Surely you have already heard about baby-led weaning on more than one occasion and more if you are just starting the moment 'Complementary feeding'

In Spain Baby-led weaning is known as 'complementary feeding on demand', 'complementary feeding directed by the baby' or 'self-regulating'. Any of these translations refer to the baby leading the change and the introduction of new foods. ' That is, at the time the baby can begin to incorporate solid foods (approximately 6 months), pieces of food will be put that he can take and eat without crushed or pureed.

But it's not just that.

The approach extends to allowing the baby to decide when and how much food they need.

Do not panic!

According to the AEP (Spanish Association of Pediatrics) the breastfed baby decides when he wants to nurse and releases the breast when it has been enough. They themselves learn to regulate the amount they eat according to their needs, which protects them from obesity in the future. Thus, Based on the same approach, the association recommends that parents offer the food that the family takes so that he can take it with his hand and nibble. The figure of an adult giving porridge is not necessary. The rest of the time the baby will continue to breastfeed or bottle.

What foods are best suited to start?

The best time to starting the process is when you can sit unsupported and put a piece of food in your mouth. This more or less occurs around 6 months. At that time the most recommended foods are:

1- Steamed or cooked vegetables: In this case they can be whole or cut to the size of a finger since when they are cooked they are usually soft and you will not suffer thinking that they are going to choke. They can be: Broccoli, cauliflower, carrot, zucchini, potato, green bean, eggplant, squash, etc.

2- Raw and cut fruits like sticks: Banana, plum, avocado, pear, etc ... Avoid giving the apple as the first fruit, it is more difficult to crush with your gums.

3- Cooked meat, grilled: If you cut the meat into strips so that he can grab it himself he will practice. It is best to start with white meats like chicken or turkey. Later you can start with the veal.

4- Derivatives: You can also try cheese, bread (without crumbs), rice cakes, rice cooked in balls, macaroni, etc.

You should always respect the order of introduction of food recommended by your pediatrician. It is not advisable to introduce dairy or wheat prematurely. Obviously these foods must be offered without salt or sugar. 

What are the advantages of this way of introducing food?

• The baby imitates the parents and little by little he will get used to eating without crushing. Eat at the same time as the family and this helps establish important connections.
• You will be able to eat what is on your mother's plate. It is proven that babies, at a certain age, show a lot of interest in what is on their mother's plate. This way it is easier for him to eat too.
• It is much more comfortable for both of you. He can eat all the food that is on the table and you do not have to buy different foods or cook them in other ways.
• We avoid the passage from porridge to solids. Sometimes some parents comment on the difficulty of moving from porridge to solids.
• The baby eats at his own pace and how much he wants. Thanks to this he learns to regulate what he ingests without feeling bloated; which prevents you from future obesity.

Can my baby choke?

Many parents suffer when they hear about this type of feeding, but with a series of precautions this does not have to happen:

• Avoid hard and small foods (dried fruit, raw carrot, apple, etc.)
• You should always accompany you while you eat.
• If is one Premature baby may acquire these skills a little later. Don't force him.

It is beginning to appreciate that Babies who control what they put in their mouths have less risk of choking than when fed by an adult. At these ages, babies are unable to bring food to their throats. They develop it when they start chewing.

According to several articles, usually What causes suffocation in the baby is usually the inhalation of a small object that has been put in the mouth (coin, button, balloon pieces, small parts of toys or watch batteries) You have to be very careful with this type of object.

Recommendations:

The AEP in its Article  recommends a number of important points:

• Breastfeed whenever he wants and supplement with easy to handle pieces of food.
• He knows how much food he needs. Don't force him, don't force him, and don't rush him.
• If feeding on bottles keep 4-5 feedings a day.
• Decrease the risk of obesity in the future.
• It is favorable for the autonomy of the baby
• Easily adapts to family meals
• You don't want to have the table completely clean. It is a bit dirty method 😉

Enjoy your meal!