Baby-led weaning is an alternative approach to introducing solid foods in which infants feed themselves all their food from the start of complementary feeding.
Baby Food - Basics
The healthiest baby foods can be made at home. Products from big brands that claim to develop infants’ health in a variety of ways are no match for nutritious home-made preparations.
The healthiest baby foods can be made at home. Products from big brands that claim to develop infants’ health in a variety of ways are no match for nutritious home-made preparations.
‘A baby-led approach to complementary feeding does not appear to result in healthier growth or a reduced risk for overweight compared with traditional feeding practices.’
The study by Rachael W. Taylor, Ph.D., and Anne-Louise M. Heath, Ph.D., of the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand, and coauthors included 206 women, with 105 of them assigned to an intervention that included support from a lactation consultant to extend exclusive breastfeeding and delay the introduction of complementary foods until 6 months of age, when the infants were considered developmentally ready to self-feed. "A baby-led approach to complementary feeding does not appear to improve energy self-regulation or body weight when compared with more traditional feeding practices, although some benefits may accrue in attitudes to food, including reduced food fussiness," the article concludes.
The authors noted some study limitations, including a small sample that was relatively socioeconomically advantaged so the results may not apply to those infants with lower socioeconomic status.
Top 5 Nutritious Foods For Your Baby
Foods for your baby need to contain different nutrients for its growth and development. Know different forms in which foods can be introduced and enjoyed.
Foods for your baby need to contain different nutrients for its growth and development. Know different forms in which foods can be introduced and enjoyed.
Why Do Spoon-Fed Babies Gain More Weight?
More than twice as many babies spoon-fed from six months onwards were overweight by the time they were toddlers.
More than twice as many babies spoon-fed from six months onwards were overweight by the time they were toddlers.
Breastfeeding Prevents Unwanted Weight Gain In Infants
Early introduction of complementary baby foods may satiate the hunger of the infant, resulting in less frequent breast feeding and consequently, less nutrition.
Early introduction of complementary baby foods may satiate the hunger of the infant, resulting in less frequent breast feeding and consequently, less nutrition.
