For those from the era of purees like me, this method—which has gained more and more followers in Brazil and especially abroad—may even come as a shock. A new approach to infant feeding, the BLW method, forgoes mashed purees or blended foods.

For mothers who have adopted BLW as a reference for infant feeding, it gives freedom to the baby, who is now learning to eat solid foods, to eat with their own little hands, and in the amount that makes them feel full. BLW, which stands for Baby Led Weaning (weaning led by the baby), can greatly help with the baby’s motor coordination as they are introduced to complementary feeding.

The foods offered should have different textures to help with chewing

The method consists of offering whole pieces of food to the child. Whole? Yes! Of course, soft foods like fruits and cooked vegetables that can be safely picked up and brought to the mouth by the child. I was already doing BLW without even knowing what it was, but with foods like cornstarch biscuits and fruits that break down easily, such as papaya, for example. The technique was developed and refined by the British Gill Rapley and has gained more followers every day for the easiness and learning it brings to the baby.

How to Start BLW in Infant Feeding?

The BLW method skips mashed or blended foods for babies over six months old, so what should you do? Simply choose softer, well-cooked foods for your child. Not only is this easier for them to eat (since they have no teeth yet) but it also makes digestion easier later. The food should be of a size the baby can easily hold, meaning large pieces. Babies who are introduced only to BLW may resist picking up the food at first, but over time, they get used to it and it becomes routine. Don’t worry too much about the mess during mealtime, as the BLW method means the child will get messy, and that’s normal!

The BLW method works in such a way that chewing is encouraged, motor coordination is developed, and the baby’s psychological well-being is supported. The child develops an awareness that they can feed themselves when provided with food, even if it’s in a non-traditional way.

The ideal is to allow the child to get used to the method gradually. The mother can help at first, of course, but if the child shows a desire to feed themselves, the mother should not interfere. One important and widely discussed point in this method of starting infant feeding is the issue of choking. When I first heard about it, choking came immediately to mind. Isn’t the child more exposed to choking with this method?

Children who practice BLW should always be closely monitored, but the human body has mechanisms to prevent choking in infants. The body has an anti-choking system that improves over time, and the baby’s initial reflexes help a lot. If a piece is too big, the baby takes it out of their mouth themselves. On the other hand, very small foods should also be avoided, as they pose a risk for the baby, so choose foods that can be chewed before swallowing. The most recommended foods for this stage of introducing infant feeding are:

  • Potatoes
  • Cucumbers
  • Carrots
  • Mangoes
  • Apples
  • Bananas
  • Papaya

These are the foods babies like most, but anything can be offered, except meat until the pediatrician approves. Seasoning should be added when cooking and should be the same as what the family normally eats, except for chili peppers and spicy spices. If you’re unsure about the BLW method, no one is better than the pediatrician and specialists to reassure moms and dads about the risks and benefits of this type of infant feeding.

See also: Reflux in Newborns – How to Diagnose and Treat

Photo: Gail