If you have already started traditional weaning between 4 and 6 months of age, it is perfectly possible to progress and change the type of weaning later on. We will then be talking about mixed weaning.
Mixed diversification
Mixed weaning involves starting with a "classic" weaning method and then switching to BLW (Breast-Led Weaning) when the baby has the necessary prerequisites to begin. (See article: When to start BLW ).
However, some babies may find this transition difficult : having been used to being fed by mom or dad, the fact that they can't eat at the desired speed could become a source of frustration. Feeding themselves requires a lot of effort, and babies will have to adapt to this new technique and discover how to grasp food and bring it to their mouths independently.
Therefore, it is strongly advised to introduce solid foods as if your baby were starting BLW on day 1. And this applies regardless of their age! You will need to be attentive and observe your baby's reactions: their grasping technique, adjusting the size or texture of the food, reassuring them about chewing, encouraging them, etc. All of this will be new for your baby and will require a lot of time and energy to begin.
The most important thing is to respect the baby's autonomy by letting them feed themselves . It's also necessary to pay attention to the baby's position. When eating purees, they could be placed lying down in a baby seat. However, when eating finger foods, a seated position is crucial to ensure the baby's safety throughout the meal.
We invite you to read the article on the safety rules to follow .
But ultimately, whatever method of introducing solids you choose, the most important thing is to do it with love ! It can't be stressed enough: every baby develops at their own pace , in their own way, and nothing is ever set in stone. So never stop trying, trying new things… The most important thing is that mealtimes become a time for sharing as a family !
