Advantages and Disadvantages of the BLW Method

The BLW (acronym for Baby Led Weaning which means Weaning Guided by the Baby) is a method of Feeding Introduction that has become increasingly popular here in Brazil. In recent years, books and content on the subject began to appear on the Internet and many mothers decided to try this approach.

But the discussion about what is best and safest for the baby is still alive in the BLW communities. That is why it is important to know the advantages and disadvantages of the BLW method before deciding on this method in AI.

Today we have very useful information to help you at this time and we want you to be aware of the benefits and challenges you will encounter. So read the article to the end and leave your opinion in the comments to exchange more information.

Benefits

There are many advantages to opting for the BLW method, below are the main benefits observed by mothers who used this approach.

Autonomy

One of the main benefits of BLW is to give autonomy to a 6-month-old baby to be able to decide what to eat, how much to eat and let him take the food himself . This provides a sense of control that greatly helps the baby to develop autonomy. Unlike baby food, where the baby receives food passively, in BLW he will be active at all times during meals.

self-regulation

Babies are born knowing how much they need to eat. That’s why breastfeeding on demand is so encouraged, after all they know whether or not they need to feed and we need to trust that . If we adults start interfering with the amount of milk or food (whether for more or less) we will be disrupting the very signals that the baby perceives about their needs. This could extend into adulthood, becoming an eating disorder.

Less selectivity

Children who have started BLW feeding suffer less from food selectivity . This phase is common and begins around 2 years old, when the baby starts to eat only a few foods and no longer accepts trying new things. However, one of the benefits of BLW is that from the beginning the baby knows the real flavors and textures of the food . Children who start eating for baby food are at greater risk of not accepting the same whole foods later on.

eat together with the family

When the baby is free to feed alone (with supervision, always!) the family is able to eat together . There is no need for someone to keep feeding food into the baby’s mouth and this makes things much easier. In addition, eating together with the baby makes him feel part of this moment and also mimics the behavior of the adult, eating and experiencing the same foods that he sees the parents eating. 

Chewing

Offering whole foods favors chewing. In addition to the benefits for food, the movements developed are also important for speech . Although many mothers are afraid that such a young baby does not know how to chew, be aware that by offering the food at the correct texture and cooking point, the 6-month-old will instinctively chew . If this doesn’t happen, the baby is probably not ready yet, so be on the lookout for signs of readiness .

Interest in food

When the baby eats with his hands and is free to choose what and how much to eat, interest in food becomes greater. The act of eating becomes an interesting experience and he will pay attention to all the sensations that the food arouses. 

pleasure to eat

Also in this line of interest in food, at BLW the meal time will be fun and not an obligation or a stressful moment, as happens a lot. If you accept that not every day your baby will eat the amount you expect and trust the process over time, you will be reassured so that your baby will see meals as a pleasure . Never forget to face this phase with a lot of empathy and respect for your baby!

eat on the street

Another advantage is not having to worry about preparing and carrying baby food in your bag when you go out. The baby who makes BLW easily eats a buffet food . Take care, of course, of seasonings and the cooking point. But you know that you can easily find potatoes, carrots or beets cooked in restaurants . Bring a big bib and let your baby participate in this moment too.

Disadvantages

There are also disadvantages, but here are also suggestions to work around these problems if you are determined to opt for BLW.

Dirt

This may or may not be an issue depending on your concern for cleanliness . Because BLW is actually more messy than baby food. It’s eaten on the floor, on clothes, in hair, it’s eaten by everything. But, honestly, I believe this is what makes the moment even more fun for the child . Wear sleeved bibs, place a plastic towel on the floor and prevent as much as you can, but when it’s time to eat, let it get dirty. Here on the blog there’s a whole post on how to reduce dirt on BLW , take the opportunity to see these tips.

lack of support

Another very common and discouraging problem is not having support from the baby ‘s family or pediatrician . If the mother is already full of doubts at the beginning of the AI, imagine choosing a method that the doctor or the baby’s father does not support. But this is quite common, you know? BLW is relatively new, and people are afraid of new things . The best way to face this disadvantage is to learn a lot and seek information to share with those people who are doubting the method . A reliable way to learn and still have professional support is to take a Food Introduction Course (which is cheaper than seeing a nutritionist).

School and other caregivers

It is not recommended that the baby be fed piecemeal food away from the mother or a caregiver who is extremely knowledgeable about BLW . Whether at school or with grandparents, prefer that they give food as they feel safer in doing it. This is because to use this approach, it is necessary to know all the precautions in food preparation and during the meal. Only those who have prepared for this will know if the baby is eating safely.

longer meals

The clock can also be an obstacle. If you’re not willing to let your baby eat in his time , even if it takes 1 hour or more, rethink BLW. Because in the beginning the baby is still in an exploratory phase , it is an illusion to think that he will sit down, eat and that’s it, as we adults do. He will pick it up, knead it, squeeze it and gradually eat it. It is important to make him comfortable and be aware that the meal is gradually taking shape and becoming more organized.

Not having control over the amount

Some mothers also don’t feel confident if they don’t know exactly how much food the baby has eaten . But in BLW this is very difficult to know. There’s a lot of food on the floor, on clothes, it’s bitten and dropped, crumpled food and at the end of the meal we don’t know how much the baby really ate. But hence the importance of respecting his self-regulation , if he is satisfied, trust him.

Conclusion

There are many advantages and disadvantages in BLW , but in my calculations the balance is very positive for the baby . There are ways around the disadvantages, as I’ve shown in the threads. Therefore, reading and understanding the method well is an important first step before starting the AI . To be able to conduct this process safely and confidently, it is necessary to be well informed and know the pros and cons of this type of diet.

Here on the blog you will find dozens of articles to help in this very important phase for the baby’s development. And if you don’t find the answer you are looking for, leave your question in the comments or contact us by email . We want you to make the best decision and we know how it will impact the rest of your child’s life. So, count on us!

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Dr. Tabriella Perivolaris, Sara's mother and fan of fashion, beauty, motherhood, among others, about the female universe. Since 2018 she has been working as a copywriter, always bringing to her articles a little of her experience and experience as a mother and woman.

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