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When to Start Weaning?

My baby is almost 6 months old and shows a lot of interest in food. Should I start with purees or baby-led weaning? I'm confused by all the conflicting information.

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Weaning — when and how to start

In short: The WHO recommends starting weaning from 6 months onwards. There's no single right way — both traditional purees and baby-led weaning are valid choices.

Signs your baby is ready (ALL must be present)

  • Sitting up with minimal support
  • Good head and neck control
  • The extrusion reflex has disappeared (no longer pushing food out with their tongue)
  • Shows genuine interest in food (reaches out, opens mouth)
  • Can bring objects to their mouth

Baby-led weaning vs purees — honest comparison

Baby-led weaningPurees
AdvantagesIndependence, fine motor skills, family mealsControl over intake, less mess
DisadvantagesMore mess, waste, slower startMore preparation, possible texture refusal later
What science saysNo difference in choking risk if done correctlyEqually nutritious

First foods to try

Baby-led weaning: Avocado sticks, steamed broccoli, ripe banana, sweet potato sticks Purees: Sweet potato, squash, pear, carrot

Golden rules (both methods)

  1. One new food at a time (wait 3-4 days)
  2. No honey until 12 months
  3. No added salt or sugar
  4. Milk remains the main food — solids are complementary

What other moms say

"I wanted to do baby-led weaning 100%, but my son refused to grab anything for weeks. I started with purees and then he moved to pieces on his own. Do what works for YOUR baby."

This information does not replace medical advice.

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