Spoon-feeding has traditionally been the prevalent way to introduce solids to babies. With this type of feeding technique, you start with smooth mashes or purées, and progress to thicker and lumpier textures over time. Due to the puréed nature, these foods need to be spoon-fed by a caretaker, but as you progress to thicker textures, you can hand your child the spoon and they can practice self-feeding.
Recently, there has been a growing trend called baby-led weaning. In a nutshell, baby-led weaning means skipping spoon-feeding purées and letting babies feed themselves finger foods right from the start—at about age 6 months.
The advocates for baby-led weaning state that it supports the development of hand-eye coordination, chewing skills, dexterity, and healthy eating habits. Additionally, it gives babies an opportunity to explore the taste, texture, aroma, and color of a variety of foods.
In this article we will explore the benefits and disadvantages of spoon-feeding and highlight some of the pros and cons of baby-led weaning in comparison, to help you make an informed decision.
Benefits of spoon-feeding
Being able to regulate how much your baby is eating and their nutritional intake.
Less mess!
Creates less food waste. Self-feeding means introducing a range of foods, many of which baby might turn down.
Less concern with choking.
Downsides of spoon-feeding
Less variety: You are limited to prepackaged puréed foods, or you have to take extra time to blend whole foods you want to incorporate in your baby’s diet.
Infants don’t get the tactile and sensory experience of feeding themselves.
You have to sit and spoon-feed baby at every meal instead of them exploring foods and textures by themselves.
It does not allow baby to self-regulate food intake, and baby is more likely to eat more when being spoon-fed.
It can slow down developmental skills when babies end up being on purées for too long.
Benefits of baby-led weaning
A greater sense of confidence in eating and food choices - Your baby has control over what he/she eats, promoting confidence and earlier expansion of their palette, often associated with less fussy eaters.
Increased satiety
An early learning of hunger and fullness cues
The development of fine motor skills and oral motor development
An increased acceptance of a variety of types, textures, and flavours
A higher intake of high-energy and fat-rich foods than spoon-fed babies
An overall healthy relationship with food
You can start with fresh whole foods vs. pre-packaged meals.
Downside of baby-led weaning
Potential safety concerns
Giving babies certain foods before they develop the neccessary skills to eat it can lead to gagging,
vomiting, and potentially choking.
It is harder to pinpoint an allergic reaction
If there are allergy concerns in the family, some pediatricians may recommend introducing foods one at a time. This helps to pinpoint which food was the culprit. If many foods are given at once, it’s more difficult to identify.
Do I have to choose between baby-led weaning and spoon-feeding?
There is no one best way to feed your baby. Recent studies found that there was no significant difference in nutrient intake between baby -ed weaning and traditional feeding, particularly if parents are providing appropriate foods.
Go with the feeding method that makes you comfortable, confident, and is the best fit for your family!
You can offer your baby a combination of mashed or puréed foods and finger foods starting at 4-6 months. As you introduce solids, you may find that your baby will prefer one way of feeding over the other, but they can still learn both skills at the same time. Just remember that the introduction of food is complementary to breastmilk and/or formula feeding, which should remain the primary source of nutrients and calories up to the first year.
Take Home Message
Traditionally spoon-feeding was the best way to introduce solids, but there are other methods such as baby- led weaning. There are pros and cons to each, but neither is superior to the other. You decide what works best for your child!
This article is written by Dr. Itumeleng Buti (MBChB)
References
1. NW Pediatric and Family Nutrition. The Pros And Cons Of Spoon Feeding And Baby Lead Weaning.[ Internet] NWPF Nutrition. [Updated 2017 May 16; Cited 2022 April 16] Available from: https://nwpfnutrition.com/pros-cons-spoon-feeding-baby-lead-weaning/
2. Spoonfulone. Baby-led Weaning vs Spoon Feeding: Different Ways to Introduce Solids. [ internet] [ Updated 2021 September 29; Cited 2022 April 16] Available from: https://www.spoonfulone.com/blogs/food-allergy-blog/baby-led-weaning-vs-spoon-feeding-different-ways-to-introduce-solids.
3. Katie Thomson. Benefits of Eating From a Spoon. [Internet] Squarebaby. [Cited 2022 April 16 2022] Available from: https://squarebaby.com/blogs/news/benefits-of-eating-from-a-spoon.
4. Cincinnati Children’s blog. Baby-Led Weaning: Pros, Cons, and Considering A Moderate Approach.[ Internet] Cited 2022 April 16. Available from: https://blog.cincinnatichildrens.org/healthy-living/child-development-and-behavior/baby-led-weaning-pros-cons-and-considering-a-moderate-approach.
5. Emily Carrus and Jenna Helwig. What is Baby-Led Weaning? How to Help Your Infant Feed Themselves. [ Internet] [ Updated 2021 June 15; Cited 2022 April 17] Available from: https://www.parents.com/baby/feeding/solid-foods/dos-and-donts-of-baby-led-weaning/
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