Is Baby-Led Weaning Right for Your Baby? How to Start Solids at 6 Months
Introduction
Feeding your baby is one of the most personal decisions you’ll ever make as a parent. From those very first feeds after birth through to starting solids at 6 months, every’s family’s journey looks a little different. There is no singular formula or a “right way” - what matters most is that you feel informed, and supported and build confidence in making the choices that are right for you.
This post gently explains how to spot readiness signs, the differences between baby-led weaning and purees, and how to begin feeding in a way that feels safe and supportive for you and your baby.
The Breastfeeding Journey
Breastfeeding (or chest feeding) like us humans, can take many forms. Some parents exclusively breastfeed for months, others combine breastfeeding with bottle feeding either breastmilk or formula, and some are only able or choose to breastfeed for a short time. And we know that the science shows us: any amount of breastmilk is beneficial. We’re talking, even a few days or weeks can give your baby important immune support during their most vulnerable stage of development.
What matters most is that your feeding decisions are yours. If breastfeeding is something you’ve always wanted to try - whether for a little while or long-term - support and encouragement through this often tricky journey is vital.
Weaning: Finding Your Family’s Path
Weaning is yet another exciting milestone in your baby’s first year. At some point, every family begins to think about weaning: Is my baby ready for solid food? Should I try baby-led weaning? Should I stick with purees, or combine both?
For some, this means following a child-led approach, allowing their little one to gradually reduce feeds at their own pace. Others choose mother-led weaning, often guided by lifestyle, work commitments, or personal comfort. Both paths are valid. The key with any of these approaches, is to move at a pace that feels right for you and your child. Gradual weaning tends to be gentler on both body and emotions. And while outside opinions can sometimes feel loud, try to focus on your own instincts and what you’ve learnt so far of your baby’s needs.
It’s also worth knowing that total weaning isn’t always the only option. Many parents find creative ways to continue partial breastfeeding — perhaps just a morning or bedtime feed, or expressing milk around work schedules. Exploring these alternatives can make the journey feel less “all or nothing.”
When Is Your Baby Ready to Start Solids?
According to NHS guidance, most babies are ready to start exploring solid foods at or around 6 months. Signs of readiness might include:
Your baby is able to practice sitting up with little to no support from you.
Your baby has descent control of their head and neck.
Your baby has hand-to-mouth coordination - grabbing toys and putting them in their mouth.
Your baby shows interest in your food whilst you eat.
If your baby isn’t showing these signs as yet, it might be best to wait a little longer. Starting too early can increase the risk of choking and digestive issues. Not every baby is ready at exactly 6 months old - and that’s OKAY.
Baby-Led Weaning vs Purees: Understanding the Options
Baby-Led Weaning (BLW)
Baby-led weaning simply means letting your baby feed themselves soft, graspable finger foods from the beginning. Things like, steamed carrot sticks, slices of avocado, or soft broccoli florets.
Pros of BLW:
Encourages independence.
Supports hand-eye coordination.
Baby eats at their own pace.
Considerations:
Can be messy
Requires more close supervision and confidence in safe food prep.
Parents may feel nervous about gagging (which is different from choking).
Purees & Spoon-Feeding
Purees are a traditional way of introducing solids; Puree weaning involves offering smooth mashed foods from a spoon, such as blended fruits, vegetables, or porridge.
Pros of purees:
Feels reassuring for parents.
Easier to monitor intake.
Considerations:
Can involve extra prep time.
Baby may become more dependent on spoon-feeding if not given opportunities to self-feed.
May delay their learning to self-feed.
Babies may need to transition to more textured foods later.
Do You Have to Choose?: A Mixed Approach
Many families choose a combination of both methods—starting with purees for reassurance and gradually adding finger foods. There’s no one “right” way; it’s about what works for you and your family.
What First Foods to Offer
The NHS recommends starting with:
Vegetables (steamed carrots, broccoli, parsnips, sweet potato).
Fruits (soft pear slices, banana, avocado).
Iron-rich foods (mashed lentils, beans, soft-cooked meats, fortified cereals).
💡 Tip: Offer one new food at a time, and give your baby a few days before introducing another. This might help with spotting any potential reactions.
Considerations:
Avoid salt, sugar, honey (under 1 year), and whole nuts.
Eat alongside your baby - role modelling helps!
Balancing Solids and Milk Feeds
At this stage, breastmilk or formula is still your baby’s main source of nutrition. Solids are about exploration, taste, and texture—not replacing milk feeds. As your baby grows, solids will gradually take a bigger role.
Practical Tips for a Happy Start
Sit your baby upright in a highchair for safety.
Never leave them unattended while eating.
Expect (and embrace) mess — it’s how they learn.
Offer food when your baby is calm and not overly hungry.
Keep mealtimes as positive, relaxed, and pressure-free as can be.
Final Thoughts
From breastfeeding to weaning to starting solids, there’s no single roadmap that works for every family. Your journey may involve breastfeeding for years, for months, or not at all. You may love baby-led weaning, prefer purees, or switch between the two. Every baby is unique, and every family finds its own rhythm with weaning. Trust your instincts, go at your baby’s pace, and remember there’s no single “perfect” way to begin solids.
The most important thing? That you feel supported in making informed decisions. With reliable information and encouragement, you can create a feeding journey that works for you and your baby — one that feels positive, flexible, and entirely your own.
