Baby lead-weaning

Baby-led weaning (baby-led weaning) refers to the baby taking the lead, setting the pace, and directing the process of introducing complementary feeding. Although it is an apparently new model in the way of introducing food, it is probably the natural way by which babies expanded their diet. The latest studies support the method, arguing that breastfeeding and baby-led weaning are one of the keys to avoiding obesity in childhood and in adults.

• • • This concept refers to the fact that it is the baby who directs the process of introducing complementary feeding, after breastfeeding.
    • The main rule to apply it is that the child already feels lonely, stable and without support, and can take a food with his hand and put it in his mouth (about 6 or 7 months).
    • The baby eats at his own pace, is not forced, and eats what is available and at the same time as the family, which is advantageous and reduces family conflicts.

In the industrial age, porridge took over and breastfeeding was no longer fashionable. It was undoubtedly a step back and artificial with respect to what humanity had done during thousands of years of evolution. When the child is breastfed, it is he himself who regulates when and how much he needs to eat: there are no schedules, only the mother watches the baby and offers her the breast when the child makes searching gestures. He is not forced to eat, the mother knows that when he lets go of the breast, he is already satisfied.

The taste of it changes according to the mother's diet, so breastfed babies are already used to taste changes and many of the foods they taste are familiar and greatly facilitate their acceptance.

FOOD INTRODUCTION, ALSO ON DEMAND

This same philosophy of demand in breastfeeding applies with the introduction of new foods: foods are offered within the natural environment of family meals, leaving the baby to taste, hold and nibble what he wants. . The image of the parent giving a porridge with a spoon is not the norm, although baby-led weaning does not restrict them, they are compatible, since purees and soups are part of our diet. The important thing is that the child is the protagonist of their feeding together with breastfeeding on demand. If you take bottles, you should keep at least 4 or 5 feedings a day.

Baby-led weaning has many advantages, among them is that it eats what is on the table, no special meals are made: it eats the same and at the same time as the family. In addition, it is never forced, the baby eats at his own pace, reducing family conflicts during the meal. In general, babies are much more interested in what their parents eat than in the typical porridge in their bowls, that is, their instinct tells them that if their parents eat it, it is good, safe and edible. It is therefore easy to understand, that it is easier for us to introduce food in this way. On the other hand, you get used to the flavors of your cultural environment.

The key is that the baby follows his own rhythm, it is not imposed from outside. It favors the autonomy of the baby, facilitates the adaptation to normal food and reduces the risk of overeating and obesity.

BASIC RULES OF BABY-LEAD WEANING

The main rule to start with this type of introduction of food is that the child feels alone, stable and without support, in addition to being able to take a food with his hand and put it in his mouth: this usually happens around 6 or 7 months.

An idea of ​​the foods that can be used are according to the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEPED):

–Steamed, cooked, roasted or fried vegetables: they can be whole (broccoli sprigs, cauliflower or beans), cut into finger-sized bars (zucchini, carrot, pumpkin, potato or eggplant). –Raw fruits and vegetables cut into sticks or sticks: pear, banana, mango, cucumber, plum or avocado. –Stewed, cooked or grilled meat, cut into strips so that the baby can grasp it: chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, pork or minced meat in hamburger or meatballs. –Others: cheese cubes, bread, toast, cooked rice, mini sandwiches and pasta. –Unhealthy dishes such as precooked or cooked with sugar or salt should be avoided. –You should also avoid foods that can cause choking: hard foods, nuts, olives, raw carrots or apples. It is very important that children are always supervised by an adult.

Caution should also be exercised with premature infants who have not reached sufficient maturity or are developmentally delayed. These children may need to eat with help for a longer time.

REMEMBER THAT

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