Introducing solids is an exciting milestone in your baby’s development — and also one that often comes with questions, especially about the best approach. Two popular methods of starting solids are Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) and Traditional Weaning (also called spoon-feeding).
Both methods aim to nourish your baby and support healthy eating habits, but they differ in how food is introduced, who controls the feeding process, and how your baby learns to eat.
In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between baby-led weaning and traditional weaning, the benefits and challenges of each, and how to choose (or combine) the approach that works best for your family.
What Is Traditional Weaning?
Traditional weaning involves gradually introducing puréed foods by spoon while continuing to offer breast milk or formula. Parents or caregivers control what, when, and how much the baby eats, gradually increasing texture and variety over time.
How it works:
- Start with smooth purées at around 6 months
- Progress to mashed foods and then small soft pieces
- Baby is spoon-fed until they can manage finger foods
- Parents decide portion size and pace
Traditional weaning has been widely used for decades and remains a popular and safe method of introducing solids.
What Is Baby-Led Weaning?
Baby-Led Weaning skips purées altogether and allows babies to feed themselves finger-sized pieces of whole food from the start — usually around 6 months, when the baby shows readiness signs.
Key features of BLW:
- Baby sits with the family and self-feeds
- No spoon-feeding or separate meals
- Baby chooses what to eat (from safe options) and how much
- Emphasis on food exploration and independence
The term “baby-led weaning” was popularized by Gill Rapley, a British health visitor and author, and has grown in popularity worldwide.
What’s the Difference Between the Two?
Both methods aim to introduce solids and support development, but the process, feeding dynamics, and parent involvement differ significantly.
| Feature | Traditional Weaning | Baby-Led Weaning |
|---|---|---|
| First foods | Puréed foods | Whole, soft finger foods |
| Who feeds? | Parent/caregiver | Baby self-feeds |
| Textures introduced | Gradually (purée → mash → solids) | Starts with soft solids |
| Parent control | High | Low (baby-led) |
| Mess level | Lower | Often higher |
| Feeding tools | Spoon | Hands, cup, sometimes utensils |
| Family meals | Usually separate | Often shared from start |
Pros and Cons of Each Method
Traditional Weaning
Pros:
- Easy to control portions and nutrition
- Helpful for babies with developmental delays
- Familiar method supported by many pediatricians
- Less mess (in the beginning)
Cons:
- May delay self-feeding and chewing skills
- Some babies resist being spoon-fed
- Can lead to overfeeding if baby’s cues are ignored
- Requires preparation of separate purées
Baby-Led Weaning
Pros:
- Encourages independence and motor skills
- Exposes baby to variety of textures and flavors early
- Easier to include baby in family meals
- May reduce picky eating later on
Cons:
- Messier
- Harder to measure exact intake
- Can be stressful for parents worried about choking
- Requires careful food prep for safety
Nutritional Considerations
No matter which method you choose, the goal is the same: providing safe, balanced nutrition while continuing breast milk or formula as the main source of calories until age 1.
Key nutritional needs:
- Iron: Offer iron-rich foods (meat, beans, iron-fortified cereals)
- Healthy fats: Crucial for brain development (avocado, nut butters, oily fish)
- Variety: Introduce vegetables, fruits, proteins, and grains
- No added sugar or salt: Keep baby food as natural as possible
Both methods can meet these needs — what matters is food selection, not feeding style.
Choking vs. Gagging: A Common Concern
One of the biggest worries with baby-led weaning is choking. But research shows that when done properly, BLW does not increase choking risk compared to traditional weaning.
Gagging is normal:
- It’s part of learning to manage food in the mouth
- Most common in the early stages of BLW
- Babies have a stronger gag reflex than adults — it’s protective
Choking prevention tips (for both methods):
- Never leave baby unattended while eating
- Avoid high-risk foods (grapes, hot dogs, raw carrots, nuts)
- Cut food into safe shapes — thin slices or soft, mashed textures
- Make sure baby is sitting upright, not reclined
- Learn basic infant CPR — just in case
Safety is about preparation, not the method itself.
Can You Combine Both Methods?
Absolutely. Many families adopt a “mixed approach”, offering purées and finger foods side by side.
A blended method might look like:
- Spoon-feeding yogurt and offering banana slices
- Letting baby self-feed small pieces of cooked sweet potato
- Using purées during busy meals and BLW when you have time to supervise closely
This flexible strategy allows your baby to develop self-feeding skills while ensuring they’re getting enough nutrients, especially in the beginning.
Signs Your Baby Is Ready for Solids (Regardless of Method)
Whether you choose traditional or baby-led weaning, you should wait until your baby shows signs of readiness — usually around 6 months.
Look for:
- Can sit up with minimal support
- Good head and neck control
- Shows interest in food (watching you eat, reaching for food)
- Diminished tongue-thrust reflex
- Opens mouth when offered a spoon or food
Starting solids too early can increase the risk of choking and digestion issues. Follow your baby’s developmental cues.
Supporting a Positive Feeding Experience
Regardless of which method you use, the most important part of feeding is building positive food relationships.
Tips for success:
- Let your baby explore food with all senses
- Avoid pressure — don’t force bites or clean plates
- Celebrate small wins, not perfect meals
- Eat together as a family when possible
- Focus on variety and balance over volume
The goal isn’t just to fill your baby’s tummy — it’s to help them learn, grow, and enjoy eating.
Final Thoughts
There’s no single “best” way to start solids. Both baby-led weaning and traditional weaning can be healthy, joyful, and developmentally appropriate when done with care and responsiveness.
Some babies love the independence of feeding themselves; others thrive with a spoon. And many do just fine with a combination of both. Trust your instincts, follow your baby’s cues, and know that you can adjust your approach as your baby grows.
Feeding your baby is not just about nutrition — it’s about connection, confidence, and exploration. Whatever method you choose, you’re doing something wonderful: helping your child discover the joy of food.
