How to introduce solid foods in the baby's menu

The baby led weaning (BLW) is a way of feeding the baby without resorting to crushed food, leaving him free to feed himself and offering him food in formats he can take with their own hands. The BLW is not a recent invention, it is something that has always existed, or is it that our ancestors were

The baby led weaning (BLW) is a way of feeding the baby without resorting to crushed food, leaving him free to feed himself and offering him food in formats he can take with their own hands.

The BLW is not a recent invention, it is something that has always existed, or is it that our ancestors were fed on purees and following the recommendations of a pediatrician? However, in this era in which new technologies dominate our lives, this is one of the trends that lean towards a more natural way of doing things.

Starting at what age we can give the baby solid foods

After 6 months, the babies begin to show an interest in food, especially if they sit down at the table with the rest of the family, and this is the moment ideal to let you experiment with the new flavors and textures. In addition, it is around 7-9 months when they begin to develop fine motor skills, being able to use their thumb and forefinger as a clamp to pick up food and take it to their mouths.

Initially the foods that can be offered are, for example, carrot sticks or well-cooked broccoli flowers, banana slices, pear sticks or other very ripe fruit (it can be cooked if the fruit is not soft enough), bread sticks or Toast cut into strips if you already eat gluten, rice or cooked pasta ... The options are endless, depending on what you are used to eating at home, although it is most likely that the baby shows more interest in what is on the plate. popes or older brothers, than in what we offer them. In this case, there is no problem in letting him try, most likely only take a tiny portion, which satiate your curiosity until the next family meal.

Minced meat is a very interesting option when you already manage your fingers with ease, since it is necessary to ensure an iron intake from 6 months of age. Small pieces of chicken, fish or eggs ... can also be offered at the appropriate age, although, curiously, many babies are able to pick up a chicken drumstick and leave it completely clean long before the parents think.

When the baby is already familiar with soft textures, foods that require more chewing may be offered, such as raw vegetables such as peppers or harder fruits, such as apples.

Advantages and disadvantages of the baby led weaning for babies Ventajas - Advantages:

As advantages, the BLW offers many of them, the baby can sit down and share the meal with the rest of the family, is exposed to a great variety of flavors and textures from an early age, which makes it less likely to reject other foods that are introduced later, and also helps the baby decide how much to eat, a very important lesson to prevent obesity . Des - Disadvantages: However, with the BLW, much more food is wasted, since when feeding only the baby drops a large part of the soil and is, in general, a dirtier option than puree-based food.

When choosing the best complementary food option, it is important to remember that the amount you eat is not as important as the variety of textures and flavors

you face, as the amount will increase little by little, but If it stagnates in a single texture it will be difficult to make it change. Carlota Reviriego Nutritionist