Risks of Baby-Led Weaning
While baby-led weaning has gained popularity, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with this approach. A study review found that babies who were introduced to solid foods through baby-led weaning were more likely to be underweight compared to those who were spoon-fed. Surprisingly, both groups consumed the same amount of calories, but infants practicing baby-led weaning seemed to consume more saturated fat than their spoon-fed counterparts.
Diet Quality
The research regarding diet quality in relation to baby-led weaning is inconclusive. One study discovered no discernible differences in food preferences between infants who were introduced to solids using the baby-led weaning approach and those who were spoon-fed. However, another study indicated that baby-led weaning resulted in a preference for carbohydrates, whereas traditional weaning led to a preference for sweets. It is worth noting that baby-led weaning tends to increase sodium intake as most commercial baby foods and purees used in conventional weaning lack salt.