I would like to give a quick run through of the pros and cons for each of these methods as with all decisions baby related it can be very daunting!
Traditional/Pureed
Pros
You know how much they are eating
You can puree most family meals, so there is no need to prepare something separate
Less worry of choking
There are now lots more organic brands available in the shop if you wish to use pre-prepared
Cons
Potential to overfeed, as baby is spoon fed and not in control
Staying on pureed food too long can lead to missing the perfect window for introducing food (between 7 and 9 months)
Some shop bought baby food may contain additives which are undesirable
Need to wean twice, introducing pureed food and then again to solid food
Baby Led Weaning
Pros
They eat the same as what you eat
No need to prepare anything different
They are a part of the family meal
They have independence, feeding themselves and choosing what to eat off their plate
It develops their fine motor skills
There is no need to wean for a second time (weaning to pureed then again to lumps and solid food)
Cons
It’s messy!
You need to be prepared to mostly cook from scratch
If you don’t eat “healthy” food, this is not for you – yet (as baby eats the same as you)
You can’t tell exactly how much they are eating
There is a greater worry for choking – although there is no evidence to suggest that babies choke more with baby led weaning (as long as guidelines for sizes and shapes are followed)
There is no right or wrong way, you should always do what is going to work best for you and your family, and that is not going to be the same as anyone else. Of course there is nothing to say you must choose, you can mix the two approaches!
My next blog is a personal account of my current experience of weaning, with examples and photos of what it looks like for me.