What Are The Benefits Of Baby-Led Weaning?
As a mom, the most exciting and challenging journey is perhaps feeding your little ones. Introducing meals to your baby is so much more than just feeding them; the process sets the foundation of their lifelong eating habits. Amidst the cultural norms of purees, baby cereals, and spoon-feeding, a new approach to infant feeding has emerged – Baby-led Weaning or BLW.
In this blog, I’ll walk you through the many benefits of Baby-led Weaning and why it has become the preferred option for moms.
#1 Encourages Self-Regulation:
Baby-led weaning promotes self-regulation from the beginning. Infants are equipped to know when they are hungry, full, or have a specific appetite and regulate their intake accordingly. This approach helps infants to develop healthy eating habits, which builds a foundation for their future relationship with food.
#2 Promotes Motor Skills Development:
Baby-led Weaning presents infants with an opportunity to explore the textures, tastes, and smells of different types of foods. This sensory approach to meal introduction promotes and enhances fine motor skills, eye-hand coordination, and sensory triggers in babies, preparing them for different stages of growth and development.
#3 Eases Meal Preparation for Moms:
For moms, baby-led weaning is a game-changer. No more spending hours pureeing and spoon-feeding mushy foods for your little ones. With Baby-led Weaning, your infants can share in your meals right from day one. All you need to do is prepare your family meals, pick appropriate toddler-friendly options for your baby, and voila! Moms can save time, and feed their little ones the same nutrients they intake.
#4 Supports Family Bonding during Meal Times:
Baby-led Weaning allows the family to share the dining table. Infants sit at the table with the rest of the family and share meals with adults. Implementing this approach to infant feeding enhances family bonding during meal times and promotes family dynamics. Children learn by imitation, and when they eat, interact, and converse at the table with adults, they learn real-world dining etiquette, socialization, and language development.
#5 Reduces Risk of Childhood Obesity:
According to research studies, Baby-led Weaning can lower the risk of obesity in children. Infants exposed to solid food and a wide range of healthier food choices, starting from six months, are more likely to make healthier food choices as young adults. They exhibit better control of their eating habits, indulge in defense mechanisms, and take a balanced approach to dietary intake.
The Bottom Line:
Baby-led Weaning is a holistic, natural, and kitchen-friendly approach to infant feeding. This approach promotes a healthy lifestyle for families, fostering bonding and reducing the risk of childhood obesity. So, moms, it would help if you tried Baby-Led Weaning, starting at six months, for a happier and healthier family.
Happy feeding!
