25 Best BLW Snacks: Real and Healthy Choices for Your Baby

This article will explore 25 healthy baby snacks perfect for baby-led weaning (BLW).

All snacks and recipes are drawn from our own experience as parents and nutritionists.

We like to be practical and not spend much time in the kitchen while trying to prepare nutritious snacks for our son Pablo, so don’t expect to see elaborate snack recipes.

If you want to go straight to the snack ideas, click here.

For breakfast, lunch, and dinner ideas, check out our BLW Meal Plan Generator!

How Is Baby Led Weaning Beneficial?

Baby-Led Weaning or BLW, is beneficial because it encourages:

• Exploration of a wide range of finger foods and soft foods
• Autonomy and healthier relationship with food
• Development of fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination

So, what kinds of snacks are best for baby-led weaning?

Check all the benefits of baby-led weaning!

What are Some Healthy Baby Snacks for Different Ages?

6 Month Old Baby Snacks

When starting with baby-led weaning at 6 months, it’s crucial to offer first foods that are easy to hold and soft enough to prevent choking. Some ideas include:

• Steamed vegetables cut into sticks
• Soft fruits like ripe avocado or banana
• Sweet potato wedges

9-12 Month Old Baby Snacks

As your baby’s fine motor skills improve, you can introduce more finger foods and new textures. Consider these options:

• Small pieces of cooked meat or fish
• Soft cheese cubes
• Cut-up berries or soft fruit snacks

Snacks for 1 Year Old

By the time your little one turns one, they’ll be ready for more adventurous and nutritious options:

• Whole grain crackers or toast
• Miniature sandwiches with various fillings
• Vegetable or fruit pinwheels

Store-bought Snacks vs. Homemade Snacks

Store-bought snacks can be convenient and time-saving, but it’s essential to choose healthy store-bought snacks with minimal additives and sugars. Look for organic options made with whole grains or fruits and no additives. The least amount of ingredients, the better.

On the other hand, homemade snacks offer more control over ingredients and can be tailored to your baby’s preferences. Plus, creating your own homemade finger foods and recipes can be a fun bonding experience, even more if you include your baby in the preparation!

Teething Snacks and Bedtime Snacks

Teething can be a challenging time for both babies and parents.

Teething snacks like cold fruit purees or soft, cold foods can help soothe sore gums.

For bedtime snacks, offer high-calorie options with very low sugar content, like whole plain yogurt or avocado, to help keep your baby satisfied throughout the night.

Dairy-free Snacks for Babies with Dietary Restrictions

If your baby has a dairy intolerance or follows a vegan diet, there are plenty of dairy-free baby snacks available:

• Oat-based crackers (avoid rice for its high arsenic content)
• Fruit and vegetable-based muffins
• Homemade fruit snacks made with alternative milk

What Are The Best Snacks for Baby-Led Weaning?

The best snacks for BLW are homemade and made with fresh, nutritious foods, such as fruits, whole grains and healthy spices.

In this list you’ll find snacks we’ve given our son every day. You will notice that many foods are repeated, as they are the ones he likes the most.

Our goal is not that you copy and paste exactly our ideas (which you can do without any problem), but that they serve as inspiration to create your own snack bank and that you don’t waste too much time thinking about what’s best.

We hope you find them useful.

We recommend you to read the following articles first if you have some doubts regarding cheese, bread and other foods:

*Best Cheese for Babies

*Best Bread for Babies

*Our BLW article section

You will also see that all the snack ideas combine different foods.

This is the best way to offer food to your baby, since it forces them to choose which food to pick first.

This improves decision-making and self-esteem in the long run.

BLW Snack 1: Avocado and Cocoa Mugcake with Cheese and Blueberries

Benefits:

• Rich in healthy fats and fiber from avocado
• Antioxidants from cocoa and blueberries
• Calcium from cheese

Recipe:

1. Mash half an avocado in a microwave-safe mug
2. Mix in 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder
3. Add 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder
4. Cook in the microwave for 1-2 minutes
5. Add some low-salt cheese and a handful of blueberries cut in half

Extra Tips:

Choose unsweetened cocoa powder to control the sugar content.

