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Baby-Led Weaning: The Evidence to Date

Amy Brown Orcid Logo, Sara Jones Orcid Logo, HANNAH ROWAN

Current Nutrition Reports, Volume: 6, Issue: 2, Pages: 148 - 156

Swansea University Authors: Amy Brown Orcid Logo, Sara Jones Orcid Logo, HANNAH ROWAN

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Abstract

Purpose of Review: Infants are traditionally introduced to solid foods using spoon-feeding of specially prepared infant foods. Recent Findings: However, over the last 10–15 years, an alternative approach termed ‘baby-led weaning’ has grown in popularity. This approach involves allowing infants to se...

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Published in: Current Nutrition Reports
ISSN: 2161-3311
Published: Springer Science and Business Media LLC 2017
Online Access: Check full text

URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa33244
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Abstract: Purpose of Review: Infants are traditionally introduced to solid foods using spoon-feeding of specially prepared infant foods. Recent Findings: However, over the last 10–15 years, an alternative approach termed ‘baby-led weaning’ has grown in popularity. This approach involves allowing infants to self-feed family foods, encouraging the infant to set the pace and intake of the meal. Proponents of the approach believe it promotes healthy eating behaviour and weight gain trajectories, and evidence is starting to build surrounding the method. This review brings together all empirical evidence to date examining behaviours associated with the approach, its outcomes and confounding factors. Summary: Overall, although there is limited evidence suggesting that a baby-led approach may encourage positive outcomes, limitations of the data leave these conclusions weak. Further research is needed, particularly to explore pathways to impact and understand the approach in different contexts and populations.
Keywords: Baby-led weaning; Weaning; Introduction solid foods; Complementary feeding; Responsive feeding; Infant-led; Breastfeeding; Maternal; Infant; Weight; Eating behaviour; Appetite control; Maternal feeding style; Nutrient intake; Energy regulation; Choking
College: Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences
Issue: 2
Start Page: 148
End Page: 156