Lecture 13: Baby-Led Weaning Flashcards
What are the two forms of baby-led weaning?
Parent-led and baby-led
What is baby-led?
Baby feeds themselves from the start, rather than being spoon fed
What is parent-led?
Generally referring to spoon feeding
What are the MOH texture recommendations?
- Pureed (6-7mo)
- Mashed/Finger Foods (7-8mo)
- Chopped (8-12mo)
- Family Foods (>12mo)
Who was baby-led weaning documented by originally?
Gill Rapley
Why is baby-led weaning not currently recommended by MOH?
There is lack of evidence around the safety of it
What are the key features of baby-led weaning?
Baby-Led = self feeding
Family foods = same as the rest of the family
Mealtimes = family sits together
Milk Feeding = milk feeds continue on demand
Why is it important that baby and family sit together at meal times?
So they baby can learn from family members
What are the potential risks of BLW?
- Iron deficiency
- Zinc deficiency
- Growth faltering due to inadequate energy intake
- Choking
What are the potential benefits of BLW?
- Energy self-regulation
- Lower risk of obesity
- Better diet quality
- Motor development
- Convenience
What are some areas for improvement regarding the foods infants are consuming?
- Over half eating choking risk foods
- Far too much sugar and salt
What does BLISS stand for?
Baby-Led Introduction to Solids Study
What was the BLISS study objective?
To determine whether a novel approach to CF using foods that an infant can feed themselves, can prevent the development of overweight in infants and toddlers without detrimental effects on their iron status or growth
What type of study was BLISS?
An RCT with 200 infants
BLISS modified BLW to address what?
- Growth faltering
- Iron deficiency
- Choking
What interventions did the intervention group have? (BLISS group)
- Standard ‘Well Child’ care
- Group education
- Lactation visits
- Bliss visits
- Many more check ups
What interventions did the control group have?
- Just standard ‘well child’ care
- Measurement visits
- Only 3 check ups (vs.7)
Did bliss demonstrate proposed concerns regarding growth faltering?
Energy intakes were similar, no concerns around growth faltering
Did BLISS demonstrate proposed concerns regarding iron deficiency?
No differences in iron intake or iron status
- Bliss were offered resources on high iron foods which maybe increased their levels to the same as spoon fed
Did BLISS demonstrate proposed concerns regarding choking?
No difference in the risk of choking
What other positive outcomes did BLISS demonstrate that may benefit infants?
- Less fussy
- Enjoyed food more
What does FFNZ stand for?
The First Foods New Zealand Study
What were the aims of FFNZ?
To describe in NZ infants:
- Relationship of BLW and baby food pouch use
- Diet
- Sustainability attitudes, knowledge and behaviours
- Cost of CF
FFNZ aimed to explain the relationship of BLW and baby food pouch use with….
- Nutrient and food intake
- Choking
- Oral motor skills
- Iron status
- Growth
- Dental health
- Eating behaviours
