Baby-led weaning is exactly what it says, allowing your baby to make the transition from solely milk feeding to solids without the need for purees and lumpy foods. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of life and is the ideal preparation for self-feeding with solid foods.
Because:
- Babies feed at their own pace
- They balance their own intake of fluid and food by choosing how long each feed lasts
- The breast milk changes in flavour according to the mother's diet - it prepares the baby for other tastes
Although it is the "self -feeding" of breastfeeding that underpins the baby-led weaning, many parents whose babies have been formula fed have found this method works for them too.
When to start
Most babies will be ready to start experimenting with solid foods from around six months. A baby who is struggling to get food into his/her mouth is probably not quite ready to eat it.
- Don't "help" your baby if they are "struggling". It is his/her own developmental abilities that ensure that it happens at the right time
- Food that he/she is not yet able to swallow will fall out if sitting upright
- Don't tip a baby backwards or lie baby down
- Thinking about milk feeds and introducing solid feeds as two separate activities will allow a more relaxed approach and the experience to be more enjoyable
If your baby was born before 37 weeks, or has a medical condition which might affect their ability to handle or digest foods, it is advisable to discuss with your health visitor before offering solid foods.
Why baby-led?
It appears that what motivates babies is curiosity, not hunger. A baby-led approach allows the baby to:
- Use his/her desire to experiment
- Mimic the activities of others
- Set the pace of each meal
- Place an emphasis on play and exploration rather than on eating
- Enable transition to solids to happen as naturally as possible
Won't they choke?
- Babies are at less risk of choking if they are in control of what goes into their mouths than if they are spoon fed
- Babies are not capable of moving food to the back of their throats until after that are able to chew
- They do not develop the ability to chew until they are able to reach and grab things
- The ability to pick up very small things develops later still
How to do it and what foods to give?
Babies who are allowed to feed themselves seem to accept a wide range of foods. This is because they are given the opportunity to experience the texture, colour, size and shape as well as the flavour.
Unless there is a family history of allergies, after six months there is no need to restrict any foods.
- Fruit and vegetables are ideal - harder foods should be cooked lightly so that they are soft enough to chew
- Meat is best offered as a large piece to be explored and sucked! (once they can pick up and release minced meat works well)
- Don't cut food into mouth-sized pieces
- Size and shape needed is the size of the baby's fist
- Food should be chip-shaped or have a built-in "handle" (broccoli stalk, carrot stick)
- If you feel that your baby's diet will lack variety then some mashed foods can be used and your baby encouraged to "dip" foods into them
- Babies will chew the bit sticking out and drop the rest initially
- As skills improve, less food will be dropped
What about drinks?
It is important to continue breastfeeding your baby "on demand", this will allow him/ her to dictate the amount of fluid needed. No other drinks are needed but, a cup of water at mealtimes allows them the opportunity to explore.
Formula fed babies on the other hand, will need to be offered both their normal milk feeds and water at regular intervals throughout the day to ensure that they get enough fluids.
As your baby takes more solid foods they will decide how and when to cut down on their milk intake. There is not need to make these decisions for them.
Remember:
Do
- Allow your baby to join in with family meals
- Make sure your baby is sitting upright and supported
- Offer foods that are baby-fist-sized, chip shaped and with a "handle"
- Offer a variety of foods
- Try rejected food later
- Continue to breastfeed/formula feed
- Offer water from a cup (don't use a beaker with a non-spill value)
- Enjoy watching your baby learn about food and developing skills with their mouth in the process!
- Prepare for mess!!
Don't
- Hurry your baby
- Leave them on their own
- Expect your baby to eat any foods on the first occasions
- Expect a young baby to eat all of each piece of food at first
- Offer "fast foods" or foods that present an obvious danger (eg peanuts)
If you have a family history of intolerances/allergies or have any concerns about baby-led weaning then please contact your Health Visitor to discuss further.
For further information and discussion:
http://rapleyweaning.com/
http://babyledweaning.com/
http://hannahledweaning.blogspot.com/
Baby Led Weaning fits with current NHS guidelines
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