Starting solids can feel like a major parenting milestone, equal parts exciting and totally overwhelming. With so much noise online, it’s easy to feel like you have to pick a side: baby-led weaning or purees. But here’s the truth…
You don’t have to choose one approach over the other.
There’s more than one way to feed a baby, and the best method is the one that works for your family. Knowing when your baby is ready, what feeding safely looks like, and how to support their development along the way can make this stage feel a lot more doable.
And if you’re looking for real-life examples and helpful visuals, this PedsDocTalk YouTube video walks through it all.
What’s the difference between purees and baby-led weaning?
Purees are the traditional approach, smooth foods like mashed bananas, sweet potato, or oatmeal that are often spoon-fed by a caregiver.
Baby-led weaning (BLW) skips the spoon-feeding and lets babies self-feed soft, graspable foods from the start, like avocado slices, steamed carrots, or banana spears.
But it’s not just about what you offer. It’s about how your baby experiences food.
Even with purees, some babies self-feed by bringing a preloaded spoon to their mouth. That still builds independence and lets them explore on their own terms.
Think of it like this: purees vs. BLW isn’t just spoon vs. finger food, it’s more like a guided tour versus free exploration. Both can support development, and many families end up doing a mix of both.
Is your baby ready to start solids?
The signs of readiness are similar whether you’re starting with purees or baby-led weaning. The main difference? Babies can usually begin purees a little earlier, if they have strong head and neck control. They may not be sitting fully on their own yet, and that’s okay.
For BLW, your baby should be able to sit with minimal support, so they’re not focused on just balancing but can actually reach and explore food.
No head control or still pushing food out with their tongue? Not quite ready yet.
Most babies are ready around 6 months, though some may show puree-readiness a bit earlier. And remember, milk or formula is still their main source of nutrition at this stage.
Want a simple checklist to help you decide? Download the PedsDocTalk Food Signs of Readiness Guide, a free pediatrician-approved resource to help you know when your baby is ready to begin solids.
And if you want to see real-life demo tips for how to safely start, whether you’re using purees, BLW, or both, watch this PedsDocTalk YouTube video.
Debunking common myths about starting solids
There’s a lot of pressure out there to do feeding a certain way, but much of it is based on myths. Here are a few common ones worth letting go of:
Myth 1: “You have to choose one method.”
Nope. Many families use a mix of purees and baby-led weaning, and that’s completely okay. You can spoon-feed at breakfast and offer finger foods at lunch. It’s not all or nothing.
Myth 2: “If you don’t do BLW, your baby will be picky.”
Not true. What really matters is offering variety, honoring hunger and fullness cues, and making meals a positive experience.
Myth 3: “Purees delay development.”
Only if you never move beyond them. Purees are a great starting point, like training wheels. As long as you’re progressing with textures and encouraging exploration, you’re supporting development just fine.
Myth 4: “BLW causes choking.”
When done safely and with appropriate foods, baby-led weaning does not raise the risk of choking. Research backs this up. The key is watching for readiness, knowing the difference between gagging and choking, and staying nearby while your baby eats.
Real-life tips from a pediatrician and mom
Feeding isn’t just about technique. It’s about the day-to-day realities of learning, mess, and figuring out what works for your baby. Here are a few things that helped me:
- Follow your baby’s cues. Every baby is different, and that’s okay. My son took to self-feeding at 6 months like a pro. My daughter gagged, even vomited, and needed more time. They’re both amazing eaters.
- Let them be part of family meals. Babies learn by watching. Let them see you eat. Talk about what’s on your plate. Let them explore smells, textures, and routines. That exposure starts way before they’re actually swallowing much.
- Expect the mess. Food on the floor? Sweet potato on the ceiling? It’s all part of the adventure. Try to embrace the chaos, it’s your baby’s way of learning.
- Gagging is okay. It’s part of learning. Gagging helps protect their airways as they build oral-motor skills. Choking is rare when solids are introduced properly.
And remember: milk or formula is still their primary nutrition in that first year. Food is about practice, exposure, and building positive associations. Try not to panic about how much they’re eating. This panic can make you force them to eat and this will backfire. We want this to be enjoyable. Think of solids as a journey, not a sprint.
The bottom line
There’s no single right way to start solids. Whether you begin with purees, baby-led weaning, or a mix of both, you’re doing just fine. What matters most is that feeding feels safe, supported, and responsive to your baby’s needs.
Still feeling nervous? That’s completely normal.
For step-by-step support, including real-life demos, feeding routines, and allergen guidance, check out the PedsDocTalk Intro to Solids Workshop.
Feeding is a journey, not a race. You’ve got this.
Watch the PedsDocTalk YouTube Video HERE!
