He'll Have What You're Having!

To raise an adventurous eater, many moms swear by letting a baby feed himself. Whether you want to try this method a little or a lot, here’s what to keep in mind.

- Jenna Helwig

THE FORMULA* vs. breast milk debate was so your life six months ago. As your infant approaches his half birthday, the pressing question now is: Will you give him puréed food or bite-size chunks to pick up and eat? In a nutshell, that’s the 'baby food' versus 'baby-led weaning' debate. 

Baby-led weaning (BLW) is a British-born feeding strategy centered on serving finger foods to your little munchkin right from the beginning. For those who already cook regularly, it’s easy. Your baby gets the same healthy fare as the rest of the family, just adapted in shape and texture. Little ones learn to eat at their own pace and get to engage their senses through sight, touch, smell and taste. Plus, by feeding herself, your baby will develop hand-eye coordination and chewing skills.

As a mom, chef and author of two baby cookbooks (Real Baby Food and Baby Led Feeding), I am a big fan of the feeding plan. 

Ready to learn more?  Keep these commandments in mind as you introduce Baby to them. 

1 begin with meals that have one ingredient.

"For the first week, serve the same single-ingredient food two to three days in a row to help pinpoint any food allergies," says Dr. Dina DiMaggio, co-author of