Baby-led weaning is a method of introducing solid foods to an infant that involves allowing the infant to feed themselves, using their hands to pick up and eat solid foods. This approach is based on the idea that infants are capable of self-feeding and that they will naturally transition to solid foods when they are...
Home LearningBaby-led Weaning - How to do it?
Baby-led weaning is a method of introducing solid foods to an infant that involves allowing the infant to feed themselves, using their hands to pick up and eat solid foods. This approach is based on the idea that infants are capable of self-feeding and that they will naturally transition to solid foods when they are ready.
To do baby-led weaning, parents can follow these steps:
Start when the infant is ready:
The best time to start baby-led weaning is when the infant is around 6 months old and is showing signs of readiness, such as being able to sit up unassisted and having lost the extrusion reflex (the reflex that causes an infant to push solid food out of their mouth with their tongue). Starting baby-led weaning too early or too late can be difficult for the infant and can make the process more challenging.
Offer a variety of foods:
To ensure that the infant is getting enough nutrition, it is important to offer a variety of foods. This can include fruits, vegetables, grains, protein-rich foods, and dairy products. Offer a variety of colors and textures, and try to expose the infant to new flavors and cuisines. This can help to develop the infant’s taste buds and can also ensure that they are getting a balanced diet.
Cut foods into appropriate sizes and shapes:
To prevent choking, it is important to cut foods into appropriate sizes and shapes. Foods should be cut into small, bite-sized pieces that the infant can easily pick up and chew. Foods that are particularly hard or difficult to chew, such as raw carrots or apples, should be steamed or cooked until they are soft and easy to chew.
Let the infant feed themselves: During baby-led weaning, the infant should be allowed to feed themselves, using their hands to pick up and eat solid foods. This can be messy, but it is an important part of the process, as it allows the infant to develop their fine motor skills and to learn how to eat solid foods.
Be patient: The process of baby-led weaning can be slow and frustrating, and it is important for parents to be patient. Infants may refuse to eat certain foods, or may have trouble swallowing, and this is normal. It can take time for infants
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