As you already know, the Baby Lead Weaning (BLW) consists of offering the baby that is already prepared for complementary feeding, whole foods, instead of purees or porridges. Whole, but the ideal size for handymen to grasp and put in their mouths.
It is evident that there are a series of safety recommendations so that you do not choke; and on the other hand it must be remembered that supplementary feeding (Ideally, it will start at six months, although there are variations that we can talk about another day). Well Today we are going to talk about the BLW, a 'method' (not exactly, but so that we understand each other) that many of us who have adolescent children, we have put into practice by pure intuition, without knowing that it had a name.
I would like to mention an article published in the specialized journal "Evidences in pediatrics", which is called 'Complementary feeding on demand with educational parental support does not increase the risk of suffocation'. The objective of this study is to determine if the introduction of solids, directed by the baby (BLW), and with parental educational support, would have a greater risk of choking and suffocation than when using a spoon.
The main conclusion is that 'the BLW with advice to parents to minimize the risk of suffocation does not appear to increase choking episodes compared to traditional (spoon) feeding'. However, The large number of children who receive food at risk of suffocation is worrying, and I will also talk about this below.
It is a study without conflicts of interest, in which both the population and the intervention are clearly defined; The investigation is justified by the concern that still exists in the risk of retching and suffocation.
The BLW is not only suitable, it is beneficial.
Well, it stimulates psychomotor development, and makes it easier for them to accept solid foods; it is also a nice way to introduce complementary food, since we adapt to the appetite and preferences of babies. It is no less important that mothers tend to be more relaxed.
BLW is not suitable before six months.
Since the baby is required to remain seated without help from anyone, the extrusion reflex (through which they expel food other than milk with the tongue) has disappeared and can put the hands with food to the mouth; by the way, at this age they still do not clamp using their thumb, but they take with their whole hand.
Also, if the baby suffers from stagnation in psychomotor development or gains little weight, it would be advisable to consult the pediatrician, even when we think that the cause is not the freedom to eat more or less, depending on their appetite. Let's think that breast milk continues to adapt to the nutritional needs of babies as they grow.
Prohibited foods at BLW.
At BLW we usually offer the little ones the same food that we eat, but in a more suitable quantity and size, and we give them the freedom to take it with their hand. Therefore, it is logical to think that in general they will be cooked. However, we also eat raw food, and without risk because we have well developed jaws and complete teeth.
A baby should not eat: raw apples or charlottes, or other vegetables such as celery, radishes, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, whole grain corn, peas or beans. Nor are pears of harder varieties such as blanquilla or cherries, raisins, grapes. Totally prohibited peanuts and other nuts, as well as corn pancakes (or rice, although they are easier to destroy). We will wait longer for the sausages, and we will leave candies and other sweets aside, because they are too small not only because of the risk of choking, but because of the amount of sugar.
Finally, I would like to conclude by remembering that advice to parents is important, especially if they demand it, or if the professional determines that there is confusion; and that along with the adaptation to the baby's needs, common sense must remain, and vigilance regarding a diet varied in nutrients. The latter is not so important before 12 months, but if children are getting used to different flavors (without them feeling obliged) it will be easier for them to accept them later.