Baby led weaning (BLW) is a method to introduce solids to infants. In this method babies are introduced straight to hand-held foods rather than being spoon-fed when they start solids. We have to clear that weaning means the gradual introduction of solids to a baby’s diet and not the end of breastfeeding. Milk (ideally from breastfeeding) remains the main energy source until roughly one year. Breastfeeding represents an infant’s first exposure to a baby-led style of feeding because it is baby centered. BLW is gaining attention lately for many reasons. But what are the evidence and contraindications?
The main principles of BLW are:
Transition to pieces of whole food that babies can grab and eat from six months onwards.
The infant shares their meals with the family, eating the same food as the family wherever possible.
Breastfeeding continues on demand throughout BLW until the infant chooses to wean themselves completely from breast milk.
Advantages of the method
Observational studies suggest that BLW may encourage improved eating patterns and lead to a healthier body weight (although it is not yet clear whether these associations are causal).
Gives babies the opportunity to play/ experiment with food and learn to be autonomous.
Promotes self-regulation of energy intake and babies eat on their own pace (responsive feeding is baby-friendly and in the long term may trigger the child’s internal hunger and satiety regulatory cues. Children acquire healthy habits early on!).
It matches very well with attachment parenting principles.
Babies become acquainted with textures and flavours (which may result in healthier food choices later on).
May encourage greater acceptance of foods.
Disadvantages
Increased risk of choking (advocates disagree as babies put food in the front part of the mouth).
Iron and other micronutrients deficiencies which are valuable at this age (e.g. zinc, calcium, vit A) may arise.
Inadequate energy intake.
Some babies are not ready at six months (or even later) to feed themselves.
It is very messy because babies throw food around.
Conclusions and orientation
If BLW is chosen as a weaning method the motor skills and willingness of the infant has to be taken in consideration. This essentially means that if a baby is not ready for this type of weaning then pureed foods or mixed style should be mainly offered until she is. In this method parents/ feeders are responsible for what babies eat and babies are responsible for how much and when. However, they should always have in mind that some babies do not like being spoon-fed; some do not like being self-fed. Moreover, parents should know first aid in case of chocking but should not rush to intervene for several reasons (sometimes babies are just experimenting with bigger bites, they can be horrified by anxious reactions plus they have the gag reflex so it easier for them to spit food out of their throat).
It is very important that in order to avoid deficiencies the method actually requires at least basic nutritional education from the adult’s side and maybe help from a specialist. Basically, the food offered has to be easy to chew, easy to grab. Variations of the method to fit eating style of the baby or for convenience or just as part of a transitional period are also good. In conclusion, BLW provides a framework for infant feeding that encourages responsive feeding but further research is needed to provide evidence for its beneficial effects in infant’s nutrition, health and development.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1ExWAxgB-c
References
Cameron SL, Heath ALM, Taylor R. How feasible is Baby-Led Weaning as an approach to infant feeding? A Review of the evidence. Nutrients. 2012; 4(11): 1575-1609.
World Health Organization. Infant and Young Child Feeding: Model Chapter for Textbooks for Medical Students and Allied Health Professionals. World Health Organization; Geneva, Switzerland: 2009.
Elliebabyfood.blogspot.com was created by Dr Eirini Manthou, BSc Hon, MSc, PhD in an effort to collect and distribute scientific evidence of baby nutrition for parents and specialists.
