Baby-led weaning
Honey for baby-led weaning
Avoid honey before 12 months because of infant botulism risk.
Choose a safer alternative or wait until the age/risk changes.BLW serving shape
No safe serving shape for babies under 12 months.
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
Avoid before 12 months.
Avoid honey before 12 months because of infant botulism risk.
Not recommended for infants under 1 year.
The main concern is infant botulism risk, not texture.
BLW prep checklist
- Start with readiness: baby can sit upright with support, bring food to the mouth, and is closely supervised.
- Set the texture: Not recommended for infants under 1 year.
- Change the shape: No safe serving shape for babies under 12 months.
- Watch the risk: The main concern is infant botulism risk, not texture.
- Have a fallback: Mashed banana, applesauce, or pear puree can add sweetness without honey.
Texture, shape, and safety
Not recommended for infants under 1 year.
No safe serving shape for babies under 12 months.
The main concern is infant botulism risk, not texture.
Not treated as a common major allergen, but it is unsafe before 12 months.
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 treated as a common major allergen, but it is unsafe before 12 months.
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
- CDC: Foods and Drinks to Avoid or Limit Retrieved 2026-06-16
- NHS: Foods to avoid giving babies and young children Retrieved 2026-06-16