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Lorraine
Erica
We all know that breastfeeding has been linked to a reduced risk of obesity in children….but, did you know that letting your little one feed themselves rather than spoon feeding them is also linked to reduced risk of obesity?
Yes, it’s true. The research derived from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Copenhagen proves that adults who were spoon fed as babies had a larger obesity population than those adults who were left to eat and explore their food as babies.
I guess it makes sense…..as a mom if you are spoon feeding your child you can’t be sure when they are full. Sure, your little one may make some funny faces at you or spit out the food you are feeding them….but, you may mistake those actions for your little one being a ham when really, they are probably telling you they are full and to stop feeding them.
Whereas if you let your baby feed themselves not only do they intake only what they need but they also get to have fun and “play” with their food. They get to explore different textures, smells, tastes in much greater detail than if they are eating it off a spoon.
One piece of advice we always give to new moms is to watch your babies’ cues. Even though they are small they are born with a pretty good sense of intuition. They know when they are full and they will tell you either by turning their head when you try to feed them, spitting out the food or even crying while you are feeding them. As a new mom it’s hard to judge when your baby has had enough and of course you don’t want to “under feed” them.
But, for you new moms out there who are currently spoon feeding your little one…..try letting them feed themselves. Yes, it will be messy as heck….but, it will provide you with a good photo opportunity that you can later use for bribing purposes (lol).
Filed under: Baby, Parenting Tagged: | Baby, baby food, feeding baby, Feeding solids, Motherhood, new baby, Parenting
I would have loved this approach with my daughter and believe me I tried but she is very texture sensitive both orally and touch. She has always hated dirty hands and face even though I’ve never made anything of it and tell her it’s fine. She is 2 years now and still will only eat dry foods. I long for the day that she will eat fruit, veg and baked beans!
This makes me feel better about not being able to breastfeed my younger child, my daughter. She was bottle-fed and then started on baby food at the normal time. When she was 8 months old I was feeding her and set the spoon down to do something. When I turned around she was feeding herself and loving it! From that day on she refused to have anyone feed her. It was definitely messy, but definitely worth the mess if it means she wasn’t getting overfed.
Neither one of my babies had an interest in solid food until they could feed themselves. I was so frustrated trying to feed them… Now that I’m somewhat wiser I don’t even plan on introducing #3 to baby food – he/she can go straight to the real stuff just like their siblings did.
My son took forever to ween him off and into baby food. It was so funny to watch him taste the different flavors though. My little guy looked like your pictures… it was everywhere.