Starting Solids 101: Baby-Led Weaning vs. Traditional Purees

What is baby-led weaning?

Baby-led weaning (often called BLW) is a method of starting solids that puts your baby in the driver’s seat, literally. Instead of spoon-feeding purees, you offer your baby soft, appropriately sized pieces of food and let them explore, grasp, and feed themselves at their own pace.

The idea is simple: babies learn to eat the same way they learn everything else, through exploration, practice, and, most importantly, at their own pace.

With baby-led weaning, there’s no need to start with pureed baby food and progress from smooth to chunky. From the start (around 6 months or when your baby is showing signs of being ready), your baby joins you at the table and eats modified versions of the food you’re already eating, like soft-cooked veggies, strips of ripe fruit, or tender pieces of toast with mashed avocado.

It’s not just about skipping purees; it’s about trusting your baby’s natural instincts. When offered safe, developmentally appropriate foods, babies can learn to chew, swallow, and regulate their intake without being spoon-fed.

Sound a little messy? It definitely can be. But it’s also incredibly empowering for both you and your baby.

What is traditional feeding?

Most of us picture traditional feeding when we think about babies starting solids. It usually begins around 4 to 6 months, with parents or caregivers spoon-feeding smooth, single-ingredient purées; think mashed bananas, sweet potatoes, or those familiar jars of baby food.

In this approach, parents are in control of how much food is offered and when. You start with thinner purées, then gradually work your way up to thicker textures, mashed foods, and eventually soft finger foods.

Many families feel more comfortable starting with pureed baby food, knowing exactly what (and how much) their baby is eating. For some, it’s also about peace of mind—baby-led weaning can involve gagging as babies learn to manage solids, and that can be really scary to witness, especially for first-time parents. With purees, the feeding experience often feels more controlled and less nerve-wracking, which is totally valid.

That said, it’s more parent-led by nature. You’re guiding the process, offering the spoon, and choosing the pace rather than letting your baby lead the way.

Key differences between baby-led weaning & traditional purees

While both methods aim to introduce your baby to the world of solid foods, baby-led weaning, and traditional puree feeding take very different approaches, and those differences can shape your baby’s experience in meaningful ways.

With baby-led weaning, your baby is in the driver’s seat. They feed themselves soft, graspable pieces of whole foods from the very beginning. There’s no spoon-feeding involved; you simply offer safe, age-appropriate foods and let your baby explore at their own pace. This often means mealtimes are slower, messier, and filled with lots of experimenting (and throwing!).

In traditional puree feeding, the parent or caregiver is more in control. You’re the one deciding what’s offered, how much is given, and when the spoon goes in. It usually starts with smooth purées and gradually moves to mashed textures, then soft solids over time.

The difference comes down to who’s leading the process: in baby-led weaning, it’s your baby. In traditional feeding, it’s you.

Neither method is “right” or “wrong”, they just support different kinds of learning and development.

Why baby-led weaning is often more beneficial

Baby-led weaning isn’t just a trendy buzzword, it’s backed by research and rooted in child development. One of its biggest benefits? It encourages babies to explore food in a way that supports their independence, body awareness, and natural development.

When babies are given the chance to self-feed, they’re not just learning to eat. They’re building fine motor skills (grasping, bringing food to their mouth), practicing chewing and tongue control, and gaining confidence in their ability to navigate new textures and tastes.

Another benefit? Babies are born with the ability to listen to their hunger and fullness cues. Baby-led weaning supports that by allowing them to decide when they’re done rather than being spoon-fed a set amount.

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: gagging. Yes, it happens. And yes, it can be uncomfortable to watch at first. But gagging is not choking. Gagging is a natural, protective reflex that helps babies learn how to move food safely in their mouths. In fact, by starting with safe finger foods and letting babies practice early, you’re helping them develop strong oral motor coordination that can actually reduce the risk of choking over time.

Baby-led weaning also introduces a wide range of textures from the beginning, which may lead to less picky eating later in childhood. And because your baby is eating modified versions of your meals, it encourages family connection at the table, no separate mealtimes required.

At the end of the day, BLW supports the whole child: body, brain, and confidence.

Feed with confidence, not pressure

Starting solids is a big milestone, but it doesn’t have to be stressful.

Whether you choose baby-led weaning, traditional purees, or something in between, what matters most is that you’re feeding your baby with love, attention, and responsiveness. There’s no perfect method, just the one that feels right for your family.

Baby-led weaning can offer some amazing benefits, from supporting motor skills to encouraging a healthy relationship with food. But puree feeding can be a great option, too, especially if it gives you peace of mind.

You know your baby best. Trust your instincts, follow their cues, and give yourself grace along the way.

And if you’re looking for real-life support, expert-backed guidance, and a community that gets it? Baby University is here for you every step of the way!