Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) is not a new method and is especially popular in European and American countries. So what is this way of eating? What are its advantages and what should mothers do to “enter the battle” with their babies in the most perfect way? Let’s find out with Bavabi in the following article.
1/ What is baby led weaning?
Baby led weaning (BLW) is a method of eating that The main decision maker is the baby, parents only play a supporting role and support the child’s decision. Mothers should start this way of eating as soon as the baby is full-term and familiar with holding (usually from the 7th month onwards), but basically, milk is still the baby’s main source of nutrition.
BLW will help your baby be proactive in his or her bottle feeding, he or she is seen as a main member of the family like any other member, eating at the same table, at the same time and with the same dishes as everyone else, but the main purpose is still for your baby to explore and get used to new foods.
BLW The difference from the traditional feeding method is that the baby learns to chew raw foods first and then learns to swallow instead of learning to swallow and then learning to chew. Therefore, from the beginning, the baby can be exposed to and learn to eat a variety of foods.
2/ How to implement the baby-led weaning method?
To make it easier for mothers and babies to cooperate when implementing BLW, mothers should pay attention to the following from the beginning:
Implementation principles:
- Do not use any electronic devices that distract and distract children.
- Let your baby eat comfortably according to his needs, do not force or beg.
- Each meal of your baby only lasts 30 minutes, your baby sits with everyone during the meal, do not hold him/her.
- Diverse foods, prioritize dishes such as rice, vegetables, fruits,… soft, avoid eating nuts. Gradually change the roughness of the food to help your baby develop his chewing ability.
- Milk is still the main food for babies during the first 2 years of life.
Tools to prepare:
With the preparation of necessary support tools, it will be easier for mothers and babies to perform BLW:
High chair
High chairs come in many styles that fit all types of dining tables and chairs. Mothers should choose the one that fits the child, is easy to move, clean, and has adjustable notches so that the child can still use it when he or she is a little older.
Bibs
Unlike regular bibs, the specially designed bib can collect food when the baby eats, which can fall and stain clothes and tables and chairs. Mothers should choose bibs made of soft nylon or flexible plastic, with snaps for easy cleaning and to prevent them from seeping into clothes.
Food containers
Including trays, plates, drinking glasses, spoons, forks, chopsticks,… Mothers should choose the type made of safe plastic that can stick to a flat surface to avoid falling or being thrown away when eating. Choose a straight spoon because children will learn how to hold the spoon and put it in their mouth, with a full handle, moderate shallowness, drinking glasses only need to have a size of 150-200ml and have a handle.
3/ Suggested foods to choose when feeding your baby self-directed weaning
The beginning of this method of weaning is like other methods, easy to swallow, chew and soft. Mothers should choose the following foods:
- Dark green vegetables such as broccoli, Malabar spinach, spinach,…
- Soft chicken, fish, pork.
- Hard-boiled eggs.
- Bread crumbs, noodles short, hooded…
- Thickly sliced avocado and banana.
When your baby first starts eating solid foods in the first month, you should feed them the traditional way so that they get used to the new way of eating. After the 6th month, you can confidently let your baby eat solid foods on their own without worrying about affecting their digestive system.
>>> For more details, see: Mantis shrimp floss rich in nutrients, mothers choose it for their baby’s weaning menu
