BLW vs. Traditional Weaning – Key Differences, Benefits, and a Step-by-Step Guide to Introducing Solids to Your Baby

Baby-Led Weaning vs. Purees: Which One is Right for Your Baby?

Jun 25, 2025

person feeding baby — Photo by hui sang on Unsplash

Introducing solids is a major milestone, and many parents wonder: Should I try baby-led weaning (BLW) or start with purees? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—it depends on your baby, your family, and what makes you feel confident and comfortable. Let’s break down both approaches so you can make an informed decision.

What is Baby-Led Weaning (BLW)?

Baby-led weaning (BLW) is a method of introducing solids that skips spoon-feeding purees and lets babies self-feed soft, appropriately-sized finger foods. Instead of parents controlling the pace, babies explore textures, grasp foods, and feed themselves.

This method encourages independence and allows babies to engage in sensory learning, but it’s not for everyone. Understanding the benefits and challenges can help you decide if it’s right for your family.

Benefits & Challenges of BLW

✅ Benefits:

• Encourages self-feeding skills and independence

• Helps with oral motor development and chewing skills

• Introduces babies to a variety of textures early on

• Allows babies to listen to their own hunger and fullness cues

⚠️ Challenges:

• Increased mess (food on the floor, highchair, and sometimes… the walls!)

• Requires close supervision to ensure safe eating habits

• Some parents worry about gagging vs. choking (learning the difference is key!)

Benefits & Challenges of Traditional Purees

✅ Benefits:

• Easier to monitor portion sizes and nutrient intake

• Ideal for babies who need a gradual transition to solids

• Can be convenient for on-the-go feeding

• Reduces the initial risk of large pieces causing gagging

⚠️ Challenges:

• Requires transitioning from purees to more textured foods over time

• Babies may become used to spoon-feeding and have a harder time self-feeding

• Less exposure to a variety of textures early on

Signs Your Baby is Ready for Solids

Regardless of which approach you choose, your baby should show clear signs of readiness before starting solids.

Look for:

✔️ Good head and neck control

✔️ Ability to sit up with minimal support

✔️ Interest in food (watching you eat, reaching for your food)

✔️ Loss of the tongue-thrust reflex (pushing food out of their mouth)

Most babies reach these milestones around 6 months, but every baby is different!

How to Introduce Foods the Safe Way

No matter how you start, safety is key when introducing solids. Here are a few important tips:

🔹 Follow the 3- to 5-day rule – Introduce one new food at a time and wait a few days before introducing another to watch for allergic reactions.

🔹 Modify food textures appropriately – Soft, mashable foods for BLW; smooth purees for traditional weaning.

🔹 Learn the difference between gagging and choking – Gagging is a normal part of learning to eat; choking is a true emergency (always supervise meals).

🔹 Avoid choking hazards – Skip whole grapes, raw carrots, nuts, popcorn, and sticky foods like peanut butter by itself.

🔹 Make mealtime fun! – Babies learn by watching you, so eat together and let them explore at their own pace.

Want a Free First Foods Checklist?

Starting solids can feel overwhelming, but I’ve got you covered! Grab my FREE First Foods Checklist to make introducing solids easier. It includes:

✔️ Age-appropriate first foods

✔️ Texture modifications for BLW & purees

✔️ Safety tips for new eaters

👉🏾Click here to download your free checklist!

Whether you choose baby-led weaning, purees, or a combination of both, the goal is the same: nourishing your baby and making mealtime a positive experience.

Have questions? Hit reply and let’s chat!

Final Thoughts

Starting solids is an exciting milestone, and there’s no single “right” way to do it. Whether you choose baby-led weaning, purees, or a combination of both, the most important thing is to follow your baby’s cues, keep meals safe, and make mealtime a positive experience.

Every baby is different—some take to solids quickly, while others need more time to explore. Be patient, embrace the mess, and enjoy watching your little one discover new flavors and textures!

Remember, you know your baby best. Trust your instincts, and don’t stress over perfection. Feeding is a journey, and it’s all about building healthy habits for a lifetime.

If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to download your free First Foods Checklist and share this newsletter with another parent who might need it!

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