What is Baby Led Weaning?
There is a new terminology that we’ve started to come across often: Baby Led Weaning, meaning “letting the baby feed himself.” When introduced to solid foods, don't stand over your baby like a guardian and try to put food in his mouth. Instead just slice the foods that are appropriate for his teeth and palate into pieces. Calmly place them in front of him and let him eat by himself. This way, your baby starts to learn to make a decision. He would decide what to eat and how much to eat; these would build up into a healthy eating habit and would bring you tears of joy and pride. Much better and rewarding than having constant battles over a plate of food, right?
If you place the solid foods in front of your baby without turning them into a puree, your baby will improve his ability to feed himself and you won't have to stand over your baby with a spoon in your hand at every meal. This is a nice and easy way to let your little gourmet eat the nutrients he needs. Also it’s a nice and easy way of sparing some time for you to enjoy a few calm breaths and a little smile; a peaceful moment to seize the moment…
When applying this method, one thing to keep in mind is your role in this whole process. It is not only about placing the food in front of your baby. You should be watching him and show him how to handle this whenever he seems to need help. You know that you would do your part perfectly.
What should I do if my baby has difficulty eating without my help?
When trying this method, if you feel that your child is struggling, it is better to give him some time. You can make this phase easier for him preferring meals that he likes and that are easy to swallow. This adaptation phase varies for each baby. You must be patient.
During this period, your baby examines the shapes of the foods, tries to taste them... This is extremely normal. In time, as they develop their own feeding style, challenges slip out of the way and you may extend the variety of meals.
Should I give foods to my baby in puree form?
If you introduced solids to your baby after he is 6 months old, he will be able to easily handle the solid foods. He will have the skills to grasp them and start putting them in his mouth. However if you had started to give solids to him between months 4 and 6, he would have difficulty feeding himself and he might need to have his meals in puree form.
However if it takes time for your baby to, if he is throwing food around and therefore if he cannot get enough nutrients, you can help him and make things easier by giving him pureed foods. However it’s important that you don’t make a habit out of this. Just limit it until your baby gets used to eating solids.
What are the benefits of this method?
Baby-led weaning is crucial for your baby to get used to the daily meals and to be part of the family’s dining ritual. This method is quite constructive as your baby strengthens the chewing habit he acquired during breastfeeding; he also learns to choose the meals he wishes to eat.
Most mothers who tried this method say that based on their experiences, their children are not picky and accept everything and anything that is served to them. Of course this may be different for each baby. If you don't wish your child to be picky with food, you may take the first step by following the baby led weaning method.