Does it HAVE to be pureed?

[turtleschell]

I just want to be prepared for when DD is ready for solids... can't I offer her a piece of broccoli off my plate, or a piece of meat? Or does all her first tastes have to be pureed?

And if it is straight off my plate.. isn't there a risk of too much salt or whatever? Isn't her food meant to be bland?

TIA for any advice, I have no idea what's involved!!

[Arimeh]

If you are going with baby led solids - then you puree nothing.

Thats the point of it - they just eat what we eat. Its much easier. I put salt on my vegies on my own plate, but I give the kids the same as we are eating, but I don't salt their food of course.

I know my MIL cooks with salt in the water for the vegies, but I always add salt to my own plate instead of the whole meal.

[Oorki Galoorki]

ggogle baby led solids and you will find that there isnt any puree.. as puree is used for babies that arent quite ready for solids.

[onthefly]

Soft steamed veg is a great one to start with, or soft fruits. We would just try to include something in our meals that DS could try. Easier than cooking up separate meals.

[Snacks]

As others have said, no need for puree. Even non BLS methods recommend no pureeing nowadays - only fork-mashing.
Also, I think there's a difference between salt content and "bland". It won't hurt baby to have some garlic or herbs and spices (though I imagine every baby's different, as is every adult, as to how much spice they can have without getting an upset tummy). But too much salt in their diet can be harmful to their little kidneys, so don't add salt. (Too much salt is harmful to you too BTW If your food tastes bland, add some flavour. LOL!) Generally, expect that the first little while of solids is more about experimenting with textures and the how-to of eating - I have found Phoebe to be very accepting of whatever's put in front of her because she is still trying everything out and it's fun!
Enjoy starting solids