Does Baby Led Weaning help prevent picky eating?
What is Baby Led Weaning (BLW)?
Baby Led Weaning (BLW) is an approach to complementary feeding that involves offering infants the opportunity to self-feed finger foods and family foods, rather than being spoon-fed purees. The concept is based on the belief that infants can regulate their food intake and self-select nutritious foods 😋 if given the opportunity to explore and learn about different textures, colors, and tastes through their own experiences.
What does the research say?
While there is limited research on BLW, some studies have suggested that this approach may have potential benefits in terms of preventing picky eating.
For example, a study conducted by Wright and colleagues found that infants who were offered finger foods✋🏼at six months of age were more likely to self-feed🥣 and consume a greater variety of foods at eight months compared to infants who were spoon-fed purees at six months.
It is worth noting that while BLW may have some potential benefits in terms of preventing picky eating, it is‼️ NOT a guaranteed solution. As with any feeding approach, it is important to consider individual factors such as a child's 👶🏻 developmental stage, oral motor skills, and appetite when deciding whether BLW is the right choice.
What is Responsive Feeding?
Another study by Cameron and colleagues found that parents who practiced responsive feeding, regardless of the feeding approach used, were more likely to have children who had a healthy diet and were less likely to be picky eaters. 🎉
Responsive feeding involves paying close attention 👀 to an infant's cues of hunger and fullness, and offering a variety of foods in a positive feeding environment.
In terms of the texture of food offered to children, a study by Daniels and colleagues compared BLW to traditional spoon-feeding and found no significant differences in the proportion of infants who were classified as picky eaters at 12 months of age. However, it is worth noting that this study did not specifically focus on responsive feeding, which has been shown in previous research to be associated with better eating habits in children.
👉🏼 SUMMARY
Overall, the research on BLW and prevention of picky eating is still relatively limited, and more studies are needed to fully understand the potential benefits and limitations of this approach.
However, the principles of responsive feeding, which involve creating a ✨ positive and pressure-free feeding environment, eating together and offering a variety of foods ✨, have been consistently associated with better eating habits in children regardless of the textures offered.
In conclusion…
While BLW may have some potential benefits in terms of preventing picky eating, it is important to consider individual factors and to prioritize responsive feeding practices regardless of the feeding approach used. By paying attention to a child's cues of hunger and fullness, and offering a variety of healthy foods in a positive feeding environment, parents can help promote healthy eating habits and prevent picky eating in their children.
Until then,
Easy Bites
Cameron SL, Taylor RW, Heath ALM. Parent-led or baby-led? Associations between complementary feeding practices and health-related behaviours in a survey of New Zealand families. BMJ Open. 2013;3(12):e003946. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2013-003946
Daniels L, Heath ALM, Williams SM, Cameron SL, Fleming EA, Taylor BJ, Wheeler BJ, Gibson RS, Taylor RW. Baby-led weaning: a randomized controlled trial. Pediatrics. 2019;144(4):e20191357. doi:10.1542/peds.2019-1357
Wright CM, Cameron K, Tsiaka M, Parkinson KN. Is baby-led weaning feasible? When do babies first reach out for and eat finger foods? Maternal & Child Nutrition. 2011;7(1):27-33. doi:10.1111/j.1740-8709.2010.00266.x
