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Baby-led complementary feeding: Randomized controlled study
Erkan Dogan1, Gonca Yilmaz1, Nilgun Caylan2
1Pediatrics Department, Karabuk University of Medicine, Karabuk, Turkey.
Baby-led weaning (BLW) is a safe infant feeding method. This study found BLW did not increase iron deficiency or choking risk compared to traditional spoon feeding (TSF).
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Infant Development
- Public Health
Background:
- Baby-led weaning (BLW) is an infant-led approach to complementary feeding gaining parental interest.
- Limited scientific research exists on BLW's impact on infant health outcomes.
- This study investigates BLW versus traditional spoon feeding (TSF).
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess growth parameters in infants following BLW compared to TSF.
- To evaluate hematological status and iron intake in infants using different weaning methods.
- To determine the safety of BLW regarding choking incidence.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 280 infants aged 5-6 months.
- Infants were allocated to either BLW or TSF groups.
- Growth, hematological parameters, and iron intake were measured at 12 months.
Main Results:
- TSF infants were significantly heavier than BLW infants at 12 months.
- No significant difference in iron intake from complementary foods was observed between groups.
- Hematological parameters and choking incidence were similar in both BLW and TSF groups.
Conclusions:
- Baby-led weaning is a viable complementary feeding option.
- BLW does not elevate the risk of iron deficiency, impaired growth, or choking.
- This is the first randomized controlled trial to demonstrate these findings in breastfed infants.
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