Baby-led weaning: Is it a solid method for feeding?
Baby-led weaning (BLW) is a method for introducing solids to infants without the use of pureed food or spoon feeding. This method of feeding was developed in the United Kingdom. In the United States baby-led weaning refers to the gradual decrease of breast or bottle feedings.
BLW encourages exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant’s life, followed by the introduction of solids. Because there are no pureed foods involved, infants are given large pieces of food they can hold which include any table foods the family is eating and from any food group. This allows the baby to “explore” the food they are eating. In BLW no fast or processed foods should be offered, and pieces of food smaller than what baby can hold should not be given (i.e. peanuts).
Why is BLW so popular? Creators of this method claim that it can help reduce “picky eating” by creating an increased acceptance of vegetables, reducing stress for parents and children at mealtime, and can even help reduce obesity. If you are contemplating BLW to feed your baby, here is some information to help guide your decision.
While there are positive aspects to BLW, there are also concerns: low key nutrients, choking hazards, to name a couple. BLW supports offering multiple food groups at one time. Instead, offer new foods one at a time, at least three to five days between introductions. This helps weed out any allergic reactions, making it easier to identify the potential problem. Providing large pieces of table food could present a choking hazard. Imagine your infant “gnawing” on a carrot and a piece loosens unintentionally and gets lodged in her/his throat. This is a scary scenario that all parents wish to avoid. In addition, if an infant is not getting any pureed food and mainly sucking on large pieces of food, then they are most likely missing out on much needed iron and zinc, generally consumed through infant cereals and pureed meats.
BLW encourages exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by the introduction of solids; and allows baby to stop eating when full, being cognizant of babies’ hunger and fullness cues. This feeding method also includes baby at mealtimes, keeping it a positive atmosphere; however, there is insufficient evidence to back the claims of reducing picky eating and obesity in children.
It is important for parents who are choosing BLW as the feeding method for their infants to do so with solid information. It is important to note that infants who are premature, have developmental delays, or swallowing/chewing difficulties should not be fed by the BLW method. No matter the feeding choice by parents, the key message is to meet the nutritional needs of infants through a method that is developmentally safe.
If you have questions regarding BLW, please consult a Registered Dietitian.
References: Gill Rapley. (2008). Baby-led Weaning: The fuss-free way to introduce solid foods. Retrieved from: http://www.rapleyweaning.com/
Cameron, S.L., Heath, A.M., Taylor, R.W. (2012). How feasible is Baby-led Weaning as an approach to infant feeding? A review of the evidence. Nutrients 4(11), 1575-1609. Doi: 10.3390/nu4111575.
Kimberly Young, MS, RDN, LD, is the WIC Coordinator at Panhandle Health District and a graduate of the University of Idaho Dietetic program.