BLW Snack 2: Banana and Chocolate Sponge Cake with Blueberries and Golden Kiwi

Benefits:

• Natural sweetness from bananas
• Vitamins and minerals from blueberries and golden kiwi
• Whole grains from the cake batter

Recipe:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C)
2. In a large bowl, mash 2 ripe bananas and mix with 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
3. Add 1/2 cup whole wheat flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 cup milk, and 1 egg to the banana mixture
4. Whisk until well combined
5. Pour the batter into a greased round cake pan
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean
7. Allow the cake to cool, then add the fresh blueberries (in half) and slices of golden kiwi

Extra Tips:

Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and easier digestion.

BLW Snack 3: Blueberries, Cheese, and Almond Butter Sandwich

Benefits:

• Healthy fats and protein from almond butter
• Calcium from cheese
• Antioxidants from blueberries

Recipe:

1. Spread 100% almond butter on a slice of whole wheat bread
2. Cover with another slice of bread and cut into manageable pieces for your baby

Extra Tips:

Opt for a no-sugar-added almond butter for healthier snacking.

BLW Snack 4: Carrot Pancakes with Low-Salt Cheese and Quartered Grapes

Benefits:

• Vitamin A from carrots
• Calcium and protein from cheese
• Hydration from grapes

Recipe:

1. Grate 1 large carrot
2. Mix the grated carrot with 1/2 cup whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup milk, and 1 egg
3. Cook small pancakes on a non-stick pan over medium heat
4. Add the low-salt cheese and quartered grapes

Extra Tips:

Always quarter grapes to prevent choking hazards for little ones.

BLW Snack 5: Cheese, Cherry Tomatoes, and Whole Wheat Almond Butter Sandwich

Benefits:

• Calcium and protein from cheese
• Vitamin C from cherry tomatoes
• Healthy fats and fiber from almond butter

Recipe:

1. Spread almond butter on a slice of whole-wheat bread
2. Cover with another slice of bread
3. Serve the sandwich with the quartered cherry tomatoes and the low salt cheese

Extra Tips:

Choose whole wheat bread for added fiber and nutrients.

BLW Snack 6: Kiwi, Strawberries, and Whole Wheat Toast with EVOO

Benefits:

• Rich in vitamins C and K from kiwi and strawberries
• High in fiber from whole wheat toast
• Monounsaturated healthy fats from extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)

Recipe:

1. Toast a slice of whole wheat bread
2. Drizzle toast with a teaspoon of EVOO
3. Add the sliced kiwi and strawberries in quarters

Extra Tips:

• Choose organic fruits for lower pesticide exposure
• Opt for cold-pressed EVOO for maximum health benefits

BLW Snack 7: Golden Kiwi, Whole Wheat Spreadable Cheese Sandwich

Benefits:

• High in vitamins C, E, and K from golden kiwi
• Calcium and protein from cheese
• Fiber from whole wheat bread

Recipe:

1. Spread the cheese on both slices of whole-wheat bread
2. Add the sliced golden kiwi
3. Optionally, grill the sandwich for a warm, melty treat
4. Add the kiwi

Extra Tips:

• Grilling the sandwich enhances the flavors and textures

BLW Snack 8: Mango Chunks and Spelt Cake with Peanut Butter

Benefits:

• High in vitamins A, C, and E from mango
• Rich in protein and healthy fats from peanut butter
• Good source of fiber from spelt flour

Recipe:

1. Peel and chop one ripe mango
2. Spread the peanut butter on the cake

Extra Tips:

• Use ripe mango for natural sweetness
• Use unsweetened, natural 100% peanut butter to avoid added sugars and additives

BLW Snack 9: Melon and Banana Spelt Pancakes

Benefits:

• High in vitamins A and C from melon
• Rich in potassium and vitamin B6 from bananas
• Good source of fiber from spelt flour

Recipe:

1. Chop melon into bite-sized pieces
2. Prepare banana spelt pancakes:
   • Mash one ripe banana
   • Mix in 1 cup spelt flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and a pinch of cinnamon
   • Gradually add 1 cup of whole milk, stirring until combined
   • Cook pancakes on a non-stick skillet over medium heat
3. Serve all the foods together

Extra Tips:

• Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness
• Cook pancakes in a high nutritional value oil like EVOO or coconut oil for added flavor and healthy fats

BLW Snack 10: Mozzarella Balls, Blueberries, and Almond Cream Sandwich

Benefits:

• Rich in calcium and protein from mozzarella
• Antioxidants from blueberries
• Healthy fats and vitamin E from almond cream

Recipe:

1. Spread pure almond cream on a slice of whole-wheat bread
2. Place another slice of whole wheat bread on top to complete the sandwich
3. Add the mozzarella and blueberries cut in halves

Extra Tips:

Opt for whole wheat bread for added fiber and nutrients.

