{"id":2879,"date":"2023-04-21T09:10:00","date_gmt":"2023-04-21T01:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blissbies.com\/sg\/?p=2879"},"modified":"2024-09-04T15:39:24","modified_gmt":"2024-09-04T07:39:24","slug":"baby-led-weaning","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blissbies.com\/sg\/blog\/baby-led-weaning\/","title":{"rendered":"Baby-led Weaning (Blw) In Singapore: What It Is, How To Do It, And The Benefits"},"content":{"rendered":"

As parents, introducing solid foods to our babies is a significant milestone in their development. Traditionally, parents used purees and spoon-feeding to introduce solid foods to their babies. However, in recent years, a new approach to introducing solid foods has gained popularity in Singapore \u2013 Baby-led Weaning (BLW). In this article, we’ll explore what Baby-led Weaning is, how to do it, and the benefits for parents and babies in Singapore.<\/p>

What is Baby-led Weaning (BLW)?<\/h2>

Baby-led Weaning (BLW) is an approach to introducing solid foods to babies that allows them to feed themselves, instead of being spoon-fed by their parents. The basic principle of BLW is to offer age-appropriate foods in their natural form, such as soft fruits and vegetables, rather than purees.<\/p>

BLW encourages babies to explore and develop their fine motor skills by grasping and manipulating the food with their hands and mouths.<\/p>

Benefits Of BLW Compared To Traditional Weaning<\/h2>
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There are several benefits to using Baby-led Weaning over traditional weaning methods, including:<\/p>

Improved motor development and coordination<\/h3>

BLW allows babies to develop their fine motor skills by grasping and manipulating their food. This helps them to develop hand-eye coordination, as well as improve their ability to use utensils later on.<\/p>

Better appetite control and food preferences<\/h3>

BLW allows babies to choose what and how much they want to eat, helping them to develop a healthy relationship with food and develop their taste preferences.<\/p>

Positive impact on family meals and eating habits<\/h3>

BLW encourages babies to join in with family meals, promoting healthy eating habits and family bonding.<\/p>

Risks and safety considerations of BLW<\/h2>

Like all approaches to introducing solid foods to babies, there are some risks and safety considerations associated with BLW. These include:<\/p>

Item<\/th>Description<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Choking hazards<\/td>BLW involves offering babies solid foods that they need to chew and swallow, increasing the risk of choking. Parents should be trained in first aid and be aware of the signs of choking and how to handle it.<\/td><\/tr>
Choking hazards<\/td>Parents must ensure that the foods they offer their baby through BLW are age-appropriate and nutritionally balanced to ensure their baby is getting all the nutrients they need.<\/td><\/tr>
Nutritional adequacy<\/td>Parents must ensure that the foods they offer their baby through BLW are age-appropriate and nutritionally balanced to ensure their baby is getting all the nutrients they need.<\/td><\/tr>
Handling picky eaters<\/td>Some babies may take longer to accept solid foods and may be more resistant to trying new foods. Parents must be patient and offer a variety of healthy options to encourage their baby to explore different tastes and textures.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>

How to Do Baby-led Weaning (BLW)<\/h2>
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Before starting Baby-led Weaning, it’s essential to ensure your baby is ready for solid foods. Most babies are ready for solid foods at around six months old, when they can sit up unaided and have good head control.<\/p>

Age-appropriate food for BLW<\/h3>

When it comes to selecting age-appropriate food for BLW, it’s essential to offer foods that are soft enough for your baby to manipulate and chew. Some good examples of age-appropriate foods include:<\/p>