As soon as you plan to start your baby on solids, an assorted menu of pureed food runs through your mind. That’s a primitive method of introducing solids to your kids. The latest, of course, is baby-led weaning which allows the baby to munch on whatever they like as soon as they are 6 months old. So, here is your chance to bypass pureed and jarred food to allow your baby to eat what they like.
Baby-led weaning simply means allowing your baby to jump straight to finger foods as soon as they are ready for solids. No pureed or mashed or jarred food for your little one!
This method of introducing solid is termed as baby-led because here your baby gets to choose what he or she wants to eat and start eating on their own. This helps your baby to learn how to use the gum for chewing as they learn that they must chew first and then swallow their food. The bonus here is that the baby controls what and how much they put in their mouths. This means parents are freed from the responsibility of pushing food into baby’s mouth. Now, that’s a relief!
The Ministry of Health recommends that parents introduce their little ones to solids once they turn 6 months old. New-borns at this age can have stronger necks and can even sit with some support. Their hand and eye coordination at this age can help them to grasp food and put it in their mouth.
Once your baby is six months old, make them sit on your lap during meal time and offer nutritious finger food that is appropriate for his age. You can start with cooked cauliflower or broccoli that is easy for your baby to clasp in their tiny hands. Initially, they may just play around with the food and then slowly start sucking it. Continue to breastfeed your baby in between meal times till they start eating solids properly. As their solid intake increases, his breastfeeds will come down.
Here are few benefits of BLW that may encourage you to start the same with your baby.
There are a few disadvantages of BLW, and they are as follows:
Just to make it a little easy for you, here is what you can offer your baby as finger foods at the advent of BLW.
Before going through, keep in mind some baby led weaning safety issues:
Some food items like nuts, grapes, tomatoes, whole hot dogs etc. will choke your little one often.
Some foods have allergenic properties and must be avoided. For example, gluten, egg whites, peanuts, seafood, citrus fruits and the like. If any member of your family is allergic to any of these food items, it is more likely that your baby has inherited the same. You don’t want to take any risks!
Avoid adding any extra salt or sugar to your baby’s food. Let your baby enjoy the natural sweetness or saltiness of the food.
Processed foods are unhealthy for children and we all know that. Hence avoid giving chips, popcorn, sugared food, breakfast cereals, gum and hard candies.
Don’t introduce honey yet as it contains a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum which can damage the baby’s poorly developed digestive system!
Say ‘no’ to stimulants like chocolates or direct intake of sugar. These foods disturb your baby’s BMI in the long run and turn them hyperactive.
If your doctor approves of mineral sea salts, then go ahead and add it to your baby’s food in very small amounts.
The most common doubt about BLW is if the baby will choke on the food while trying to eat by himself. This doubt is justified.
Research says that if a baby can sit upright and eat, he/she should be fine. They should never be left alone with food.
Breastfeeding will supplement most of the baby’s nutrition from 6 to 12 months of age along with solid foods. The main purpose of starting BLW in the first year is to train a baby to chew and swallow. If the baby is active, healthy and gaining weight normally, then rest assured that your baby is doing well. Usually, a baby knows when he/she is hungry, and they eat enough to fill themselves. In case your baby is not gaining the desired weight, then you may want to add some smoothies and purees to your baby’s diet along with breastfeeding. In case you are unable to breastfeed, one can use baby formula and get the same results.
The best part about BLW is that it can be worked around, and it is not an all or nothing situation. Always, consult your baby’s paediatrician for guidance when in case of doubt.
Baby-led weaning is a great way to introduce your baby to the family tradition of eating together. As they eat along with the rest of the family, they will learn not just how to eat by themselves, but table manners as well!
Also Read: Baby Weaning–Signs, Foods & Introduction to Solids