Hey love 💕
Recently, I discovered the BLW (Baby-Led Weaning) method while scrolling on YouTube — I saw a 5-month-old baby eating solid food all by himself, and I was honestly shocked 😳.
My baby is almost 8 months old, and so far I’ve been feeding him the traditional way — spoon feeding. But after seeing that video, I got really curious. I started reading, watching, and learning everything I could about this method… and here’s what I found out 🌙
🥣 What is Traditional Weaning (Spoon Feeding)?
First, let’s clarify the traditional method that most of us actually do — and for me, this method feels calm and natural. I love watching my baby’s face while feeding him — the curiosity, the smiles, and that tiny frown when he tastes something new for the first time 🍼💛
This is the approach where you feed your baby puréed food with a spoon, slowly increasing the texture as they grow. It gives parents more control over portions and what the baby eats, and it usually feels safer when you’re just beginning. Pediatricians often recommend it when the baby isn’t yet sitting up independently or isn’t showing strong interest in self-feeding.
Usually, traditional weaning starts with simple vegetable purées — like carrots, zucchini, or sweet potatoes — then slowly adds fruits, cereals, and proteins as the baby gets used to different flavors. You can mix and match ingredients, but always introduce one new food at a time and watch for any reactions 🌿
And if you ever feel stuck about what combinations to make, or your baby suddenly refuses food (because yes, that happens 😂), you can check out my baby recipe collections — they include what I personally cook for my little one, both BLW and traditional style 🍼✨ Each recipe is gentle, age-friendly, and tested right at home — the exact same meals I use every day.
Pros
- 🌿 Easier to track how much baby eats
- 🌿 Feels safer and more predictable
- 🌿 Great for introducing new flavors gradually
- 🌿 Usually less messy (well… sometimes 😅)
Cons
- ⚠️ Baby is more passive during meals
- ⚠️ May slow down self-feeding skills
- ⚠️ Can take longer to get used to different textures
🧺 What You’ll Need to Start Weaning
- 🪑 A comfy high chair with good back support
- 🍽️ Silicone plates or divided trays (with suction base)
- 🥄 Soft silicone spoons and forks
- 🫐 Easy-grip or straw cups
- 🧼 Waterproof bibs and wipes (trust me, you’ll need them 😅)
🍌 So, What is Baby-Led Weaning (BLW)?
BLW is a feeding approach where babies feed themselves right from the start of their solid journey. Instead of being spoon-fed purées, babies explore soft pieces of food with their hands and mouths.
It’s all about trusting your baby’s instincts — letting them touch, taste, chew, and decide how much to eat. It encourages independence, improves hand-eye coordination, and makes mealtime a fun, sensory experience. Today, I actually tried BLW for the first time. My baby didn’t choke (thank goodness 😅) and everything went fine — but I could see it was a little harder for him. Still, it was adorable watching him explore and play with food in his own way 💛
Pros
- 🌿 Encourages self-feeding and motor skills
- 🌿 Teaches hunger and fullness cues
- 🌿 Reduces picky eating later on
- 🌿 Lets baby eat together with the family
Cons
- ⚠️ It’s messy (food will be everywhere 😂)
- ⚠️ The gag reflex can be scary at first
- ⚠️ Requires patience and supervision
- ⚠️ Some foods must be prepared carefully to avoid choking
💬 BLW vs Spoon Feeding — Side by Side
| Aspect | BLW | Traditional |
|---|---|---|
| Feeding style | Baby eats by hand | Parent feeds with spoon |
| Texture | Soft solids from the start | Purées first, solids later |
| Learning skills | Coordination & chewing | Taste exploration |
| Mess level | High 😅 | Moderate |
💕 Which Method Should You Choose?
Honestly? There’s no one-size-fits-all. Every baby is different, and every mama has her own rhythm.
Some babies love exploring food on their own, while others feel safer being fed. You can even mix both — offer purées in the morning and finger foods later in the day. The most important thing is that meals feel safe, calm, and joyful for both of you 🌸
Before starting, make sure your baby:
- can sit up properly,
- shows interest in food,
- and is developmentally ready (usually around 6 months).
‼️ And no matter which method you try — never leave your baby unattended while eating!
Personally, I’ll choose to stay with the traditional method most of the time, but I’ll also let him explore BLW now and then, just to make eating more fun. I already see him grabbing the spoon from my hand and trying to feed himself 😅 — so maybe he’s showing me he’s ready for a bit of both.
🌙 Final Thoughts (by Lunnox)
Every baby grows differently, and every mama knows what’s best for her little one 💕 Whatever you choose, remember — feeding time isn’t just about food. It’s about connection, patience, and love. You’re doing amazing, mama 🫶
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