Add some extra virgin olive oil to the mozzarella to add some nutritive calories if needed

BLW Snack 11: Mozzarella, Whole Wheat Toast with EVOO and Steamed Apple with Cinnamon

Benefits:

• High in fiber and complex carbs from whole wheat toast
• Healthy fats from extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
• Calcium from mozzarella cheese
• Antioxidants and vitamins from steamed apple and cinnamon

Recipe:

1. Lightly toast a slice of whole wheat bread
2. Drizzle with a teaspoon of EVOO
3. Steam a peeled and sliced apple for 3-4 minutes
4. Sprinkle apple slices with a pinch of cinnamon and serve alongside the toast and the halved mozzarella balls

Extra Tips:

• Opt for low-salt mozzarella cheese to reduce sodium intake
• You can also use a toaster oven to melt the cheese on the toast

BLW Snack 12: Oat Pancakes with Pistachio Cream and Whole Banana

Benefits:

• High in fiber and nutrients from oats
• Healthy fats and protein from pistachio cream
• Potassium and natural sugars from banana

Recipe:

1. Blend 1 cup of rolled oats to create oat flour
2. Mix oat flour with 1/2 cup of milk and 1 beaten egg to create a batter
3. Cook pancakes on a non-stick pan over medium heat
4. Spread 100% pistachio cream on the pancakes and fold them
5. Serve pancakes with pistachio cream and a whole banana

Extra Tips:

• You may use non-dairy milk to make the recipe vegan-friendly
• You can also add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the pancake batter for extra flavor

BLW Snack 13: Oatmeal Pie, Carrot Sticks, and Blueberries

Benefits:

• Fiber and nutrients from oatmeal pie
• Vitamins and antioxidants from carrot sticks and blueberries
• Easy finger food for babies to practice self-feeding

Recipe:

1. Prepare an oatmeal pie using 2 cups of rolled oats, 1 cup of milk, 1 beaten egg, and 1/4 cup of mashed banana
2. Bake the oatmeal pie at 350°F (180°C) for 25-30 minutes
3. Cut the pie into baby-sized portions
4. Serve with raw carrot sticks and a handful of blueberries

Extra Tips:

Steam the carrot sticks for 2-3 minutes if your baby prefers softer textures

BLW Snack 14: Orange and Coconut Muffin

Benefits:

• Vitamin C from orange
• Healthy fats from coconut
• Easy to hold and eat for babies

Recipe:

1. Combine 1 cup of whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup of shredded coconut, a bit of Ceylon cinnamon, 1 mashed ripe banana and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
2. Mix in 1/4 cup of melted coconut or extra virgin olive oil, and 1 beaten egg
3. Spoon the batter into greased muffin cups
4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes

Extra Tips:

Use very ripe bananas and experiment with different ingredients to see what your baby likes best.

BLW Snack 15: Orange and Peanut Butter Sandwich

Benefits:

• Vitamin C and natural sugars from orange
• Protein and healthy fats from peanut butter
• Whole grains from bread

Recipe:

1. Spread a thin layer of natural peanut butter on a slice of whole-wheat bread
2. Place another slice of whole wheat bread on top and cut it into baby-sized portions or leave it whole
3. Add the chunks of orange

Extra Tips:

Change the peanut butter for other types of nut butters or creams, always natural and 100%.

BLW Snack 16: Sliced Carrot, Blueberries, and Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Sandwich

Benefits:

• Crunchy and nutritious carrots provide beta-carotene and fiber
• Antioxidants from blueberries
• Protein and healthy fats from peanut butter
• Whole wheat bread offers complex carbs and additional fiber

Recipe:

1. Spread a thin layer of natural peanut butter on a slice of whole-wheat bread
2. Add another slice of whole wheat bread to complete the sandwich
3. Add the carrot sticks and halved blueberries

Extra Tips:

• You may use another nut butter or cream
• Make sure the carrot slices are thin enough to prevent choking hazards for your baby

BLW Snack 17: Carrot sticks, Hummus, and Whole Strawberries

Benefits:

• Carrots provide beta-carotene and fiber for digestive health
• Protein and healthy fats from hummus
• Vitamin C and antioxidants from strawberries

Recipe:

1. Serve thin carrot slices with a side of hummus for dipping
2. Offer whole, ripe strawberries (quartered for smaller babies) as a sweet and nutritious side

