Comparison of food and nutrient intake in infants aged 6–12 months, following baby‐led or traditional weaning: A cross‐sectional study

Abstract

Background A baby‐led approach to weaning (BLW) encompasses self‐feeding and self‐selecting graspable foods, offering an alternative to traditional weaning (TW). This cross‐sectional study explored adherence to characteristics of BLW and differences in food group exposure and nutrient intake between babies following either TW or BLW. Methods Nutritional data were collected via multiple‐pass 24‐h recall, following parental completion of an online survey. Results Infants were grouped according to age (6–8 months; TW [n = 36] and BLW [n = 24]) and (9–12 months; TW [n = 24] and BLW [n = 12]). BLW babies were more likely to be breast fed (p = 0.002), consumed a higher percentage of foods also consumed by their mother (p = 0.008) and were fed less purees (p < 0.001) at 6–8 months. TW babies were spoon fed more (p ≤ 0.001) at all ages. Amongst babies aged 6–8 months, total intake (from complementary food plus milk) of iron (p = 0.021), zinc (p = 0.048), iodine (p = 0.031), vitamin B12 (p = 0.002) and vitamin D (p = 0.042) and both vitamin B12 (p = 0.027) and vitamin D (p = 0.035) from complementary food alone was higher in babies following TW. Compared to TW, BLW babies aged 6–8 months had a higher percentage energy intake from fat (p = 0.043) and saturated fat (p = 0.026) from their milk. No differences in nutrient intake were observed amongst infants aged 9–12 months. Few differences were observed between groups in their number of exposures to specific food groups. Conclusions TW infants had higher intakes of key micronutrients at 6–8 months, although there were few differences in nutritional intake at 9–12 months or food group exposure between babies following TW or BLW. BLW appears to be socially desirable. Guidance for parents is required, along with larger, longer‐term studies, which explore the potential impact of BLW in later childhood.

Estimated energy and nutrient intake for infants following baby‐led and traditional weaning approaches

“…Median consumption for both groups was under the WHO recommendation of 830 calories from milk and solids for infants of 9–11 months with one‐third of babies in each group consuming over the EAR. Likewise, this converging of energy intakes between BLW and TW infants was also found in the 24‐h recall reported by Pearce and Langley‐Evans 12 …”

“…Finally, both UK 24‐h recall studies found low levels of iron consumption, with BLW infants consuming lower amounts than TW infants. This was attributed to a lower intake of iron fortified cereal in BLW infants, although it was also noted that lower levels of iron in breastmilk may skew this issue 10,12 . As noted above, amounts may be lower but absorption occurs at a greater level.…”

Use of the Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) Method in Complementary Feeding of the Infant—A Cross-Sectional Study of Mothers Using and Not Using the BLW Method

“…The study showed that in infants aged 40-52 weeks, the mean intake in both groups was in line with WHO recommendations of 830 calories from milk and solid foods for infants aged 9-11 months. However, a study in a group of infants aged 26-39 weeks showed that the TW group consumed significantly more energy, carbohydrate, and protein, along with key micronutrients such as iron, calcium, and vitamin D. Pearce et al [44] conducted among TW and BLW children at 6-8 months and 9-12 months observed that spoon-fed children (TW) regardless of age were fed more frequently. No differences in nutrient intake were observed among children aged 9-12 months.…”

Complementary feeding: Should baby be leading the way?

“… 7 reported that 80% of their sample were educated to at least degree level and, although 69% of “traditionally” weaning mothers were breastfeeding at 6 months, 88% were doing so in the baby‐led group. 7 Similarly, Pearce and Langley‐Evans 6 found that baby‐led weaning mothers were more likely (86% baby led vs. 73% traditional weaning) to be breastfeeding beyond 6 months and were better educated than traditionally weaning women. To put this into context, only 75% of women in England and Wales (where these studies were conducted 6 , 7 ) even initiate breastfeeding and only 34% still breastfeed (only 1% exclusively) to 6 months.…”

“…7 Similarly, Pearce and Langley-Evans 6 found that baby-led weaning mothers were more likely (86% baby led vs. 73% traditional weaning) to be breastfeeding beyond 6 months and were better educated than traditionally weaning women. To put this into context, only 75% of women in England and Wales (where these studies were conducted 6,7 ) even initiate breastfeeding and only 34% still breastfeed (only 1% exclusively) to 6 months. The clear sample bias issues in the literature make it difficult to dissect out any real effect of baby-led weaning from generally strong maternal health behaviours.…”