Weaning is an exciting milestone for both parents and babies, marking the start of your child’s journey into the world of food. But with so many options and opinions, one of the biggest questions is: should you choose purées or go for baby-led weaning (BLW)? Both approaches have their pros and cons, and the right choice will depend on your baby’s needs and your parenting style. In this guide, we’ll explore both methods to help you decide and provide tips on the best accessories to make weaning a little easier (and less messy!).
What is Purée Feeding?
Purée feeding involves spoon-feeding your baby smooth, mashed, or blended foods, starting with single-ingredient options like carrots, sweet potatoes, or bananas. This method allows you to control the texture and consistency of the food, gradually introducing lumpier textures as your baby grows.
Pros:
- Easier to control portion sizes.
- Parents can monitor exactly how much their baby eats.
- Suitable for babies who may struggle with chewing or self-feeding initially.
Cons:
- Requires time to prepare and blend foods or buy purées.
- Some parents find it difficult to transition from purées to solid foods later.
What is Baby-Led Weaning (BLW)?
Baby-led weaning skips purées entirely, letting your baby feed themselves from the start. Instead of spoon-feeding, you’ll offer soft, finger-sized pieces of food like steamed vegetables, avocado slices, or strips of toast for your baby to explore and eat independently.
Pros:
- Encourages independence and self-regulation of appetite.
- Babies are introduced to a variety of textures and flavours early on.
- Minimizes the need for preparing separate meals, as babies can often eat what the family is eating (with appropriate modifications).
Cons:
- Can be messier as babies explore food with their hands.
- Some parents worry about choking risks, though BLW emphasises safe food preparation and supervision.
- Harder to gauge how much food is actually consumed, especially in the beginning.
Can You Combine Both Methods?
Absolutely! Many parents find that combining purées and BLW offers the best of both worlds. You can start with purées to ensure your baby gets essential nutrients and slowly introduce finger foods as they gain confidence and motor skills. Flexibility is key—every baby is different, and your weaning journey should reflect their unique needs.
Essential Accessories for Weaning
Whether you choose purées, baby-led weaning, or a mix of both, having the right tools can make the process smoother and less messy. Here are some must-haves:
- Waterproof Bibs or Smocks: Mess is inevitable, especially with BLW. Invest in waterproof bibs or long-sleeved smocks to keep your baby’s clothes clean. Baby Bare smocks have elastic cuffs to offer extra protection during messy meals.
- Easy-Clean Highchair: A highchair with a removable tray and minimal crevices will save you hours of cleaning. Look for one that grows with your child to maximize its use.
- Silicone Suction Plates and Bowls: Suction plates and bowls stay firmly in place, preventing enthusiastic babies from flipping their food onto the floor. Silicone options are durable, dishwasher-safe, and gentle on little hands.
- Baby Spoons and Forks: If you’re using purées, soft-tipped baby spoons are perfect for protecting delicate gums. For BLW, starter forks can help your baby explore self-feeding.
- Reusable Wipes or Cloths: Keep a stash of washable wipes or cloths handy for cleaning up sticky hands, faces, and highchair trays. They’re an eco-friendly alternative to disposable wipes.
- Non-Spill Cups: As you introduce water with meals, non-spill sippy cups or open cups with training handles can help your baby practice drinking without too much spillage.
Tips for a Smooth Weaning Journey
- Be Patient: Whether your baby prefers purées or finger foods, weaning is a gradual process. Some days they’ll eat a lot, and other days they’ll barely touch their food—it’s all part of learning.
- Prioritise Safety: Always supervise your baby during meals and ensure foods are appropriately prepared to reduce choking risks (e.g., soft textures and finger-sized pieces).
- Follow Your Baby’s Lead: If your baby shows signs of readiness—like sitting up unassisted and showing interest in food—you can start introducing solids, typically around six months.
- Introduce Allergens Early: Research shows that introducing common allergens like peanuts, eggs, and dairy early (in small, safe amounts) can reduce the risk of allergies. Speak to your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
Conclusion
Whether you choose purées, baby-led weaning, or a combination of both, the goal of weaning is to introduce your baby to the joy of food in a safe, healthy, and positive way. The right choice depends on your baby’s readiness, personality, and your family’s lifestyle. And with the right accessories—like bibs, smocks, suction plates, and reusable wipes—you can make the process easier and more enjoyable for both you and your little one.
Weaning is a messy but rewarding adventure, so embrace the journey and celebrate every milestone along the way! 🌟