Extra Tips:

Ensure the strawberries are ripe and soft enough for your baby to manage

BLW Snack 18: Soft Cheese with Whole Wheat Breadsticks, Cherry Tomatoes, and Blueberries

Benefits:

• Calcium and protein from soft cheese
• Complex carbs from whole wheat breadsticks
• Vitamins and antioxidants from cherry tomatoes and blueberries

Extra Tips:

Choose a proper cheese

Always cut the cherry tomatoes in quarters and the blueberries in half

BLW Snack 19: Spelt Sponge Cake with Dark Chocolate and a Whole Banana

Benefits:

• High fiber and complex carbs from spelt flour
• Antioxidants from dark chocolate
• Potassium and natural sweetness from bananas

Recipe:

1. Prepare a simple spelt sponge cake using a trusted recipe and a bit of dark chocolate
2. Serve with a ripe banana, whole, sliced or mashed depending on your baby’s skills

Extra Tips:

Opt for dark chocolate with a high cocoa content to minimize added sugar

BLW Snack 20: Steamed Apple with Cinnamon, and Cocoa and Nut Pie

Benefits:

• Vitamins and fiber from the apple
• Antioxidants and minerals from cocoa
• Healthy fats and proteins from nuts

Recipe:

1. Peel and slice an apple, then steam for 5-8 minutes
2. Sprinkle with cinnamon
3. Mix 1/4 cup of ground nuts with 1 tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon of melted coconut oil or olive oil for the cocoa and nut pie.
4. Press the mixture into a small pie tin or silicone mold
5. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set
6. Serve the steamed apple alongside the cocoa and nut pie

Extra Tips:

Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder to minimize sugar intake

BLW Snack 21: Steamed Apple with Cinnamon, and Buckwheat Toast and Cheese

Benefits:

• Rich in vitamins and fiber from the apple
• High in protein and essential amino acids from buckwheat
• Calcium and protein from cheese

Recipe:

1. Life in the previous snack, peel and slice an apple, then steam for 5-8 minutes
2. Sprinkle with cinnamon
3. Top the cracker with a slice of low-salt cheese or serve it aside
4. Serve the steamed apple alongside the buckwheat toast and cheese

Extra Tips:

Choose a low-salt cheese for a healthier option 

BLW Snack 22: Strawberries, Cheese, and Spelt Cake

Benefits:

• Vitamin C and antioxidants from strawberries
• Calcium and protein from cheese
• Fiber and nutrients from spelt

Extra Tips:

Use organic strawberries to reduce pesticide exposure

BLW Snack 23: Tangerine, and Coconut and Banana Pancakes

Benefits:

• Vitamin C from tangerines
• Healthy fats from coconut
• Potassium and fiber from bananas

Recipe

1. In a bowl, mix 1 mashed banana, 1/2 cup of coconut flour, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder
2. Cook spoonfuls of the batter on a non-stick skillet over medium heat
3. Flip the pancakes when bubbles form on the surface
4. Serve with tangerine slices

Extra Tips:

Use fresh tangerine juice for optimal flavor and nutrition

BLW Snack 24: Tangerine and Banana and Blueberry Pancakes

Benefits:

• Vitamin C from tangerines
• Potassium and fiber from bananas
• Antioxidants from blueberries

Recipe:

1. In a bowl, mix 1 mashed banana, 1/2 cup of whole wheat flour, 1/4 cup of tangerine juice, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder
2. Fold in 1/4 cup of blueberries
3. Cook spoonfuls of the batter on a non-stick skillet over medium heat
4. Serve with tangerine slices and extra blueberries

Extra Tips:

Organic is always better if you are able to

BLW Snack 25: Tangerine, Blueberries, and Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Sandwich

Benefits:

• Vitamin C from tangerines
• Antioxidants from blueberries
• Healthy fats and protein from peanut butter
• Fiber from whole wheat bread

Extra Tips:

• Use natural, unsweetened peanut butter to avoid added sugars and unhealthy oils

Conclusion

And there you have our favorite baby led weaning snacks.

Remember that these are just ideas to inspire you, and to show you that you don’t have to waste a lot of time to prepare nutritious and delicious snacks for your baby.

You can modify many of the ingredients and create your own snack combinations until you come up with a few that your baby will enjoy.

Remember, patience and consistency are the two virtues that end up being worth their weight in gold.

We would love to hear your feedback and experiences with Baby Led Weaning and snacks, leave your comments and questions below.

Best of luck!