Introducing Solids: Baby-Led Weaning vs. Purees

Estimated time to read 5 minutes

Introducing solids is a phase that invokes a lot of emotions for parents - excitement, anxiety, and even a little bit of sadness as it comes as a sign that your little one is growing up. This phase also comes with some decisions - when to start, what to offer, and what approach to take. We've previously shared our do's and dont's for introducing solids so now we're focusing on what approach to take.
There are different approaches to introducing solids or “complementary feeding” as it is sometimes called as initial solids are intended to complement the nutrients and energy provided by breast milk or formula to support proper growth and development starting at around 6 months.

Some families choose to offer purees while others choose a newer approach known as baby-led weaning (BLW), while some do a combination of both that’s called Baby-Led Introduction to Solids (BLISS). All three approaches have their benefits.

The benefits of baby-led weaning

• Enhances baby’s sensory experience: Exposure to different foods with different textures provides a more comprehensive sensory experience. Baby is exposed to different colors, smells, and textures, and they’re able to learn to recognize types of food by these characteristics.
• Provides convenience and connection: Let’s be honest, it’s easier when baby can eat the same as the rest of the family and you don’t have to make (or clean up!) multiple meals. It also encourages families to eat together, which has benefits far beyond nutrition.
• Teaches self-regulation: Allowing baby to take control of what and how much she eats rather than a parent offering a spoon until the portion is gone may support responsiveness to internal hunger and satiety cues, leading to better energy self-regulation. Studies show better self-regulation is associated with a lower risk of obesity.
• Supports motor development: Learning to grasp food and bring it to the mouth helps to develop baby’s motor skills.

The benefits of purees

• Easier to provide more nutrient intake: Purees may offer more opportunity for nutrient density and variety as we can better manage what nutrients are in the food they eat. Pureed foods take out other barriers that may be difficult for baby to gum down and digest. This is particularly crucial for meat and other proteins.
• More efficiency: Generally, more food gets in the belly than on the baby or on the floor/to the dog.
• Less risk of choking: Purees have little risk of gagging and choking as they’re just slightly thicker than the milk or formula baby is accustomed to.

The best of both worlds

The good news? Neither of these approaches are all or nothing! You don’t have to be die-hard BLW or die-hard purees - you can do both! Combining both approaches provides the best opportunity for optimal nutrient density.

The benefits of BLISS

• Maximizes nutrient density: Combining both approaches increases the ways in which you can get food into your little one’s belly.
• Provides a valuable sensory experience: Baby still self-feeds to self-regulate and learn motor skills.
• Cultivates togetherness and positivity: Offering baby some of what you’re eating encourages positive relationships with food.
• Lowers choking risk: You can choose which foods to puree and which to offer solid while maintaining other benefits of BLW.
• Provides flexibility: You can switch between the two approaches based on different scenarios.

Do what works for you

No matter what approach you take, keep offering nutritious foods of varied flavors and textures. Just keep offering in a friendly, non-forceful way. Remember that every kid is different and will take to solids at different times. If baby isn’t into finger foods right away or can’t figure out how to hold a spoon, don’t sweat it. Keep offering, and know you’re setting baby up for success with good nutrition in a positive environment.

Hillary Bennetts is a nutritionist and business consultant. She provides business consulting and content creation for companies in the health and wellness industry.