Babies who are spoon-fed during weaning have a higher risk of becoming overweight. A new study from Swansea University in the UK found that being spoon-fed by parents as a baby can lead to overeating.
Researchers instead suggest that infants should be taught to feed themselves during their transition from liquid to solids. This can help prevent overeating and will decrease their risk of becoming overweight when they are toddlers. They also found that babies who feed themselves are less likely to be fussy eaters because of their exposure to different tastes.
According to the study,
babies should be able to choose their food from what the rest of the family eats right from the beginning of the weaning process. This, they say, is a healthier option than being fed puree by parents. Those who self-feed are able to control their own appetites and eat at their own pace.
The study looked at how 298 babies were introduced to solid foods between the ages of 6 and 12 months. They also compared their weight and eating habits when the same children reached 18 to 24 months.
“The study indicates that taking a baby-led approach to weaning may reduce a baby’s risk of being overweight as they are in control of their food intake,” said Dr. Amy Brown, one of the study’s researchers. “This results in the baby being better able to control his or her appetite which could have a long-term impact upon weight gain and eating style that may continue into childhood.”
(By Marissa Brassfield for CalorieLab)
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