The Truth About Purees vs. Baby-Led Weaning

(Realistic Baby Feeding Advice for Real-Life Parents)

It’s not about the applesauce—it’s about who’s holding the spoon.

Prefer to listen?

Feeling Stuck Between Purees and Baby-Led Weaning?

Maybe your pediatrician says one thing.
Your mom swears by something else.
And Instagram? It’s giving you whiplash.

If you’re wondering whether you have to choose between purées and baby-led weaning, I’ve got good news:
You don’t.

This post is for the parent who's thinking:

  • Can I mix purées and finger foods without “messing it up”?

  • Is my baby still doing BLW if I preload a spoon?

  • Am I behind if my baby still prefers soft foods?

Take a deep breath. You’re not behind. You’re not doing it wrong.
Let’s break it down—judgment-free.

First Things First: Purees Are Not the Enemy

There’s a myth floating around that baby-led weaning means purées are banned, mush is evil, and if your baby touches a spoon, the BLW police show up.

Not true.

Baby-led weaning isn’t about the food—it’s about the feeding experience.

Here’s the key question:

“Who’s in control—you, or your baby?”

If you preload a spoon with applesauce and your baby brings it to their mouth? That’s baby-led.
If your baby is exploring food, deciding how much to eat, and leading the pace of the meal? That’s baby-led.

It’s not purées vs. finger foods.
It’s control vs. coercion.

Yes, Texture Matters—But Timing Is Flexible

You’ve probably heard that offering texture early helps prevent picky eating.
That’s true! But here’s the part most people don’t say out loud:

You don’t have to go from yogurt to chicken drumsticks overnight.

There’s room for a gentle ramp-up. Some babies want to mash sweet potatoes with their fingers. Others gnaw happily on soft roasted zucchini. And some just throw it all on the floor (also normal).

Babies learn in loops, not straight lines. Texture curiosity doesn’t come with a calendar reminder.

Here’s the key:

  • Don’t stick with smooth purées forever

  • Don’t push textures too fast

  • Watch your baby, not your Instagram feed

You Don’t Have to Pick a Side

“You do not have to plant your flag on Team Purée or Team BLW.”

This part is important, so let’s say it clearly:

Real life isn’t a textbook. It’s:

  • A baby who skips a nap

  • A parent who throws dinner together in 20 minutes

  • A feeding journey full of starts, stops, and second tries

Some meals might be spoon-fed oatmeal.
Others might be soft broccoli florets and avocado slices.
Both are valid. Both are baby-led if your baby is the one exploring.

Let’s Talk About “Doing It Wrong” for a Second

Spoiler alert: You’re not.

You're not behind because your baby has had store-bought pouches.
You're not failing because you spoon-fed during a road trip.
You're not messing it up if your baby skips a meal because they’re teething or sick.

The only “wrong” way? Ignoring your baby’s cues.

Feeding isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence.

Real-Life Takeaways You Can Use Today

Here’s what to actually do if you’re stuck in the purée vs. finger food debate:

1. Ditch the extremes.
BLW doesn’t mean “no spoons, ever.” It means your baby has a say in the process.

2. Start with self-feeding—even with purées.
Preload the spoon and let them grab it. Let them use their hands. Let it be messy.

3. Introduce textures early—but gently.
Don’t wait until 9–10 months to try soft finger foods. Think: banana sections, avocado slices, cooked carrots.

4. Trust your gut—and your baby.
Feeding is a relationship, not a checklist. Stay flexible, responsive, and tuned into your little one’s cues.

Tool Tip: The Spoon That Makes It Easier

If you’re combining purées and finger foods, preloaded spoons are a total game changer.

I love the EZPZ Tiny Spoon—it’s soft, safe, and made for tiny hands.
Use code BLWACADEMY for 15% off at ezpzfun.com/blwacademy.

You’re Doing a Great Job

Feeding your baby doesn’t have to look one way. It doesn’t have to be purees-only or perfectly portioned baby-led meals.

“What your baby needs most?
A calm, present parent. Not a flawless plan.”

So if today felt a little messy, if mealtime was more floor than food—that’s okay. That’s still progress. That’s still connection.

You’ve got this—and I’ve got you. 💛

Want More Confidence Starting Solids?

Let me walk you through the basics (without the overwhelm) in my free class:

🎓 Orientation Day: Baby-Led Weaning 101

Inside, you’ll learn:
✔️ What BLW actually looks like
✔️ How to know when your baby’s ready
✔️ What gear you do (and don’t) need
✔️ My favorite first foods—and how to serve them safely

It’s the calm, clear starting place I wish every mama had.

✨ Click here to watch Orientation Day and start solids with confidence—not chaos.

Let’s Chat—What’s Your Baby Loving Right Now?

Leave a comment below or come say hi on Instagram @babyledweaningacademy.
Your questions, your stories, your messy meal moments? I want to hear them. 💛