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BLW weaning is an approach where babies independently decide what, how much, and at what pace they want to eat.
1. What is BLW Weaning Method?
The term Baby-Led Weaning (BLW), or also known as self-feeding weaning, was first introduced by authors Gill Rapley and Tracey Murkett in the book: Baby-Led Weaning – The Important Guide to Infant Self-Feeding.
Babies choose their own food in the BLW weaning method. (Illustrative image)
Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) is a self-determined weaning approach where babies decide what, how much, and at what pace they want to eat. Similar to traditional weaning, BLW is suitable for babies aged 6 months and older.
2. How should moms start BLW weaning for babies?
Moms with experience in baby-led weaning suggest that when your little one is ready for solids, choose a safe spot for them to sit. Whether it's a BLW high chair or nestled in a parent's lap, safety is key. Next, opt for age-appropriate nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, cheese, meat, boiled eggs, and fish. Avoid sugary, salty, and processed foods. Hold off on honey until they turn one.
The best time to start is during family meals. Get a baby-led weaning chair so your child can join the family at the table. It's a fantastic way for them to participate in meals with everyone at home.
Since your baby's grasping skills are still developing, cut food into stick shapes or choose larger textured options for easy holding. Great first BLW foods include avocado, banana, sweet potato, soft apple, cooked carrot, sugar beets, peach, pear, plum, pumpkin, egg yolk, pork, or poultry.
Initially, your baby may just play with the food, clumsily picking it up and attempting to suck on it like a bottle. So, ensure they have breast milk or formula between meals. As they progress, the amount of milk will gradually decrease.
3. Types of Foods to Avoid for Babies Under 1 Year
When planning the BLW menu, steer clear of foods that pose a high choking risk, such as grapes, tomatoes, and stone fruits.
Certain allergenic foods like honey, egg whites, nuts (peanuts), seafood, and citrus fruits should be avoided for babies. If there's a family history of allergies, moms should do thorough research.
Unhealthy and processed foods like french fries, popcorn, sugary treats, breakfast cereals, chewing gum, hard candies should not be part of a baby's diet.
Moms should refer to the list of baby-friendly foods based on age recommended by nutritionists.
4. Benefits of BLW Weaning
Introducing BLW weaning gives babies the opportunity to explore food on their own. This helps them develop a taste for a variety of foods. Traditionally weaned babies may be less open to new foods, while BLW babies are accustomed to chewing and a diverse menu, making eating easier.
BLW weaning helps control obesity. (Illustrative image)
A study revealed that babies practicing BLW tend to join family meals early and develop a diverse palate.
Another study suggests that BLW weaning encourages healthier food choices, potentially protecting babies from obesity.
5. Considerations for BLW Weaning
Even parents who support the BLW weaning method agree that the process can be messy and chaotic. Most of the baby's food ends up on the floor, and they often don't eat much.
From 6 months onward, babies need iron from solid food as breast milk becomes insufficient. However, with BLW, babies may struggle to chew iron-rich foods like well-cooked meat, a good source of iron.
Soft mashed food serves as a bridge between liquid and solid forms. Moms can gauge how much their baby has eaten by directly offering food. At six months, babies can take food off the spoon with their lips instead of sucking. By eight months, they can chew and swallow solid food. Therefore, health experts recommend combining both traditional weaning and BLW weaning or a Japanese-style weaning method combined with BLW.
6. Does BLW Weaning Pose Choking Risks?
Mothers may worry about their baby choking on solid foods. Supporters of BLW weaning argue that this risk is very rare when the baby is sitting upright.
In reality, babies can manage and control the amount of food they eat, minimizing the risk of choking. However, moms should never leave the baby to eat alone. Another important point is to avoid hard foods like apples.
