Baby led weaning or spoon feeding?

Taking care of our babies and making sure nutritious food enter their little tummies is a common concern in parents. We want them to grow healthy, strong and vibrant.

Of course when the baby is born, their first food is breast milk and/or formula milk. Then after 6 months of age, the babies start feeding on soft puree food. The argument that many parents dive into here is which method is best when feeding my baby? Baby led weaning or spoon feeding?

Well there is no one best method here. It all depends on your baby’s feeding pattern, their preference, the environment set-up and your connection with them. For example, my 2 year old child started to feed on puree food in the age of 4 months. When he grew into a toddler, we noticed his preference and interest of feeding in a group. When he started going to the nursery, his teacher describes him eating well when he is sitting in a circle with his little buddies. At home, I also noticed his independency interest. He wants to play with his food, hold the spoon and fok, mix the yogurt with rice, serve the food for everyone like an adult and then starts eating by himself. When I saw his preference, I created the space for him. Whenever we would have our meals together, I prepare his favourite utensiles, and turn the dinning table into an activity for him.

I know some parents are concerned about the cleanliness and how messy the child can be when allowed to feed on his own. In this situation, what we can do is cover the place with plastic cover and let the child enjoy his or her independency while eating. I personally struggled with this but I also dream of seeing my kiddo eating by himself and enjoying his feeding experience too.

Another thing I noticed in my child’s feeding experience is to provide different options of meals while eating. For example, when having our breakfast, instead of just having pancakes, we would prep oats porridge, boiled eggs, toasted bread with butter, sliced fruits and beans. When they notice different options of meals, arranged beautifully on the dinner table, their interest in food grows more. Not only that, but using the utensils independently, mashing the food with their hands all are learning skills they learn when feeding.

If you are not sure which feeding style is best for your child, don’t worry. Just observe your child and turn the focus towards them. See their feeding patterns. What they like or don’t like when eating. What kind of feeding environment they prefer. See their attitudes when eating. Are they eating when they are entertained or do they eat best independently. Which flavour and texture of food they like? Spicy or plain? Soft or juicy? Sour and salty or just salty? Don’t focus only on filling their little tummies to make sure they grow healthy but also look at their feeding as a learning experience for them where they learn, connect and flourish.

All the best feeding your child.