Watch the risk: Low choking risk when ripe and soft, but slippery pieces can be hard to hold.
  5. Have a fallback: Mashed banana or soft sweet potato can offer a similar early texture.

Texture, shape, and safety

Texture

Soft ripe wedges, mashed scoop, or thick puree.

Shape

Leave part of the peel on a large wedge for grip, or mash onto a preloaded spoon.

Choking watch

Low choking risk when ripe and soft, but slippery pieces can be hard to hold.

Allergen note

Not a common major allergen.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Serving before baby shows readiness signs or while baby is reclined.
  • Leaving round, hard, slippery, sticky, or chewy shapes unchanged.
  • Adding honey for babies under 12 months or relying on added salt and sugar.
  • Trying a common allergen for the first time when baby is unwell, rushed, or not supervised.

When to ask a pediatric clinician

Not a common major allergen.

Ask for individual guidance if baby has severe eczema, a known food allergy, prior reactions, swallowing concerns, poor growth, prematurity, or another medical condition that affects feeding.

Sources reviewed