Introdução alimentar convencional versus introdução alimentar com baby-led weaning (BLW): Revisão da literatura

Abstract

Food introduction should occur slowly and gradually, respecting the individuality of the baby and the family. Complementary feeding must meet the baby’s energy needs as a complement to breast milk and be based on a variety of foods, ensuring the nutritional intake of vitamins and minerals necessary for the baby’s growth. The aim of the present article is to compare two methods of food introduction, i.e., the traditional method, in which food is provided through potatoes and purees, and the baby-led weaning (BLW) method, in which the baby self-feeds with pieces of food, thus promoting autonomy. The present review demonstrated that the BLW method may be a good alternative for starting infant feeding. Parents must be aware that regardless of the method chosen for introduction of food to the baby, follow-up visits to a pediatrician and/or a dietitian are important to address the nutritional needs of this development stage.