03/05/2022
Baby-led weaning is a method of introducing solid food to babies whereby purées and spoon-feeding are skipped entirely in favor of finger foods that a baby self-feeds.
Baby-led weaning emphasizes independence of the baby. A parent is to wait for their baby to show signs of readiness for eating and to follow the baby’s cues in all matters of introducing solid food. Babies are brought to the table for family meals, encouraged to pick up food with their own fingers, and trusted to eat as much or as little as they need. Babies introduced to solids with baby-led weaning also continue breast or bottle feeds and are permitted to determine when those milk feeds should be reduced.
BENEFITS OF BLW
✔️ Independence: Baby learns to eat independently and is in total control.
✔️ Development: Baby practices critical motor and oral skills.
✔️ Appetite Control: Baby is in charge of how much to eat and learns to stop when full.
✔️ Ease: Baby (mostly) eats what you eat. Less special meals!
✔️ Variety: Baby can eat a variety of textures and flavors, which may reduce picky eating later on.
✔️Less Expensive: Baby eats real food. No pricey jars, pouches or blenders required.
✔️ Family Meals: Baby is part of your family meal, eating with you.
✔️ Dining Out: It’s easier to eat in restaurants as baby can eat whole food.
✔️ Fun! Babies enjoy touching, inspecting, and tasting a different flavors and textures.
ctto. 🤍
