Transitions in raising beans truly require effort from mamas like you and one of the first of these is changing what the little ones eat. The precious beans can’t have just milk during their infant stage, right? Weaning is the process of introducing your breast-fed or bottle-fed beans to solid foods at around the age of 6 months. Meanwhile, there is now Baby-led Weaning (BLW) which promotes self-feeding and involves the immediate intake of baby-sized regular foods instead of starting with purees and spoon-feedings. Take a look at the benefits we listed to learn more about BLW and this simple guide to follow when adopting this process.
Benefits of Baby-led Weaning
Helps develop good eating behaviors
BLW allows beans to choose the food and how much to eat. This makes them active in the feeding process rather than simply being recipients. Also, it was found in a study that upon reaching 18-24 months of age, the little ones who are in the BLW process tend to recognize the feeling of fullness more compared to those who take traditional spoon-fed food and purees. This transitions to their toddler stage where they are less responsive to foods, or in other words, they eat due to hunger rather than simply having food within their reach.
Lower possibility of obesity and weight gain
In connection with the previous benefit, the good eating behaviors of beans will allow them to avoid excess weight gain and obesity as they grow. This is because they will likely stop eating when full and will not be overfed.
Reduction of picky eating
Baby-led weaning is also found to reduce the likeliness of beans developing picky eating behaviors. With the early introduction of a wide variety of foods, they exhibit more acceptance since more tastes and textures are learned at an early stage. This also applies for the mamas and papas like you because parents who adopt BLW will be less likely to pressure the beans to eat since they will independently respond to hunger.
Starting Baby-led Weaning
Starter foods
Here are some starter foods in the BLW process:
- avocado
- baked, skinless potatoes or sweet potatoes
- banana
- beans or peas, slightly mashed
- de-segmented orange without inner skins
- ground meat
- ground nuts and seeds
- hard-boiled egg
- lentils
- oatmeal
- salmon
- soft-boiled green beans
- steamed or shredded carrots
- steamed broccoli
- thawed or slightly mashed berries
- unsweetened yogurt
It is important to note that foods are sliced or cut into baby-sized pieces for your bean’s intake. Simply place the small amount of food in front of your bean and allow them to feed themselves under your supervision. In terms of nutrition, remember to offer iron-rich foods such as meat, eggs, fish, and leafy greens in their meals.
Foods to avoid
- Honey: may contain Clostridium botulinum, which are bacteria that can cause a very serious form of food poisoning; avoid for beans under 12 months of age
- Undercooked eggs: more likely to contain Salmonella, which are bacteria that can cause harm to your bean
- Unpasteurized dairy products and luncheon meats: can contain Listeria monogenes, bacteria that can make your bean ill
- Cow’s milk: isn’t as rich in nutrients as breast milk or formula, is low in iron, and may reduce iron absorption from foods
- Low-fat products: beans need a significantly higher percentage of calories from fat than adults which makes these inappropriate
- Sugary, salty, or highly processed foods: typically low in nutrients and too much salt and sugar can damage your bean’s kidneys and teeth respectively
- Foods that can obstruct a bean’s airway
- Certain raw foods: raw apples, carrots, celery, broccoli stems, etc.
- Round or coin-shaped foods: whole grapes, cherry tomatoes, hot dogs, hard candy, etc.
- Hard or crumbly foods: popcorn, very hard-crusted bread, whole nuts, etc.
- Sticky foods: thick nut butters, marshmallows, etc.
Safety
Part of the baby-led weaning process is introducing your bean to allergens as they reach 6 months of age. Common allergens include dairy, eggs, peanuts, fish, seafood, soy, wheat, sesame, and tree nuts. It is important to note that these should be introduced in small quantities one at a time with an interval of 2 to 3 days before the next introduction. Be sure to monitor reactions too, if any. Delaying this may result in a greater risk of beans developing an allergy.
A concern in BLW and even the traditional weaning is the possibility of choking. However, proper measures and supervision can lower the possibility. Take note of some of the guidelines during weaning:
- Ensure your bean is sitting straight when eating
- Never leave your bean alone when eating
- Ensure that the foods you serve can be easily mashed between your fingers or when pressed between your lips
- Cut foods in a lengthy shape that your bean can easily grasp and pick up
- Keep in mind the list of foods to avoid
Considering Baby-led Weaning
Baby-led weaning has a range of benefits in which your bean can hold on to as he or she continues to grow. Even if the process involves self-feeding by the bean, remember it still needs a great amount of effort and consistency from the parents. Always keep in mind the needs and what to avoid for your bean to maximize the benefits and remain safe during the process.
