Introducing Solids: Spoon Feeding vs. Baby-Led Weaning (BLW)

By: Dahlia Rimmon, MS, RDN

Once you’ve established a routine with milk feeds and a somewhat consistent(ish) nap schedule, it’s time to introduce solids. Starting solids is an exciting stage, filled with messy adventures and unforgettable first bites, but it can also feel overwhelming and confusing. A quick search online reveals countless opinions on the best way to start solids – should you go with the traditional spoon-feeding approach or try baby-led weaning (BLW)?

There’s no one “right” way to feed your baby. What matters most is finding what works best for both you and your baby. Fortunately, you have options! To help you sort through the overwhelming (and misleading! and conflicting!) advice, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about spoon-feeding and baby-led weaning (BLW).

What is spoon feeding?

Spoon-feeding is the traditional method of introducing solids, where a caregiver feeds a baby pureed baby food using a spoon. In this approach, the parent or caregiver controls the feeding process and determines the feeding pace, portion sizes, and how much food goes on the spoon.

Introducing solids: Spoon-feeding purees.

When offering pureed baby food, it’s important to introduce both thin and thick blends to expose your baby to a variety of textures. Gradually thicken the puree consistency over time and then transition to mashed foods. Experts recommend introducing finger foods before 9 months, as delaying texture progression can make it challenging for babies to accept new textures later.

What is baby-led weaning?

Baby-led weaning (BLW) is a new and more hands-on approach to starting solids, where babies feed themselves using soft, age-appropriate finger foods. Instead of caregivers spoon-feeding purees, the baby takes the lead, sets the pace of the meal, and explores different textures through self-feeding. This method can include both finger foods and purees offered on a self-feeding utensil. Advocates of BLW believe this approach fosters independence and encourages a positive relationship with food.

Introducing solids: Finger foods

If you choose the BLW approach, serve finger foods that are soft enough to squish between your fingers. Since babies use their gums to chew (molars, which are essential for chewing, don’t erupt until after the first birthday), it’s important to offer soft foods that can be easily broken down. This helps ensure safe eating and reduces the risk of choking.

When it comes to food shapes, be sure to cut foods into shapes that are easy for little hands to grasp. At 6 months, babies use their palmar grasp (whole hand) to pick up food, so longer, spear-shaped pieces, like Little Bellies puffs or pick-me sticks, make it easier for them to hold and self-feed. By 9 months, babies start developing their pincer grasp, using their thumb and index finger to pick up smaller pieces of food. At this stage, offer pea-sized foods, like Little Bellies softcorn or paws, to help strengthen their fine motor skills.

Spoon-feeding vs. BLW: Pros and cons

The best way to feed your baby is by finding what works best for your family. To help you decide which approach best suits you, here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of both feeding methods.

Spoon-feeding

Pros:

• Less messy: Since parents control the spoon and portion sizes, there’s less chance of food ending up on the baby (or the floor!).
• Easier to track intake: Parents can easily monitor how much their baby is eating.
• Meals are more predictable: Meals are controlled by parents, which can be reassuring.

Cons:

• Time-consuming: Making homemade purees takes time and energy.
• Difficulty transitioning textures: Babies who stay on purees too long may struggle with adapting to new textures.
• Limited oral motor development: Spoon-feeding doesn’t encourage babies to use their gums for chewing, which is important for oral motor skill development.
• Less family participation: Babies miss out on the shared family meal experience.

Baby-led weaning

Pros:

• Encourages independence: Helps babies develop a positive relationship with food.
• Better texture acceptance: Early exposure to a variety of textures can lead to better acceptance of different foods.
• Supports oral motor and fine motor skills: Self-feeding strengthens chewing skills, the palmer grasp, the pincer grasp, and hand-eye coordination.
• Includes baby in family meals: Encourages positive eating habits through modeling.
• No need for separate meals: Babies can eat modified versions of family meals with appropriate textures and minimal salt or sugar.
• Promotes self-regulation: Encourages babies to listen to their hunger and fullness cues.

Cons:

• Messy: Self-feeding can lead to food everywhere—on the baby, on the high chair, and the floor.
• Can be anxiety-inducing: Parents may feel anxious about gagging and choking, which can create stress during meals.
• Meals take longer to complete: Self-feeding takes time as babies explore and learn to feed themselves.

Combination of spoon-feeding and BLW

Keep in mind that you don’t have to choose one feeding approach. Many parents start with spoon-feeding in the first few weeks and gradually introduce finger foods, while others alternate between spoon-feeding for one meal and BLW for the next. Discussing your approach with your partner can ensure you start solids with confidence and a clear understanding of what works best for your family.

Transitioning to BLW

It’s important to introduce BLW or finger foods before your baby turns 9 months, as delaying texture progression can make the transition more challenging. Early exposure can prevent picky eating and make mealtime smoother for parents (win-win!).

Here are some tips for an easier transition:

• Start slowly: Gradually offer both purees and solid foods at meals. Introducing too much too fast can make your baby feel overwhelmed.
• Offer finger foods alongside purees: It’s important to offer new foods and textures alongside accepted foods or textures that you know your baby already enjoys. This will make your baby feel safe and comfortable and more likely to engage with the new foods or textures.
• Embrace the mess: One of the biggest adjustments is the mess! Make cleanup easier by stripping your baby down to their diaper during meals, using a splat mat or disposable tablecloth under the high chair, or keeping wipes or a damp towel nearby.
• Give yourself grace: Any type of change can feel overwhelming, so don’t be afraid to take shortcuts! To make life easier, stock up on convenient, nutritious options like pre-cut and pre-washed vegetables for steaming or roasting and healthy, salt-free, sugar-free baby snacks like Little Bellies.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to introducing solids. Trust your instincts and choose what feels right for your baby and your family. You’ve got this!