Baby-led weaning (BLW) skips spoon-feeding in favor of letting babies feed themselves with soft, whole foods.
Pros of Baby-Led Weaning ✅
✔ Encourages self-feeding & independence
✔ Promotes hand-eye coordination & chewing skills
✔ Exposes baby to different textures early
✔ Baby eats with the family – no separate meals
Cons of Baby-Led Weaning ❌
⚠ Messy! Expect food everywhere 🍽️
⚠ Choking concerns (safe food prep is crucial!)
⚠ Can be slower – baby eats at their own pace
Best First Foods for BLW 🥕
✅ Soft-cooked carrots or broccoli florets
✅ Ripe avocado slices
✅ Banana, mango, or peach strips
✅ Scrambled eggs or shredded chicken
✅ Toast with peanut butter (thin layer)
What are Purees? 🥄
Purees involve blending food into a smooth consistency and spoon-feeding baby.
Pros of Purees ✅
✔ Easy to introduce a variety of flavors
✔ Less mess compared to BLW
✔ Good for babies who need extra help with textures
Cons of Purees ❌
⚠ Slower transition to textured foods
⚠ Less independence – baby relies on spoon-feeding
⚠ May be time-consuming if making homemade purees
Best First Purees 🥣
✅ Mashed sweet potatoes
✅ Blended apples or pears
✅ Pureed peas or butternut squash
✅ Smooth yogurt (full-fat, unsweetened)
✅ Oatmeal or rice cereal (iron-fortified)
Can You Combine Baby-Led Weaning & Purees? 🤔
Yes! Many parents use a hybrid approach, offering both finger foods and purees to balance independence and nutrition.
Tips for a Smooth Transition 🍼➡️🍴
✅ Start with single-ingredient foods (watch for allergies)
✅ Introduce one new food every 3-5 days
✅ Offer water in a sippy cup with meals
✅ Avoid honey, whole nuts, and added salt/sugar
Final Thoughts: Which Method is Best? 🤷♀️
Both baby-led weaning and purees can help your baby develop a healthy relationship with food. Choose what works best for your baby’s needs and your family’s lifestyle!