By a Mama Who’s Been There—Twice
Introduction: The Weaning Dilemma
Starting solids is such a big step. As a mama, you’re standing at a crossroads, wondering: Do I spoon-feed my baby or let her feed herself? Will she choke? Will she eat enough? What if my mom thinks I’m doing it wrong?
I’ve been through this journey with both my daughters, and I want to share not just what I learned — but what I lived. Because every messy moment, every piece of broccoli on the floor, and every giggle with a banana-smeared face taught me something real about parenting, trust, and letting go.
Traditional Weaning: What It Is & Why Some Parents Prefer It
Traditional weaning usually involves starting with purees around 5–6 months and slowly progressing to mashed food, then solids. Parents often feed their babies with a spoon, carefully controlling how much the baby eats.
There’s comfort in this method:
- You know how much your baby is eating.
- It’s cleaner.
- Grandparents often feel more familiar with this approach.
But for me… it felt like too much control and too little freedom.
What We Did Instead: Baby-Led Weaning with Both Daughters
With my first daughter, we started BLW at 6 months, when she could sit up with some support. I offered soft, safe foods: banana slices, steamed broccoli, roasted sweet potato sticks. She was curious and open — she explored textures, flavors, and smells with those tiny fingers, and she decided what and how much to eat.
With my second daughter, the story was different — but just as beautiful. At only 5 months, she was sitting up without help and literally jumping to grab food from our plates. She would try to pull our hands toward her mouth, demanding a bite. So, we followed her lead.
From the very beginning, she was even more adventurous. She wanted to taste everything. And honestly? I loved that confidence.
Was I Afraid? Not Really.
I had read books on baby-led weaning, and I knew this: babies are incredibly smart when it comes to food. They will spit out what’s too big, gag to protect themselves, and slowly learn how to chew and swallow at their own pace.
Yes, there were people around me who were nervous. My mom, for example, couldn’t even watch the first time — she was convinced my baby would choke. But over time, she saw how naturally it all flowed. By the time I introduced solids to my second, even grandma was relaxed.
Why BLW Worked for Us (And Might Work for You Too)
I loved that my daughters:
- Had control over their food from the beginning.
- Could explore without pressure.
- Learned how to use utensils early (we used soft, baby-friendly ones).
- Joined us at the table, eating the same foods we ate (with small adjustments).
I didn’t cook special meals. I just made our family meals a little cleaner — less salt, no sugar, no honey in the first year. And yes, it got messy, but those messy faces and hands full of strawberries? Priceless.
Our Simple Daily Routine (No Fancy Schedules)
We didn’t follow strict times for meals. Instead, we tried to mirror our own eating patterns:
- Breakfast together in the morning.
- Lunch around noon.
- Dinner with the whole family.
Sometimes they ate a lot. Other times, just a bite or two. And that was okay. I learned not to stress.
A Funny (and Sticky) Memory
There’s one image I’ll never forget: both my girls, sitting in their high chairs, covered in fruit — I mean, really covered — even in their hair. And they were giggling like it was the best day of their life. That was the moment I knew: they weren’t just learning to eat… they were loving food.
My Golden Advice to Other Mamas
💛 Don’t overthink it.
💛 Don’t try to make 5 different meals just so your baby eats.
💛 Offer the food. Let them explore. Trust the process.
💛 And enjoy the mess — it’s temporary, but the confidence it builds lasts forever.
Would I Do Anything Differently?
Honestly? No.
My girls learned to eat on their own, to say “no” when they were full, and to enjoy food. They were never picky in daycare, and I credit that to BLW.
So, Should You Try Baby-Led Weaning?
If you feel drawn to it — try it. Trust your baby. Trust yourself. It might be messy. It might be slower. But it might also be the most beautiful (and funny) bonding time you’ll have.
FAQ: Common Questions About Baby-Led Weaning
Is baby-led weaning safe? Won’t my baby choke?
This is one of the most common fears, and it’s totally valid! The truth is, when done properly, BLW is no more risky than spoon-feeding. What many parents confuse is gagging (a protective reflex that actually prevents choking) versus choking (a medical emergency). Gagging looks scary, but it means your baby’s body is learning to handle food safely.
How do I know if my baby is really eating enough?
In the first few weeks, it may seem like your baby isn’t eating much — and that’s okay. Food under one is mostly for exploration and learning. Breastmilk or formula continues to be their main source of nutrition. Trust the process!
Can I mix spoon-feeding and BLW?
Absolutely. Many parents follow a “combination approach” — offering soft finger foods during one meal and spoon-feeding mashed foods at another. Follow your baby’s cues and comfort level.
What the Research Says
Studies show that baby-led weaning can:
- Support early motor skill development (grasping, self-feeding)
- Improve food acceptance and reduce picky eating later on
- Promote better appetite regulation and lower obesity risk
Research published in BMJ Open suggests that babies who self-feed may be better at knowing when they’re full, compared to those spoon-fed. Another study from PubMed found no significant difference in choking risk when BLW was done safely and age-appropriately.
So yes — science is starting to back what so many of us mamas already feel: that babies can lead their own journey with food, and do just fine ❤️
Final Words from One Mama to Another
Whether you choose purees, BLW, or a mix — you are doing a great job. Your baby is lucky to have you. Feed them with love, not pressure, and it will all work out just fine.
👉 You might also like: Baby Sleep Month by Month
