The first smile, the first laugh, the first crawl, and the first steps are critical developmental milestones for newborns throughout their first few years of life. Aside from this, newborns also acquire an abundance of crucial life skills, such as how to feed themselves, throughout their early development.
What they consume changes as a result of this process. How this transition takes place differs since there are several methods by which newborns might learn to feed themselves. Baby-led weaning, often known as baby-led feeding, is one alternative.
This article is all about baby-led weaning, and some of the best baby led weaning foods.
What Is Baby-led Weaning?
Baby-led weaning is a method in which kids 6 months old or older go to finger foods as soon as solids are given, instead of starting with purées or mashed-up meals. This method is referred to as baby-led weaning since it is based on the principle of allowing your child to feed herself the nutritious meals she desires from the beginning.
Benefits Of Baby-led Weaning
1. Introduces Texture & Taste To Babies
Baby-led weaning may increase their likelihood of developing more diversified and healthful eating choices. A number of studies have shown that kids who are exposed to a range of foods (including peanut products and fish) as neonates may be less likely to develop food allergies later in life as they grow.
It’s important to remember that nuts and shellfish are among the most frequent kid allergies, so you should always contact your child’s physician about the best method to introduce these foods to your child.
2. Reduces The Risk Of Childhood Obesity
With spoon-feeding, the parent is in control, but baby-led weaning allows the baby to self-regulate how much she eats based on her hunger levels, which is beneficial for both the baby and the parent.
Comparing youngsters who are spoon-fed to those who are not might decrease the risk of becoming overweight.
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3. Promotes Motor Skills Development
Sticking to finger foods improves the development of manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination abilities in young children.
Safest & Best Baby Led Weaning Food
If you look on baby-led weaning Facebook sites, you’ll find pictures of babies gorging themselves on various strange meals, ranging from drumsticks to casseroles. However, the majority of specialists advise starting cautiously.
Start with meals that include just one ingredient so that you may identify any food sensitivities that may exist. Banana, avocado, steamed broccoli florets with a stalk handle, baked sliced apple without the skin, moist and shredded meats, poached and flaked fish, spaghetti, omelettes cut into bits, and strips of chicken are all examples of great baby led weaning foods.
Large-size portions that are sliced into long, thin strips, coin-shaped, or with a crinkle cutter are the simplest for your infant to handle. As a result, since only a tiny percentage of 6- to 8-month-olds have mastered the pincer grip (using their thumb and index finger), they will pick up meals with their whole palm.
Once your baby has developed a pincer grip, which should happen around 8 to 9 months, start serving food that has been sliced into tiny pieces. These foods include ripe mango chunks, cooked beans, chopped steaming spinach, and bits of pasta, among other things.
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Where To Go After Baby-led Weaning?
Once your baby has tasted and accepted several single-ingredient meals, you may introduce them to various other recipes.
Make sure there are high-calorie items on the tray and foods that include iron, zinc, protein, and healthy fats. Additionally, cooking with little or no salt is recommended since a baby’s body cannot correctly handle sodium.