Exploring nutrient and energy intake in infants weaned using a baby-led or traditional feeding style

Baby-led Weaning (BLW), where infants self-feed whole foods rather than being spoon fed pureed foods, has grown in popularity over the last decade. Proponents of the method believe that BLW improves weight trajectories and food acceptance due to the infant being in control of how much they eat and the focus on whole family foods, but there has been sparse research on the efficacy of the method, raising concerns amongst health professionals and impeding the support offered to families. The majority of the research conducted has focussed on weight trajectories, with most conducted outside of the UK. Therefore, using four studies, the aim of this thesis was to examine energy and nutrient intake amongst infants aged 6– 12 months following a baby-led versus spoon-feeding approach. The first study used an open-ended questionnaire to explore the experiences and concerns of 68 UK health professionals around BLW. Nutrient intake and eating behaviour was then compared for infants following BLW and spoon-feeding in 3 studies. The second (n=297) utilised a questionnaire to compare food intake, preferences and eating behaviours. The third (n=180) compared a 24 hour recall, while the fourth (n = 71) analysed detailed nutrient and energy intake using a three day weighed food diary. Overall, BLW infants were perceived to have greater satiety responsiveness and food acceptance. They consumed a wider variety of vegetables and protein rich foods and ate fewer commercial products. Differences were more pronounced at the start of weaning, with BLW infants having a more gradual transition to solid foods. Notably no difference in consumption of iron rich foods was found with iron intake below recommendations in both groups. The research does have limitations but suggests that BLW can provide sufficient energy and nutrient intake and may be a way of fostering positive eating behaviour