Introducing Solids: Baby-Led Weaning vs. Purees vs. Combo

(Week-by-week plans that actually work — no stress, no battles)

Your baby is 5–6 months, grabbing at your food, and you’re paralyzed by the BLW vs. purees debate.

Here’s the truth: there’s no “wrong” way — just the way your baby will actually eat.

Pick one, mix them, or switch halfway through.

Here’s exactly how parents did all three — with real schedules that worked.

When to Start (The Real Signs, Not Just Age)

• Sits with minimal support
• Good head control
• Interest in food (grabbing, watching you eat)
• Tongue-thrust reflex gone

Quick science: Starting solids at 5–6 months supports oral motor development and reduces choking risk long-term — whether purees or finger foods.

(Source: AAP 2022 Solid Foods Guidelines)

“We started purees at 5.5 months, switched to BLW at 7. Baby ate way more once we gave him control.”

— Mom in r/BabyLedWeaning

The 3 Methods That Actually Work

1. Traditional Purees (easiest for nervous parents) Week 1–2: single-ingredient purees once a day (oatmeal, avocado, sweet potato) Week 3+: twice a day + thicker textures Tools: silicone spoons + suction bowls
2. Baby-Led Weaning (skip spoons entirely) Start with soft finger foods: steamed carrot sticks, avocado wedges, banana with skin Always size of adult pinky or bigger grip Tools: high chair with footrest + silicone bib
3. Combo (what most parents end up doing) Purees for iron-fortified cereal + finger foods for practice “We did purees at breakfast, BLW at dinner. Best of both worlds.”

Gear That Made a Difference for Parents

• ezpz Mini Mat “Suction plate that never flips. Saved our floors.”
• NumNum GOOtensils (pre-spoons) “Perfect bridge between purees and self-feeding.”
• Bumkins silicone bib “Wipe-clean. Washes in sink in 10 seconds.”

Your First-Month Solids Checklist

• Start with iron-rich foods (fortified cereal, meat, lentils)
• One new food every 3–4 days
• Offer water in open cup or straw cup
• Always supervise
• Mess is normal
• No honey, salt, or added sugar under 12 months

You’ve got this.

One messy face, one proud bite, one giant milestone at a time. ❤️