A Guide To Baby Led Weaning (2024)

FAQs

How do I know my baby is eating enough baby-led weaning? ›

A great way to check that your baby is getting enough of what they need is simply by checking their nappies. If they are having plenty of wet nappies, plus regular soiled ones, they are on the right track.

In my pediatric practice, more parents are choosing to introduce complementary foods using baby-led weaning (BLW). This feeding method skips the spoon altogether, creating food experiences with bites that infants can explore and eat on their own. I've seen this method of feeding be very successful for many families.

Some parents worry that baby-led weaning is more likely to cause their baby to choke than spoon-feeding. Emerging evidence suggests that baby-led weaning may result in more gagging as babies get used to swallowing but no increased likelihood of choking . Baby-led weaning can be messier than spoon-feeding.

BLW may begin around 6 months, when the baby shows signs of readiness such as sitting up independently, loss of tongue thrust reflex, mouthing toys, and showing interest in table foods. To start BLW, ensure readiness and begin with one solid meal a day during family mealtime.

Baby-led weaning (BLW) involves skipping the spoon-fed purées and letting babies feed themselves finger foods when starting solids.

The “4 Day Wait Rule” is a really simple way to check for possible reactions to new foods such as food sensitivities or food allergies. Remember that in addition to possible allergic reactions, foods can also cause digestive troubles like tummy pains, painful gas or even poop troubles.

BLW has some obvious downsides. The infant may not get enough energy, iron, zinc, vitamins, and other nutrients, or too much protein, saturated fat, salt, or sugar. The risk of choking, which must be distinguished from the physiological gagging reflex, has not been ruled out by scientific studies.

Allowing babies to gauge their own appetite — and sense of hunger and fullness — is enormously valuable. “Over time, they can self-regulate,” says Dr. Churbock. “They're not going to overeat because they're in control of what's going in their mouth and what they're swallowing.”

Experts also raise iron deficiency as a potential problem, but there is a lack of evidence about nutritional levels amongst spoon-fed versus BLW babies. It is speculated BLW babies may be at increased risk by missing out on iron-fortified baby cereal – the recommended “first food” for spoon-feeders.

Studies have found that families practicing baby-led weaning tend to eat more often together. They also find mealtimes calmer and less stressful. Meanwhile, mothers who do BLW say they feel less pressure and worry around weaning than those who traditionally wean.

Is BLW better than puree? ›

Go with the feeding method that feels right to you

Know that there are no studies showing that one feeding method is better than another, so go with the one that feels right for you and your family.

Spoon-feeding some of the time may help some parents better understand how much their baby is eating. It can also be a way to fill in any nutrition gaps that may be missing when serving food baby-led weaning style.

Offer one half of a whole, peeled banana on its own, or serve spears from a banana that has been split lengthwise into thirds (to achieve this, just poke the tip of the peeled banana with your finger and push through until it splits into three spears).

As they eventually start to eat more food they will naturally want less milk. One of the advantages of BLW is that it's very difficult to overfeed your baby. As long as you're providing a good variety of nutritious food it will be up to your baby to decide whether or not they want to eat it.

Fullness signs

Clenches their mouth shut and doesn't allow you to feed them. Spits out food that they like. Pushes away the bowl or whatever food is there. Slows down the pace, gets distracted and looks elsewhere.

Signs That Your Baby Isn't Eating Enough

They would rather sleep than eat. They won't latch onto your breast, or they pull away from you. They are fussy right after feedings. They wet fewer diapers.

Signs your baby is getting enough milk

They seem calm and relaxed during feeds. Your baby comes off the breast on their own at the end of feeds. Their mouth looks moist after feeds. Your baby appears content and satisfied after most feeds.