An interesting study has emerged that focuses on when children begin to introduce solid foods into their diet, which recommends that the best way to do so is to let them eat alone and choose food.
During the first six months the child feeds exclusively on milk, either breast or formula, but from that moment begins the introduction of solids. It is a key moment for the baby, as it is his first contact with food and will help establish his future relationship with food.
According to the study authors, it is best to offer babies a varied selection of small portions of solid foods and let them choose their favorites. A very different method to the classic porridge and purees that are given to children with a spoon during the first months and even for years after starting complementary feeding.
Carlos González has already spoken on occasion about the food free of porridge and in the blog we have also talked about this form of feeding known as “Baby-led Weaning”, understood as a weaning directed by the baby, offering a variety of foods that they can take with their hands choosing how much and what to eat.
Thus, the transition is more natural, without stress for the baby or the parents. Targeted feeding, with the combination of foods that parents choose, at the rate we consider and the amount we believe they should eat seems not to be the most appropriate. Instead, in this way, the child eats what he likes and what he needs. Without realizing it, the baby begins to decide, he is participating in his own feeding. And very important, self-regulating what you eat.
This is very important, also, for the future. According to researchers from the University of Nottingham, England, this freedom of choiceNot only will it have a positive impact on the formation of healthy nutrition habits, but also protect the child from future obesity or overweight.
The cases of 155 children between 20 months and 6.5 years were analyzed. 92 were allowed to feed themselves (with their hands) with snacks of various foods and 63 were fed by their parents with porridge to tablespoons.
According to the results, children who fed alone used to eat more carbohydrates than children fed with porridge. Carbohydrates were the favorite foods of these children. However, among the children fed with porridge, the favorite foods were sweets.
This preference was observed despite the fact that along with sweet foods, children fed with porridge received carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables, proteins and whole foods more often than children who fed themselves with snacks.
At the end of the study it was found that more children fed with porridge were overweight or obese, compared to children who ate snacks alone.
In conclusion, the most eloquent are the words of the study authors:
"Our results suggest that infants who are weaned with a focus on feeding themselves with their own choices learn to regulate their food intake in a way that leads to a lower BMI (body mass index) and a preference for healthy foods, like carbohydrates. "
