Hello everyone! I’m considering trying one of these options for my 8-month-old daughter. We’ve been doing a mix of baby-led weaning and purees. I think she’s almost ready for finger foods. I like cooking, but as a working mom, I won’t always have time, so I’m thinking of getting a few meals per week as backups. Which option do you prefer, and why? Also, when did your little one start eating finger foods? Thanks! 
Both baby-led weaning and incorporating purees can be great options for introducing solids to your baby. Here’s a breakdown of each:
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Baby-led Weaning:
- Pros: Encourages independent eating and exploration of different textures and flavors. Can help develop fine motor skills and promote self-regulation of appetite.
- Cons: Requires close supervision as babies learn to chew and swallow larger pieces of food. Some parents may worry about choking hazards, although babies are generally good at managing their gag reflex.
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Purees:
- Pros: Allows you to control the texture and consistency of the food, making it easier for your baby to eat. Can be convenient for on-the-go feeding and for introducing a wide variety of flavors.
- Cons: Babies may not learn to chew as quickly, and there may be less opportunity for them to explore different textures independently.
As for when your little one might be ready for finger foods, it varies from baby to baby. Most babies are ready to start experimenting with finger foods around 6-8 months when they can sit up independently and bring food to their mouths. Look for signs of readiness like showing interest in food, reaching for objects, and bringing toys or objects to their mouths.
Ultimately, the choice between baby-led weaning and purees depends on your baby’s preferences and your family’s lifestyle. You can also combine both methods to offer a variety of experiences for your daughter. And don’t forget to consult with your pediatrician for personalized guidance!
Both baby-led weaning and incorporating purees can be great options for introducing solids to your baby, and it’s fantastic that you’re considering both. Each approach has its benefits, so it often comes down to what works best for you and your baby.
With baby-led weaning, your daughter has the opportunity to explore different textures and flavors at her own pace, which can help develop her motor skills and encourage independence. It can also be more convenient for you as it eliminates the need for separate purees and allows your baby to eat what the rest of the family is having, with appropriate modifications.
On the other hand, purees can be a convenient way to ensure your baby is getting a variety of nutrients, especially if you’re short on time. They can also be helpful for introducing new flavors and textures gradually, which can be beneficial for some babies.
As for when your little one might be ready for finger foods, every baby is different, but around 8-10 months is a common age to start introducing them. Signs that your baby is ready for finger foods include showing an interest in picking up objects and bringing them to their mouth, as well as being able to sit up with support and having good head control.
Ultimately, you can choose to combine both approaches based on your preferences and your baby’s cues. It’s all about finding what works best for your family’s lifestyle and your baby’s needs.
My daughter loves the NL meals, and they offer a lot of variety. I started using them when she was first eating finger foods (until she was about 1), and now she enjoys the kids’ meals (she just turned 2). I buy in bulk once a month, freeze them, and use them for daycare meals while we prepare our own breakfast and dinner. LS, on the other hand, was gross. I didn’t like how it was vacuum-sealed and stuck to the food, plus it looked much worse than the images on the website. If you’re considering trying one, go for NL. It can get expensive, but if you buy in bulk and use them once a day, they’re worth it!
Hey Barbara, Choosing between Nurture Life and Little Spoon for finger foods depends on your priorities. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
Nurture Life:
Pros:
- Variety: Offers a wider variety of finger food options, including purees as a stepping stone.
- Texture: Provides a variety of textures, beneficial for developing oral motor skills.
- Cost: Typically more affordable than Little Spoon.
Cons:
- Packaging: Uses pouches and jars, which may be less convenient for travel compared to Little Spoon’s trays.
- Customization: Limited customization options.
Little Spoon:
Pros:
- Convenience: Finger foods come in portion-controlled trays, ideal for travel or daycare.
- Customization: Allows personalized orders based on preferences and dietary restrictions.
- Packaging: Trays are microwaveable for quick warming.
Cons:
- Variety: Smaller selection of finger foods.
- Cost: Generally more expensive than Nurture Life.