What is baby-led weaning?
Baby-led weaning is the method of introducing solids through finger food and allowing the baby to self-feed. This increasingly popular method encourages babies' independence as well as allowing them to follow their own feeding and hunger cues and instincts. There are many advantages, such as:
Babies have control over how much and what they eat, thus teaching them to self-regulate their own eating habits.
Allows babies to explore different food textures, flavors, smells, and sensations. This variety is thought to help babies become more adventurous eaters.
Helps babies develop their own gag reflex, which teaches them to know how much and how far they can put food in their mouth.
Assists with communication and critical motor skills.
Eating the same food as a family can help manage the cooking load at home.
What is combination feeding?
Combination feeding is the process of introducing finger food as well as any puree and/ or spoon-feeding. This option can be helpful for families to help reduce stress around certain finger food.
What about texture?
For babies following BLW, the texture of food should be soft enough that if squeezed together (pinched) by thumb and forefinger, it will soften/easily flatten. For meat, slow-cooked and as soft as possible. For fruits and vegetables, boiled, baked, or steamed.
If starting your baby on purees, begin with smooth, consistent textures and gradually transition to a lumpier consistency once your baby is ready.