5 foods for baby-led weaning

Baby-led weaning -- the practice of allowing infants to feed themselves solid foods -- has grown in popularity in recent years as an alternative to purees and baby food. It’s a fun way to provide a balanced diet and introduce a baby to the social experience of a family meal. My wife and I started the process with our 10-month-old at about six months -- the age at which the World Health Organization recommends infants begin to eat solid foods as a compliment to breastmilk or formula.

Giving our baby little bits of what we eat -- largely unmodified and in manageable pieces that he can hold -- has been rewarding, and we’ve learned that the little guy loves to eat. Of course, we’ve also learned that he loves to play with food and make a mess, and some foods have worked better than others. For parents considering baby-led weaning, I submit my five “model foods” for first-timers:

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One word of warning: it’s always wise to consult with your pediatrician before introducing new foods, as some present hazards. And remember, food is supposed to be fun! Bon appetit!