If you’re a parent of a young child, chances are you’ve heard of baby led weaning.
Maybe you’ve even considered it for your own little one. But what exactly is baby led weaning?
And is it right for your family? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of this popular parenting method.
The Pros of Baby Led Weaning
There are definitely some advantages to letting your baby lead the way when it comes to solid foods.
For starters, it can save you a lot of time and energy.
With traditional spoon-feeding, parents have to take the time to puree or chop foods into small pieces, then feed their child bite by bite.
With baby led weaning, all you have to do is put a plate of food in front of your little one and let them go to town!
Another pro of baby led weaning is that it allows babies to develop their own preferences when it comes to food.
From an early age, they’re able to experiment with different tastes and textures, and learn what they like and don’t like.
This can lead to less picky eating habits down the road.
Finally, some parents find that baby led weaning leads to quicker acceptance of solid foods and fewer feeding problems overall.
Since babies are in control of how much they eat, they’re more likely to eat only until they’re full, rather than overeating or being forced to eat when they’re not really hungry.
The Cons of Baby Led Weaning
Of course, there are also some drawbacks to baby led weaning that parents should be aware of.
First of all, it can be messy! If you’re not comfortable with your little one making a mess while they eat, this probably isn’t the right method for you.
Another downside is that baby led weaning requires parents to be more flexible when it comes to meal times.
With traditional spoon-feeding, parents can pretty much stick to a strict schedule since they’re in control of how much and how fast their child eats.
But with baby led weaning, mealtimes will vary depending on how long your child takes to eat their meal. So if you’re someone who likes things to run like clockwork, this might not be the best option for you.
Conclusion
So what’s the verdict? Is baby led weaning right for your family?
Ultimately, that decision is up to you as the parent. But hopefully this overview has given you a better idea of the pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision about what’s best for your little one.
If you’re thinking about starting baby-led weaning, congratulations! You’re about to embark on an amazing journey of watching your little one explore new foods and discovering their own taste preferences.
But before you get started, you’ll need some supplies. Luckily, we’ve put together lists of the must-have baby led weaning supplies, so all you need to do is click the buttons below.
From high chairs to utensils, we’ve got you covered. So what are you waiting for? Click the buttons below and get started on your baby-led weaning adventure!