Is the Baby-Led Weaning an approach that could be recommended by the Health Service?

Abstract

Beginning with the complementary feeding is an important step, since a proper growth and development of the baby must be ensured. In the recent decades, the spoon-feeding method has been generalized. However, there is a method that is becoming more and more popular these days, known as Baby-Led Weaning (BLW). This method is based on the child feeding on its own, taking the offered foods (adapted to his/her development level) with his/her hands, and at the rate at which he/she decides to eat them. However, this prevailing method has also arisen uneasiness and doubt in both parents and professionals. This literature review based on questions intends to examine the feasibility and suitability of the BLW method by addressing the usual social doubts in order to provide answers from a scientific point of view. It also includes health authorities’ opinions and recommendations regarding BLW, emphasizing the need for further investigation into the issue.