Infant-initiated feeding: Definition and food options to experiment with
Baby-led weaning (BLW) is an innovative approach to introducing solid foods to babies. This method, which gained popularity in the early 2000s, allows babies to choose what they eat, promoting independence and a healthy relationship with food.
Getting Started with BLW
The recommended age to start BLW is around six months, when the baby shows signs of readiness, such as being able to sit up alone, control their head and neck, swallow food, bring their hands to their mouth, and grasp small objects.
When starting BLW, offer soft, easy-to-grasp, and safe foods that the baby can self-feed. These foods should be iron-rich and nutrient-dense, including cooked meats (beef, lamb, chicken, pork), cooked deboned fish, cooked egg, legumes, lentils, and iron-fortified cereals. Additionally, vitamin C–rich fruits and vegetables help with iron absorption, so offer cooked pureed veggies like pumpkin, kumara, spinach, and fruits such as banana and avocado, which can be mashed for easy eating.
Precautions
BLW requires careful consideration to ensure the safety of the baby. Ensure foods are soft enough to be mashed by the baby’s tongue or easily dissolve to reduce choking risk. Examples include soft-cooked vegetables, ripe fruit pieces, well-cooked pasta, and grain snacks that dissolve quickly.
Avoid hard, small, or round foods that can obstruct the airway, such as whole nuts, whole grapes, raw carrots, and chunks of raw apples. Introduce allergenic foods (eggs, fish, peanuts, dairy, wheat, soy, tree nuts, sesame, shellfish) one at a time with 3-4 days between to monitor allergic reactions.
Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding as the main source of nutrition throughout the first year, as solids are complementary at this stage. Offer food at mealtimes in a seated position in a highchair, ensuring supervision during feeding. Foods should be served at safe temperatures—room temperature or slightly warm is acceptable—but avoid runny egg yolks due to food safety concerns; eggs should be cooked fully at home.
Introduce new foods multiple times as babies may need repeated exposure (6-7 times) before acceptance. Lack of interest in solid foods may be due to the baby being too soon for them to eat after their last feed. Try to space out solid meals away from milk or formula meals so they will be more likely to be hungry.
Benefits and Drawbacks
BLW offers potential benefits such as independence, self-regulation, motor skill development, convenience, reduced pressure, and potentially adventurous eating. However, it's important to note that no research has proven the claim that BLW promotes more adventurous eating.
Some studies suggest that children following BLW may have a higher risk of nutritional imbalances or underweight, but not all studies reach the same conclusion. It's crucial to offer a wide variety of nutritious food to babies, no matter what weaning approach a family takes.
Important Considerations
- Honey before 12 months can expose a baby to botulism, a life-threatening form of food poisoning.
- Unpasteurized dairy should not be given to babies due to the risk of food poisoning.
- High sodium foods, such as processed foods, should be avoided for babies.
- Caregivers should consult a pediatrician if a baby is having significant difficulty with solid foods, particularly if they are not gaining weight or have any new symptoms, such as tiredness or signs of an allergy.
Final Thoughts
Baby-led weaning is an exciting way to introduce solid foods to your baby. By offering soft, nutritious finger foods and maintaining careful supervision, you can promote a healthy relationship with food while ensuring your baby's safety. Remember, each baby is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Always consult with your pediatrician for personalised advice.
[1] Rapley, G., & Murkett, R. (2009). Baby-Led Weaning: Helping Your Baby to Love Good Food. Penguin. [2] American Academy of Pediatrics. (2018). Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5. Bantam. [3] Department of Health. (2008). Start4Life: Introduction to Solid Foods. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/baby/weaning/introduction-to-solid-foods/ [4] Food Standards Agency. (2020). Egg Safety: Cooking and Handling. Retrieved from https://www.food.gov.uk/safety-hygiene/eggsafety [5] National Health Service. (2020). Starting Your Baby on Solid Foods. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/baby/weaning/starting-your-baby-on-solid-foods/
- Incorporating baby-led weaning (BLW) into parenting can be an effective way to introduce solid foods to babies, promoting both independence and a healthy relationship with food.
- When initiating BLW, it's essential to offer soft, easy-to-grasp foods that are rich in iron and other nutrients for optimal child growth and development. Examples include cooked meats, fish, cooked egg, legumes, lentils, iron-fortified cereals, as well as vitamin C–rich fruits and vegetables.
- As a caregiver, it's essential to follow science-backed safety precautions when implementing BLW to minimize choking risks, such as ensuring foods are soft enough for self-feeding and avoiding hard, small, or round foods that can potentially obstruct the airway.
- To ensure family health and nutrition, both parents and caregivers should consult with healthcare professionals, read health-and-wellness resources, and understand the best practices for baby-led weaning and overall parenting strategies.
