Baby-Led Weaning Vs. Traditional Weaning: Which Better Supports Balanced Nutrition And Health?

For the first six months, the only food for babies is their mother’s breast milk, which provides them with necessary nourishment. It is essential for the newborn's growth and development. After six months, they can be moved from exclusive breastfeeding to other sources of nourishment and this process is called weaning.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), babies should only be given breast milk for at least six months but it can be continued for as long as the mother wants. On the other hand, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends breastfeeding for the first 2 years, including or excluding weaning, depending on the mother’s choice.

Ideally, after six months, babies can be given liquids and solids for extra nutrition. When to wean and how to wean is completely a mother’s decision that can depend on various factors such as comfort, health condition and availability. Weaning doesn’t have to be a compulsion. Some women choose to breastfeed and wean, both as per their situation. However, along with a mother’s choice, the baby’s interest should also be considered as some babies become ready to wean earlier than expected.

Also Read: Baby’s First Solid Foods: Expert Explains When To Start And How

What Are the Signs That a Baby Is Ready to Wean?

Here are some clues that your baby is ready to wean:

• Feels fussy and disinterested when breastfeeding
• Gets easily distracted during nursing
• Feeding for a short period of time
• Sucking but not drawing out milk
• Playing with or biting the breast

Different Types of Weaning

When it comes to feeding babies their first foods, parents often hear two approaches: traditional weaning (spoon-feeding purees) and baby-led weaning (BLW) (letting babies feed themselves soft, finger-sized foods). Both weaning methods aim to give babies the nutrients they need, but which one is better for balanced nutrition and heart health?

Baby-Led Weaning Vs. Traditional Weaning: Which Is Better

According to Dt Rakshita Mehra, Dietitian at Madhukar Rainbow Hospital, “Traditional weaning gives parents more control over what and how much their baby eats. Since foods are offered as purees, it’s easier to make sure iron-rich cereals, fruits, vegetables, and proteins are included. This method helps avoid choking risks and ensures that babies get key nutrients like iron, calcium, and healthy fats that are important for growth and heart development. However, babies may become more dependent on being fed and may take longer to accept different textures.”

Also Read: Introducing Solids To Baby’s Diet? Don’t Make These Common Mistakes

“Baby-led weaning, on the other hand, encourages independence. Babies eat with their hands and explore textures, which may help them become less fussy eaters later. They often eat more family foods, which can build healthy habits early,” Dt Rakshita Mehra adds.

Some studies suggest baby-led weaning may help babies recognize their hunger cues better, reducing the risk of overeating and childhood obesity, a major factor in heart health. But there are challenges: babies might miss out on iron-rich foods, or prefer only soft carbs like bread and bananas, which could mean less balanced nutrition.

Conclusion

In reality, both methods have strengths and gaps. For heart health, what matters most is offering a variety of nutrient-rich foods, iron for blood, omega-3 fats for the brain and heart, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Many parents today use a combination approach: starting with purees for key nutrients, while also offering finger foods to encourage independence.

In a nutshell, there is no one-size-fits-all. Whether you choose baby-led weaning, traditional spoon-feeding, or a mix of both, the key is to provide a balanced diet, avoid excess salt and sugar, and create a positive mealtime environment. That’s what truly supports your baby’s overall nutrition and heart health.