Baby food a waste of time?

Question

I’m going to be starting my baby girl on solids in about a month. My sister, who’s son is a couple years older than my daughter, suggested that I completely skip baby food in form of purée & to just start her at straight solid pieces of food like an avocado slice. I feel like it makes more sense to transition from purée to solid and of course, my daughter will likely just show us what works for her anyway, but I was wondering if any of you mamas have skipped to actual solids like my sis suggested. My nephew did end up having difficulty when she tried to start him on real solids so I guess that’s why she thinks I should totally skip to them, so my daughter doesn’t get too used to the baby food like her son did. So I just wanted to hear experiences & opinions from any of you who have & if you would suggest it or not. Thanks ❤️

Answer

Follow solid starts on Instagram! Totally do BLW don’t buy into the baby food racket. Solid starts is all done by pediatrics and medical professionals on why purées is actually worse and can slow their oral development and make them pickier eaters. Seriously just check them out haha. They even have a free foods database

Answer

The way your sister explains it is baby led weaning is really IMO is the best way to feed solids. It teaches independence, confidence for baby, learning to chew then swallow rather that with baby food just swallowing then having to reteach when actual foods are started, many other benefits also. 
Here is some info from baby led weaning for beginners and beyond.

Answer

For the first week, I offered the food mashed and then ended the meal with a solid piece. So for example, I did mashed avocado and let her self feed with a spoon and then gave her a strip of avocado after she was done exploring the mashed. After the first week, I felt confident to stop offering mashed and did solid foods from then on.

Answer

Neither way is wrong.
We did a combo of some purees of things we  don't usually buy and regular food.
Just find what works for you.

Answer

All really depends on your baby! We did purées first. Then went with teethers/puffs. Transitioning went smooth for us!

Answer

I did a mix of baby food and blw at first. It went really well for us.

Answer

You can totally skip store-bought purees! Just be sure whatever you give them off your plate is a similar consistency, until they can chew soft foods without gagging or chocking. Then many more options open.
For example:
Mexican night - baby gets a little quacamole
American night - baby gets plain mashed potatoes
Asian night - baby gets mushed up plain rice
Italian night - baby gets tomato sauce
Yogurt and fruit shakes or smoothies are also good starter options if nothing on your plate is baby friendly that meal.
All of those would be spoonfed but not store bought. Once baby tries a variety and his gut is doing well, try soft finger foods, Google image search how to cut them.

Plain foods encouraged the first month or so to avoid irritation to their gut. Avoid medium and heavy seasoning, greasy, and spicy foods for the first few weeks.

Answer

Have baby-led-weaned both of my girls and will do it again with #3. It's been fun every time! Just cut finger length strips of food on your plate, even the hard stuff (baby's gums are strong!!). Finger length, not tiny pieces. I'd recommend doing some basic research on BLW, as well as the benefits.

Answer

We have done BLW with both my kiddos. They are excellent eaters. Our pediatrician told us purées were stupid and to just give her table foods. He said it makes for less picky eaters, and it truly has! I wouldn't bother with purées. A lot of people have a hard time transitioning away from purées once they start them.

Answer

Whatever you think is best for your little one. My daughter hated purees so we did Baby Led Weaning which is whole foods cooked safely for babies. There are some babies that only eat purees. Whichever way you choose is fine.

Baby food a waste of time?

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