Starting Solids at 6 Months: BLW vs Purée

WHO, the AAP, Health Canada and the Australian NHMRC all recommend starting solids at around 6 months, and not before 4 months. Starting before 6 months — when the baby is not developmentally ready (cannot sit unsupported, tongue-thrust reflex still present) — carries choking, allergy, and intestinal immaturity risks. Starting before 6 months should only be considered when there is a medical necessity such as severe growth faltering, and only by a pediatrician's decision; it is not moved earlier by personal preference.

Signs of readiness for solids (ALL must be present): Baby can sit unsupported, full head control, tongue thrust reflex gone (not pushing spoon out), shows interest in food (watches you eat, makes mouth movements), can bring food to mouth between two hands.

Traditional purée method: Start at 6 months (same as BLW — earlier only with a medical necessity, by a doctor's decision). Single food group, new food every 3-5 days (allergy tracking). In order: seasonal vegetables (zucchini, carrot, potato) → homemade yogurt → fruit purée (apple, pear, banana) → meat/fish (6+ months) → eggs (6+ months).

Baby-Led Weaning (BLW): Starts at 6 months (sitting required). Baby chooses, eats independently. Soft finger-sized foods: avocado slices, baked potato, steamed carrot sticks, cooked chicken. Baby breaks off small bites. Less choking risk is contradictory — safe with appropriate size and texture, constant supervision required.

Which is better? Evidence is equal. BLW: supports autonomy, integrates with family meals, faster oral motor development. Purée: easier portion control, less environmental mess, may feel safer in the first month. Mixed method (purée in morning, BLW in evening) is perfectly fine and common.

Early allergen introduction (LEAP study): The old "give after 12 months" advice was found to be wrong. Current approach: after solids are safely started at 6 months and the first basic foods (vegetables, yogurt) have been introduced, allergen foods are added to the diet early, without delay. Egg, peanut, sesame, fish, dairy (yogurt — NEVER cow's milk before 1 year), wheat. Continuing 2x/week after introduction maintains tolerance.

High choking risk foods (banned until age 4): Whole grapes, hot dog rounds, popcorn, whole nuts, candy, gum, raw carrot, raw apple chunks. Grapes and cherry tomatoes should be quartered. Nut butter or ground nuts are OK; however, nut butters must never be given directly to a baby by the spoonful in a thick/sticky form (it can clump on the palate and cause choking) — thin them into a purée or with breast milk/water before offering.

BANNED before 1 year: Honey (botulism risk), cow's milk (drinking — yogurt/cheese OK), caffeine, artificial sweeteners. Salt and sugar are strictly forbidden before 1 year because of babies' kidney and digestive system health. Between 1-2 years they should be kept to an absolute minimum.

Iron importance: After 6 months, iron in breast milk doesn't meet baby's needs. Meat (especially red meat), liver, egg yolk, iron-fortified cereal, iron-rich leafy greens (spinach with vitamin C). Iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutrition issue between 6-24 months.

Practical tips: Separate from family meal (before adding salt/sugar), serve mashed or cut small. Mealtime should be enjoyable, no force-feeding. 10-15 attempts is normal for new food acceptance. Baby is never left unattended; chair belt is used.