BLW, or Baby-Led Weaning, is a method of introducing food a little different from traditional baby food, and is increasingly being used by mothers and fathers as babies stop feeding exclusively and start eating other foods.
The literal translation of the name would be something like "weaning the baby leads". That is, the baby himself leads his food introduction. From the age of six months he begins to receive his food through solid items, with pieces of cut food, so that he can hold and eat alone.
Although not a new practice, Brazil is only now gaining strength and many parents are opting for this form of food introduction.
BLW Benefits
Youtuber Shirley Hilgert from the Macetes de Mãe channel explains better how this method works and its main benefits for the baby.
Better accept food
The child is already getting to know the foods in their correct textures and in the right taste, since they are not mixed or kneaded, which makes them get used faster and, in the long run, to consume more.
Read also: My child does not eat: what to do?
Have a sensory experience
The child is not only eating, she develops other senses such as sight (have to look and choose food of different shapes and colors), touch (touch food and feel texture), motor skill (because it can drop and have to take it).
Get more from fiber
As much as the baby food just crushes the food, it is inevitable that the fiber will be broken. With whole foods this does not happen and therefore the baby ends up eating fiber, which is great for health.
Stimulate autonomy
Food is available in front of the baby to choose, pick, feel, mouth, taste, and decide what to eat. She is the one who conducts the whole process.
Develop social skills
At BLW the baby sits at the table and eats with the family the same foods the family is eating so that it adapts more easily to this routine.
Avoid obesity
A study published in an English newspaper found that with this food introduction there is a lower tendency to obesity. Because as it is the baby who drives, he can identify the moment that is satiated, which does not happen with the baby food, because he is receiving and eating, unable to measure if he is satisfied.
How many months can I start BLW?
The phase of food introduction should start at six months, when breastfeeding is no longer exclusive. But it is important to know that each child has his time and should not hold food in his mouth or force it. If the child still cannot, it is better to wait a while.
Read also: How to wean the baby
To begin with, always place the baby on the table with adults and, in front of him, food with as few utensils as possible, not even a plate or spoon. This is so that the focus of the food is not taken away.
Always choose foods that your child can safely handle and eat, such as boiled broccoli, boiled carrot sticks, bananas, soft foods that, having no teeth and no experience, can bite and swallow. And ideally, the family should be present so that the baby can see others eating and can imitate them.
Another tip is to choose a time when the child is rested, not irritated or sleepy. Otherwise the food introduction will not be successful.
And especially, never hurry the child to eat and respect their time to pick up food, to play with each food, let them feel comfortable to squeeze, bite, taste, get dirty?
Until 8 or 9 months, the baby will eat little, because it will play more than feeding. The tendency is, as you get used to it, you start eating more. But at the beginning, you don't have to be scared and think you are eating too little, because this is a natural process and happens more slowly.
Read also: Reflux in babies: Understand what it is and when you should worry
Baby food x BLW
The baby food has some disadvantages, such as the fact that it has mixed foods, making it impossible for the child to feel the real taste of each one. And because they are wrinkled, they lose some fibers. Another point that should be considered is the fact that the BLW makes a bit of dirt and mess. If you are not comfortable with this, it is best not to opt for BLW.
But many parents still opt for baby food mainly out of fear of the risk of their child choking.According to professionals, there is no chance of serious choking, because the little bits she puts in her mouth are small. As they are still learning to eat, they may have a choking reflex, but it is natural, and when the food reaches the full-size throat, it soon coughs and spits.
The most important thing is to observe the child's behavior and taste, because it may not work with everyone. There are those who prefer creamy and soft foods and those who prefer pieces. There is no ideal method and this will vary for each case.
How to do Baby Led Weaning - BLW - and Why You'd Want To (April 2024)
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