Regresar

Risks and benefits of Baby-Led Weaning, as a new proposal for the beginning of complementary feeding

Abstract:

Introduction: adequate feeding of children is a worldwide challenge, that is why it is important to know how to do it from the first months of life, ensuring proper growth and optimal development. It is of interest new methods such as Baby-Led Weaning (BLW), which is focused on a feeding guided by the same child, being he/she able to automate his/her own feeding rhythm. Aim: to describe the risks and benefits of Baby Led Weaning during the initiation of complementary feeding. Methodology: narrative literature review in PubMed and Cochcrane databases. Results: in comparison with those infants who were fed by baby led weaning, similar hemoglobin values were found, and the risk of asphyxia was the same in both groups. Choking can easily occur in infants who are initiating complementary feeding due to the fact of keeping the food constantly moving in the mouth and biting it for the first time. The findings are not sufficient to clarify the advantages and disadvantages of this new method. Conclusion: in this review it was found that BLW should be implemented at the beginning of breastfeeding, especially in children who are able to maintain a sitting position, taking into account the information gathered, it was shown that one of the most frequent risks is choking and among the benefits is the ability to self-monitor satiety.