For those who don’t do baby led weaning - June 2023 Babies | Forums | What to Expect (2024)

FAQs

Why do pediatricians not like baby-led weaning? ›

Indeed, one of the main reasons healthcare providers are reluctant to fully endorse BLW is the perceived risk of choking. About 35% of babies choke while starting foods, most often because they were offered food that was a hazard.

BLW has some obvious downsides. The infant may not get enough energy, iron, zinc, vitamins, and other nutrients, or too much protein, saturated fat, salt, or sugar. The risk of choking, which must be distinguished from the physiological gagging reflex, has not been ruled out by scientific studies.

The World Health Organization also recommends feeding baby responsively as part of introducing complementary foods. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that responsive feeding early on can reduce a child's risk of becoming overweight later in life, and contributes to self-feeding.

Advantages of Spoon Feeding

Spoon feeding creates a lot less mess than baby-led weaning, it also results in less food waste. As you are assisting with feeding, food isn't getting thrown, smooshed or experimented with in the same way as self-feeding.

It is speculated BLW babies may be at increased risk by missing out on iron-fortified baby cereal – the recommended “first food” for spoon-feeders. But by the same token, because BLW babies join in family mealtimes they are more likely to enjoy the iron benefits of foods like egg yolk, liver and cooked meat.

Baby-led weaning (BLW) is a method for starting your baby on solids. Instead of spoon-feeding them mushy cereals and purees, you put large chunks of soft food directly on the highchair tray or table, and let your baby grab the food and feed themself.

There are different ways of doing it – whether pureeing everything for traditional weaning (TW) or letting a baby learn to bite and chew from the get-go through baby led weaning (BLW). You might have heard of doing both at the same time, but in fact, that confuses your baby at the initial stage and is not recommended.

Solid foods may be introduced in any order. However, puréed meats, poultry, beans and iron-fortified cereals are recommended as first foods, especially if your baby has been primarily breastfed, since they provide key nutrients. Only one new single-ingredient food should be introduced at a time.

BLISS Method:

According to Pediatrics AAP Publications, “BLISS is a form of baby-led weaning (i.e., infants feed themselves all their food from the beginning of complementary feeding) modified to address concerns about choking risk.”

Studies have found that families practicing baby-led weaning tend to eat more often together. They also find mealtimes calmer and less stressful. Meanwhile, mothers who do BLW say they feel less pressure and worry around weaning than those who traditionally wean.

Why is BLW better than purees? ›

Potential benefits of baby led weaning:

Greater acceptance of foods* Baby has more control over how much they eat, listening to their hunger and fullness cues. More practice with oral motor and chewing skills. Independence with eating.

The Combo Approach

“Some days you may want to experiment with finger foods, others you may need a quick purée, and most days you can offer both at the meal.” This exposes baby to a range of textures and flavors; for parents, it allows flexibility.

Letting children bottle-feed longer than this can cause them to: Skip meals. Little ones who sip on bottles during the day often don't feel hungry at mealtimes. This may mean they're getting less of the fiber and rich nutrients found in solid foods.

Overall, it's up to parents to choose whichever method you are most comfortable with, purées and spoon-feeding, baby-led weaning or a combination are all safe and healthy ways to introduce solids.

While there have been unsubstantiated claims that this method can improve a baby's dexterity and confidence, research has associated baby-led weaning with their ability to recognise when they are full and being less fussy with their food. This makes it an appealing choice for some parents.