Starting Solids: A Guide to Baby-Led Weaning & Purees
Introducing solids is an exciting milestone for both you and your baby! It’s their first step into a world of new flavors, textures, and the joy of self-feeding. Whether you choose traditional spoon-feeding (purees), baby-led weaning (BLW), or a combination of both, this guide will help you navigate the process with confidence.
When is your baby ready for solids?
Every baby develops at their own pace, but most are ready to start solids around 6 months old. Look for these readiness signs in your baby before introducing solids.
✅ Sits with minimal assistance
✅ Has good head and neck control
✅ Shows interest in food (watches you eat, reaches for food)
✅ Opens mouth when a spoon approaches
✅ Can move food to the back of their mouth and swallow
✅ Seems hungry even after breastmilk or formula feeds
Traditional Weaning: Starting with Purees
Traditional spoon-feeding is a parent-led approach where you offer pureed foods with a spoon. This method allows parents to introduce foods gradually and monitor potential allergies.
How to Start Purees?
- You can begin with single-ingredient purees (e.g., steamed cauliflower or apple). This helps to check for any allergies.
- Waiting 3 days before introducing a new food is often recommended.
- A suction bowl can help prevent spills and let your baby practice self-feeding with their own spoon.
💡 Parent Tip: Babies love to mimic! Giving them their own spoon while feeding can make mealtime more engaging and help develop self-feeding skills.
Puree Textures & How to Serve Them
Smooth & runny: Blend with breast milk, formula, or water.
Thicker mash: Gradually reduce liquid to introduce texture.
Soft chunks: By 8–9 months, offer fork-mashed foods or finely chopped pieces.
Best First Purees for Babies
When preparing food for your baby, there's no need to add salt, spices, oil, or butter. Keeping foods plain helps babies experience natural flavors and develop a preference for whole foods.
🥦 Steamed & pureed vegetables: carrot, sweet potato, pumpkin, cauliflower, broccoli
🍎 Steamed & pureed fruits: apple, pear, apricot, peach
🥣 Iron-fortified baby cereal
🥑 Soft mashed banana, avocado, mango
🍗 Pureed meats: chicken, lamb, beef, fish
🥛 Whole milk yogurt & chia pudding
💡 Parent Insight: Many parents start with veggies to encourage a balanced palate. I did too! I introduced vegetables first (cauliflower, carrot, and broccoli, each separately), hoping to shape my babies' taste preferences. However, recent research suggests that the order of introduction doesn’t significantly impact long-term food preferences. So, go with what works best for you and your little one.
Baby-Led Weaning (BLW): Letting Baby Take Charge
Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) is a self-feeding approach where babies explore whole foods from the start. No spoon-feeding required!
How to Start BLW?
- Offering soft, easy-to-hold foods that can be smushed between fingers is a great start.
- Cutting food into baton-style pieces makes it easier for babies to grasp.
- A divided suction plate can help separate flavors and textures.
- Mealtime can be messy, but it’s all part of the learning process.
💡 Parent Tip: If food is slippery, try cutting it into wavy shapes or coating it in baby cereal for a better grip.
Best First Finger Foods for BLW
🍌 Banana, mango, avocado
🥕 Steamed & peeled carrot, broccoli, sweet potato
🍞 Scrambled eggs, toast soldiers
🐟 Moist fish, chicken, beef strips
🍝 Overcooked pasta (easy to hold & chew)
Every baby is different, and it's fun getting to know what sort of food your baby loves.
💡 Expert Tip: If using traditional spoon-feeding, introducing finger foods by 8 months can support chewing and self-feeding development.
Combining Purees & BLW: Best of Both Worlds
Not sure which method to choose? You don’t have to pick just one. Many parents combine purees with finger foods, allowing their baby to experience different textures while still getting nutrition from spoon-fed meals.
- Offering a mix of soft purees and easy-to-grab finger foods is an option.
- Letting the baby hold their own spoon while being fed can encourage independence.
Following the baby’s cues can help. Some days they may prefer purees, while on others, finger foods may be their choice.
Starting solids should be a fun and stress-free experience for both you and your baby. Whether you're following puree feeding, BLW, or a mix of both, we’re all parents here at Brightberry, and we want to support you through this exciting stage.
Why Brightberry Tableware is Perfect for Starting Solids
Choosing the right baby tableware can make starting solids smoother and less messy. Brightberry tableware is designed with parents in mind, supporting both purees and baby-led weaning (BLW).
No More Messy Mealtimes – Our suction-based bowls and plates stay put, preventing spills and flipping.
Safe & Non-Toxic Materials – Made from LFGB-certified silicone (odour-free, toxin-free, stain-resistant, BPA-free, and dishwasher-safe).
Independently Safety Tested – Certified to meet strict child safety standards.
Designed for Self-Feeding – Ideal for purees, finger foods, and transitioning to toddler meals.
What Baby Tableware Do I Need to Start Solids?
Explore the Australia by Design Self-Feeding Set – A complete set for starting solids through toddler years, beautifully packaged and available in four color variants.
Or, mix and match from our 6–12 Months Mealtime Essentials Collection to find the perfect fit for your baby's feeding journey.
FAQs: Common Questions About Starting Solids
When should I start solids for my baby?
Most babies are ready for solids around 6 months old when they can sit with support, have good head control, and show interest in food.
What are the best first foods for baby-led weaning (BLW)?
Ideal first foods for BLW include steamed carrot sticks, avocado slices, banana, sweet potato, and soft-cooked cauliflower, foods that are soft and easy to hold.
Should I start with purees or baby-led weaning?
Both methods work well. Purees offer a gradual transition, while BLW promotes self-feeding. Many parents combine both to provide variety.
How much should my baby eat when starting solids?
Start with a 1-2 teaspoons once a day, gradually increasing to two to three small meals per day as your baby gets used to eating solids.
What foods should I avoid when starting solids?
Avoid honey (before age 1), whole nuts, added salt & sugar, raw eggs, and choking hazards like whole grapes or hard foods.
