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Is there any science behind baby-led weaning?
A recent study shows that baby-led weaning does NOT decrease likelihood of a child being overweight later in life. No difference from spoon-fed children on fruit, vegetables and carbs consumption. Tends to be messier than spoon-feeding. BLW babies are more likely to eat with their family rather than at a separate time.
What’s wrong with baby-led weaning?
Recent studies have shown that babies fed solely by the baby-led method are at more risk of iron, zinc and vitamin B12 deficiency. They are also more likely to choose predominantly carbohydrate-based foods. Turns out there is no super- easy way of getting good nutrition into your child after all!
Can you mix purees and baby-led weaning?
A combined approach that includes both finger foods for self-feeding and the spoon-feeding of purees is fine when babies are fed responsively, and there is no evidence that a combined approach is detrimental. A misconception about BLW is that purees should be avoided.
What is the benefit of baby-led weaning?
Baby-led weaning can make it easier for parents to feed their babies and may promote good eating behaviors, protect your baby against excess weight gain, and reduce fussiness around food.
Do babies choke more with baby-led weaning?
A new New Zealand study found that baby-led weaning did not cause more choking than traditional spoon-feeding. Still, the researchers discovered that both styles led to unsafe accidents.
Does baby-led weaning include purees?
Baby-led weaning (BLW) A BLW approach focuses on the independence of your baby taking food to their own mouth and consuming the quantity and variety they choose. You don’t puree foods, but rather offer them foods from what everyone else is eating at family mealtimes.
Can you mix baby-led weaning and spoon-feeding?
It is possible to mix baby-led weaning (BLW) with spoon-feeding, but it may make the introduction of solids a little more confusing for your baby. Keep the balance between spoon-feeding and finger food the same, so at each meal provide your baby with some finger foods as well as food that can be given from a spoon.
How do I switch from puree to baby-led weaning?
Because of that, some people think that babies may try to swallow pieces of finger foods before chewing them. So to switch from purees to BLW, they think they should stop all solids for a few weeks and then start with a clean slate with finger foods only.
Can I spoon feed before baby-led weaning?
In summary, don’t be afraid to incorporate spoons even if you want to do baby-led weaning: Trial purees for a few days to establish safe swallow. Use a starter spoon or infant spoon or dipper and preload pureed food for baby. Allow baby to bring spoon to his or her mouth and see self-feeding in action.
How to start baby led weaning?
Before offering food,make sure baby is not too hungry or tired.
What age to start baby led weaning?
Introducing your baby to solid foods, sometimes called complementary feeding or weaning, should start when your baby is around 6 months old. At the beginning, how much your baby eats is less important than getting them used to the idea of eating. They’ll still be getting most of their energy and nutrients from breast milk or first infant formula.
What is Baby led feeding approach?
Go slow. About 15 minutes prior to breastfeeding, place your diaper-clad baby skin-to-skin between your breasts. Follow your baby’s lead. Stretching and moving toward the breast is the first sign that your baby is becoming interested in eating. Support your baby. Get help, if needed.
When to start BLW?
The guidelines are clear from the Department of Health and BLW experts: wait until 6 months before starting baby led weaning. We explain why and the signs that say it’s time for solids. You can start baby led weaning if your baby is: 6 months old. able to sit upright with good neck control.