Most of us are familiar with the Gerber baby and strained foods commonly given to children when they are babies. While this is considered the norm after breastfeeding or formula feeding, there is a growing movement to move children to the everyday foods we eat even before they have teeth. While most of us are familiar with the idea that babies cannot eat whole foods safely, there is a growing trend as reported by the NY Times countering this idea and feeding their children real food instead of the pulverized versions we have likely grown up with. Baby-led weaning is the name of this method pioneered in 2001 by Gill Rapley, a former midwife and public health nurse from Britain. Unlike the medical-led advice of spoon-feeding infants who are 6 months old, this method gives them solid foods they feed to themselves. Proponents insist it is not only safe when done properly but also promotes oral- and motor-skill development and a healthier, happier attitude toward food. If you have ever struggled to have your child eat when they are this young, this method is growing in popularity, and children may transition to solid food more easily. The science behind our idea that babies need to be fed mush is weak at best and the current research suggests that the method is safe and effective. Learn more by reading the NY Times article below. Too Young for Teeth, but Not for Steak or Corn?