The baby‐led weaning method: A focus on mealtime behaviours, food acceptance and fine motor skills
Meghan Campeau, Sarah Philippe, Rose Martini, Bénédicte Fontaine‐Bisson
Abstract
Abstract Baby‐led weaning (BLW) is an alternative complementary feeding method by which children feed themselves starting at 6 months with suitable solid finger foods. Despite its increasing popularity worldwide, research is limited on its effects on diet‐related behaviours and no study has yet addressed its association with fine motor skills. This cross‐sectional study aimed to compare 10‐ to 14‐month‐old children's mealtime behaviours, food acceptance and fine motor skills between the BLW and traditional spoon‐feeding (TSF) methods ( n = 82; 41 per group). Parents completed three online questionnaires regarding feeding practices, eating behaviours and food consumption acceptance, and the Peabody developmental motor scale test was performed in person with each child. Compared to the TSF method, BLW was associated with a higher satiety responsiveness score (mean ± SEM: BLW 13.6 ± 0.5 vs. TSF 11.6 ± 0.5, p = 0.005), a slower eating pace (BLW 10.0 ± 0.5 vs. TSF 11.4 ± 0.5, p = 0.04), and a marginally higher grasping skill score and fine motor quotient ( p = 0.05 for both). There was no difference in food acceptance between the two feeding methods. Parental pressure was negatively associated with some food acceptance and mealtime behaviours. BLW is associated with beneficial mealtime behaviours and possibly with fine motor skills development. This study reiterates the importance of avoiding pressuring infants while eating.