Which do you prefer?

[Cresida]

Do you prefer to give your baby pouches or jar food if you had to choose between the 2. And why?

Neither, in my case! I had my babies 30 years ago and made all their food from scratch, or just mashed up whatever I was having myself. It may be better nowadays, but back then baby food had things like excess sugar in it.

Health professional here. Baby-led weaning is the best way to do it. Just give them what you're having (as long as it's not too hard or a choking hazard). Some good foods to start are: slices of banana, steamed veg, toast, soft fruit, potato, pasta, sliced hard boiled eggs, cheese etc.

Giving them pouches and purées mean that it can be difficult to introduce other textures later (purée is the reason lots of children are funny about lumpy food).

Don't worry if they choke or gag - these are normal reflex reactions. Also, don't worry if they don't eat much - at first food is just for fun.

Neither.

We just fed our babies food - whatever we were eating.

www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/weaning-and-feeding/babys-first-solid-foods/

My rule with pre-prepared baby food has always been that I taste it first and if I think it tastes horrible, I wouldn't feed it to my baby. Generally I've found the pouches taste better (some of the Ella's kitchen ones are rather nice).

I used both jars and pouches - bought them by the trolley load for DT’s. They were brilliant - loads of different tastes and flavours and make life much easier. We worked our way through the ranges dependent upon their age. I didn’t want to do blw - too messy for me. We didn’t eat the type of food suitable for babies and didn’t have our meals at the same time as them.
DT’s grew up liking everything and were always adventurous when we were on holiday in trying new foods.

Don't worry if they choke or gag - these are normal reflex reactions. Also, don't worry if they don't eat much - at first food is just for fun.

Don't worry if they choke?!

You're right @shouldistop - I meant don't worry if they cough. Choking is indeed to be avoided.

The pouches generally taste better than the jars, so I use those. They are handy but quite expensive for what they are.

@bumpyknuckles I did wonder.

Anyway op to answer your question with both of mine I've done a mixture of home made purées, pouches, jars and whatever we're eating. Just whatever is most convenient.

I’ve never used jars. Occasionally use pouches when out and about. I find them much more convenient than jars - less messy, don’t need spoons, no chance of breakage, lighter to carry. The advantage of jars I suppose is they’re recyclable, but otherwise they’re a faff.

I’ve only ever tried Ella’s pouches. Haven’t bought any of the meal varieties (we’re veggie and her veggie options are limited, plus I don’t want to have to heat the food and most look like they would be gross cold). I get the fruit purées and yoghurts to supplement his lunch or keep him going until I can feed him properly.

Pouches as less likely to break in your bag.

I loved a good pouch from Ella's kitchen or Sainsbury's. Life's too short sometimes