All About Solids: BLW & Purees
A guide to the solid transition!
Transitioning your baby to solids can be a little tricky. Whether you’re trying the baby-led weaning method, getting started on purees, or a combination of both -- there are some pros and cons of each technique every parent should keep in mind.
When to Transition to Solids
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlines seven different signs that your baby is ready to transition to solids:
They sit up alone or with support
They can control their head and neck
They open their mouth when food is offered
They swallow food instead of pushing it back out onto the chin
They bring objects to their mouth
They try to grasp small objects
They transfer food from the front to the back of the tongue to swallow
If you can check off these boxes, you might be ready to start looking at different transition methods.
Baby Led Weaning Method (BLW)
This method of transitioning to solids lets the baby take the lead. Instead of transitioning from formula to purees, the baby eats what their family has for dinner (with baby-safe modifications). These foods should be squishy and low-risk for babies. Some BLW foods may include (dependent on age) roasted apples, roasted sweet potatoes, steamed broccoli, and much more.
In an article by the Cincinnati Children’s, titled Baby-Led Weaning: Pros, Cons, and Considering A Moderate Approach, they cite several pros to BLW:
It may teach the child to self-regulate hunger
BLW is educational and helps develop fine motor skills
It’s messy, fun, and may reduce stress on the baby
Less likely to become obese
Additionally, parents like the adventurous aspect of BLW and hope it will help develop their palette as they get older. However, BLW also comes with its cons. The same Cincinnati Children’s article highlights potential safety concerns, negative mealtime experiences, and difficulty pinpointing an allergic reaction if it occurs.
Purees
For this method, parents spoon-feed their little ones various purees made from fruits to vegetables. While these purees offer a less messy and more peaceful experience, they also come with cons. For example, purees are more complicated to prepare and might take up more time. Whereas BLW allows parents to multitask and cook one meal for the whole family, purees are more demanding.
Combination of BLW and Purees
So, what if you could get the benefits of both? In the Cincinnati Children’s article, the author recommends a moderate approach that starts the baby off on purees but then transitions to BLW. The organization also recommends getting your doctor’s sign-off to start solids, using supportive seating at dinner, eating with the family, and more.
Harmony Baby Concierge Can Help
If you’re trying to determine which approach would be the best for your baby and your family, contact us today. At Harmony Baby Concierge we offer nutrition consulting that promotes colorful, creative, and, most importantly, tasty meals for the family.
We understand the importance of nutrition for developing children’s brains and bodies. When we eat well, we feel good, and health is a critical component of our overall happiness. Cooking with kids can be fun, exciting, and a fantastic opportunity to make memories that last a lifetime.
Harmony Baby Concierge is a full service Newborn Care + Postpartum Support Agency based in Dallas, Austin and Houston, Texas.. We have a well-rounded team of Newborn Care Specialists, Night Nurses, Postpartum Doulas, Newborn Night Nannies and Baby Nurses. We provide lactation support, newborn care, night nursing, gentle sleep training and parent education to families of newborns. We serve all families with love, warmth and care. Serving: Dallas, Austin, Houston, Highland Park, University Park, Kessler Park, Lake Highlands, Lakewood, Plano, Frisco, Celina, Prosper, Fort Worth, Southlake, Westlake, Irving, Preston Hollow, Park Cities, Grand Prairie, Carrollton, Houston, Manvel, Galveston, West University, Austin, Barton Creek, Round Rock, Houston, Denver, New York City, Greenwich CT, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Englewood Colorado, Cherry Hills Village CO, and Surrounding Areas.
