Researchers wanted to know if the way parents introduce solid foods to babies affects what flavors kids like as they grow. They studied three different methods: letting babies feed themselves (Baby-Led), parents feeding babies (Parent-Led), and mixing both approaches. They tracked 140 babies from 5.5 months old through age 3, testing which tastes the children preferred. The study found that babies who experienced mixed feeding methods showed a slight preference for sour tastes compared to parent-led feeding, though this difference became less clear when researchers adjusted for other factors. Overall, the way babies are introduced to solid foods appears to influence their taste preferences, but the differences are subtle.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Does the method parents use to introduce solid foods to babies (letting them feed themselves, parents feeding them, or a mix of both) affect what flavors babies like as they grow up?
  • Who participated: 140 mother-baby pairs were enrolled when babies were 5.5 months old. By the time researchers measured taste preferences (between ages 1-3 years), 132 babies completed the preference survey and 92 participated in taste tests.
  • Key finding: Babies who experienced mixed feeding methods (both self-feeding and parent-feeding) showed a slightly higher preference for sour tastes compared to babies who only had parent-led feeding. However, when researchers accounted for other factors like family background and diet, this difference became too small to be considered meaningful.
  • What it means for you: The method you choose to introduce solid foods may have a small influence on your child’s taste preferences, but it’s not a major determining factor. Your baby’s natural taste development and overall food exposure matter more than which feeding method you pick.

The Research Details

This was a randomized controlled trial, which is one of the strongest types of research studies. Researchers randomly assigned 140 mother-baby pairs to three different groups when babies were 5.5 months old. One group used Parent-Led Weaning (PLW), where parents spoon-feed babies purees and soft foods. Another group used Baby-Led Introduction to Solids (BLISS), where babies feed themselves finger foods. The third group used a Mixed approach, combining both methods. The researchers then tracked the children’s food preferences and taste acceptance between ages 12-35 months using questionnaires and taste tests. They used statistical methods to analyze the data and adjusted their findings to account for other factors that might influence taste preferences, such as family eating habits and socioeconomic status.

Understanding how different feeding methods affect taste development is important because early food preferences can influence eating habits throughout childhood and adulthood. This research helps parents understand whether their choice of feeding method significantly impacts their child’s willingness to try different flavors and foods.

This study has several strengths: it was randomized (reducing bias), it followed children over time, and it used validated measurement tools. However, some families dropped out before completing all measurements, which is common in long-term studies. The sample size was moderate (140 families), which is reasonable but not extremely large. The study was published in PLoS ONE, a peer-reviewed journal, meaning experts reviewed the work before publication.

What the Results Show

The main finding was that babies in the Mixed feeding group showed a higher preference for sour tastes compared to the Parent-Led Weaning group. Initially, this difference looked statistically significant. However, when researchers adjusted their analysis to account for other factors that influence taste preferences (like parents’ own food preferences, family income, and other dietary factors), the difference became too small to be considered reliable or meaningful. This suggests that while there may be a slight difference, it’s likely influenced by other family factors rather than the feeding method alone. The researchers also found that children’s actual reactions to tasting different flavors (sweet, sour, salty, and umami) were significantly related to their stated preferences for those tastes, which makes sense—kids tend to prefer flavors they’ve experienced and enjoyed.

The study found strong connections between what tastes children preferred and how much they liked solutions with those same tastes. For example, children who preferred sweet tastes showed strong positive reactions to sweet solutions. This pattern held true for sour, salty, and umami (savory) tastes as well. Interestingly, preferences for bitter tastes showed a weaker connection to actual taste acceptance, suggesting that bitter taste preferences may develop differently than other tastes.

Previous research has suggested that early food exposure influences taste development, and this study supports that idea. However, the differences between feeding methods were smaller than some researchers might have expected, suggesting that the specific feeding method may be less important than the overall variety of foods babies are exposed to. This aligns with recent research emphasizing that diverse food exposure matters more than the technique used.

Several limitations should be considered: not all families completed the study (some dropped out), so the final sample was smaller than the starting group. The taste acceptance test only included 92 of the original 140 families, which reduces the strength of those findings. The study measured preferences at specific ages, so it’s unclear whether these preferences persist as children grow older. Additionally, the study couldn’t control for all possible factors affecting taste development, such as genetics or exposure to foods outside the study.

The Bottom Line

If you’re introducing solid foods to your baby, choose the feeding method that feels most comfortable and safe for your family. The evidence suggests that the specific method (parent-led, baby-led, or mixed) has only a minor influence on taste preferences. What matters more is exposing your baby to a variety of flavors and foods. Offer different tastes regularly, including sour, salty, and savory options alongside sweet foods. Don’t worry if your baby doesn’t immediately like every flavor—taste preferences develop gradually. (Confidence level: Moderate—this is based on one study with a moderate sample size.)

This research is relevant to parents introducing solid foods to babies around 6 months old. It’s particularly useful for parents wondering whether they should use baby-led weaning or traditional spoon-feeding. The findings suggest that either approach can work well. Parents concerned about their child’s picky eating may find it reassuring that taste preferences are influenced by many factors, not just the feeding method. Healthcare providers can use this information when counseling parents about feeding approaches.

Taste preferences develop gradually over months and years. Don’t expect immediate changes in your baby’s food preferences based on feeding method. The children in this study were tracked from 5.5 months through age 3, and preferences continued to develop throughout this period. Most taste preference patterns become more stable by age 2-3 years, though they continue to evolve into childhood.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track the variety of flavors your baby is exposed to weekly: count how many different sour, salty, sweet, and savory foods your baby tries each week. Aim for at least 2-3 different flavors in each taste category per week.
  • Use the app to log which foods your baby tries and their reactions (liked it, neutral, rejected it). Over time, you’ll see patterns in taste preferences and can intentionally introduce more variety in flavors your baby seems hesitant about.
  • Set monthly reminders to review your baby’s flavor exposure patterns. Track whether preferences are becoming more adventurous or remaining limited. Use this data to plan new foods to introduce, focusing on flavors your baby hasn’t experienced much yet.

This research provides general information about feeding methods and taste development but should not replace personalized medical advice from your pediatrician. Every baby is unique, and feeding decisions should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider, especially if your child has allergies, sensitivities, or developmental concerns. This study shows associations but does not prove that feeding method directly causes taste preferences. Always follow safe feeding practices and age-appropriate food introduction guidelines recommended by your pediatrician.