Introducing solids is a big moment in a baby’s first year - and with it comes many questions: When should we start? What should we offer? Purees or finger foods?
One approach that’s gained some popularity is baby-led weaning. Unlike traditional spoon-feeding where the parent controls the pace and amount, baby-led weaning allows the baby to self-feed from the very beginning. The baby is offered soft, age-appropriate finger foods and encouraged to explore, touch, taste, and eat at their own pace.
The idea behind
baby led weaning is simple: babies are born with the ability to regulate their hunger and fullness. By allowing them to take the lead, we can help protect that intuitive relationship with food. Rather than coaxing “just one more bite,” baby-led weaning encourages mom and dad to trust that their baby will eat what they need.
With
baby-led weaning, there’s often less pressure and more opportunity for the baby to develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
