As babies grow, what they eat evolves. Infants will gradually transition from an exclusive breast milk or formula diet to a varied solid food diet.
The transition looks different because there are many ways in which babies can learn how to feed themselves. One option is baby-led weaning or baby-led feeding.

 

What is baby-led weaning

That is, babies 6 months or older jump straight to finger food after the introduction of solids, bypassing pureed and mashed foods. This approach, known as infant-led weaning, puts the baby in charge of mealtimes.
With infant-led weaning, the infant can self-feed by choosing his own favorite foods. You don't need to buy or make specific foods to feed your baby, modify them to meet the needs of your newest eaters.

 

The benefits of baby-led weaning 

 

It saves time and money

With one meal for the whole family, you don't need to worry about picking out special foods for your kids, and you won't waste a lot of time preparing meals.

 

Helping babies learn to self-regulate

Helping Babies Learn to Self-Regulate
Hearing family meals together gives infants an example of how to chew and how to swallow. Learn to stop eating when you feel full. Babies who are self-feeding can't actually eat more than they need because they are fed independently. Parents can teach your baby to often eat more than he needs by sneaking in a few more spoonfuls and stop regulating his intake effectively.

 

They are exposed to different foods

Infant-led weaning provides infants with different foods and the opportunity to explore the taste, texture, aroma and color of a variety of foods.

 

It aids in the development of fine motor skills in infants

For starters, it helps to fine-tune motor development. Infant-led weaning supports the development of hand-eye coordination, chewing skills, dexterity and healthy eating habits.

 

When to start baby-led weaning

Most babies start eating solid foods around 6 months of age. Every baby is different, however, and babies are not ready for infant-led weaning until they show certain signs of developmental readiness.
These signs of readiness include:
1. Able to sit up straight and reach for an object
2. Decrease tongue reflex
3. Have good neck strength and be able to move food to the back of the mouth with jaw movements

At best, the idea of baby-led weaning should really follow and meet the needs of the individual baby.

 

How do I start baby-led weaning

Parents should first gather as much information as possible before deciding on infant-led weaning. Read more books and talk to your pediatrician. Either approach may be appropriate depending on your goals and your individual child's healthcare needs.

Parents should first gather as much information as possible before deciding on infant-led weaning. Read more books and talk to your pediatrician. Either approach may be appropriate depending on your goals and your individual child's healthcare needs.

If you decide to start your baby on solids with an infant-led weaning approach, follow these basic principles:

1. Continue breastfeeding or bottle feeding

Maintaining the same frequency of breastfeeding or bottle feeding, it may take some time for a baby to figure out how to feed complementary foods, while breast milk or formula remains the most important source of nutrition in the first year of life.

2. Prepare food according to the age of the child

For 6-month-olds who are new to solid foods, offer foods that can be cut into thick strips or strips so they can be held in their fists and chewed from top to bottom. At about 9 months, food can be cut into small pieces, and the child has the ability to grasp and pick it up easily.

3. Offer a variety of food

Prepare different foods each day over time. Toddlers help develop adventurous palate by consuming foods with different colors, textures, and flavors, while also making self-feeding more fun for babies.

 

 

 

Melikey Factory Wholesale Baby Led-Weaning Supplies: