Baby-Led Weaning vs. Traditional Weaning: What’s Right for Your Baby?

Starting solids is an exciting milestone, but with so much advice out there, it can feel overwhelming. Should you go the baby-led weaning (BLW) route, or stick to the tried-and-true traditional weaning method? Let’s break down both approaches so you can decide what’s best for your baby—and for you!

What is Baby-Led Weaning?

Baby-led weaning skips purées and spoon-feeding in favor of finger foods that babies can pick up and eat on their own. The idea is that babies control what and how much they eat, developing independence and motor skills along the way.

Pros of Baby-Led Weaning:

• Encourages self-feeding and fine motor skills

• Helps babies explore different textures and tastes early on

• May reduce picky eating tendencies later in life

• Allows babies to eat family meals rather than separate purées

Challenges of Baby-Led Weaning:

• Can be messy—prepare for food on the floor!

• Requires careful monitoring to ensure baby is eating enough

• Some parents worry about choking risks, though proper food preparation helps minimize this

What is Traditional Weaning?

Traditional weaning starts with spoon-fed purées and gradually moves to mashed and solid foods over time. Parents control portion sizes and textures, ensuring babies get a balanced diet while learning to eat.

Pros of Traditional Weaning:

• Parents can control food intake, ensuring baby gets enough nutrients

• Easier for tracking allergens and potential reactions

• Less mess and less food waste compared to BLW

• Some babies may prefer smooth textures in the beginning

Challenges of Traditional Weaning:

• Can take longer for babies to develop self-feeding skills

• May create texture aversions if not introduced early enough

• Some babies may become dependent on being spoon-fed

Which Weaning Method is Best?

The best approach? The one that works for your baby and family. Many parents actually combine both methods—starting with purées and gradually incorporating finger foods.

Signs Your Baby Might Prefer BLW: ✅ Shows interest in grabbing food off your plate ✅ Can sit up independently and bring food to their mouth ✅ Loves exploring textures with their hands

Signs Your Baby Might Prefer Traditional Weaning: ✅ Prefers smoother textures and struggles with chunkier food ✅ Gets frustrated when handling food independently ✅ Eats better when spoon-fed

Tips for a Smooth Weaning Experience

• Follow baby’s cues—don’t force a method that doesn’t work for them.

• Offer a variety of foods to expose them to different flavors and textures.

• Make mealtime stress-free—avoid pressure and let them explore food at their own pace.

• Stay safe! Cut food into age-appropriate sizes and always supervise mealtime.

• Use helpful tools like Shushiie to keep baby calm and relaxed during mealtime transitions.

Conclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to weaning. Whether you choose baby-led weaning, traditional weaning, or a mix of both, the goal is the same: helping your baby develop a healthy relationship with food.

Whichever path you take, enjoy the journey—because watching your baby discover new flavors is one of parenting’s greatest joys!