BLV complementary feeding does not appear to be a recognized term or acronym related to a specific concept or practice in nutrition or infant feeding. It’s possible that there may be a misunderstanding or typo in the term provided. In traditional complementary feeding, the baby is offered purees and liquid foods, but in BLW, the baby is offered food in the form of pieces that he can pick up and eat with his hands.
What are the advantages of BLV complementary feeding?
In BLW, the infant independently picks up food and tries to eat it, which helps develop motor skills and coordination. He is learning to use his hands and chew and swallow food. Other advantages of complementary feeding BLV:
- Stimulating interest in food. BLW provides an opportunity for baby to explore different textures, shapes, colors and flavors of food. This can promote a positive attitude towards food and encourage an interest in a variety of foods.
- Development of independence and self-regulation. The BLW method allows the child to control his eating and choose how much and what he wants to eat. This promotes independence and self-regulation and can also help the baby develop satiety cues.
- Social skills and participation in family meals. In BLW, the infant participates in family meals and eats the same foods as the rest of the family. This helps develop social skills, strengthen family bonds and create positive experiences around food.
It is important to note that every child is unique and the BLW method may not be suitable for everyone. Before deciding on a complementary feeding method, it is important to discuss it with your pediatrician or child health specialist to ensure it suits your baby’s needs and abilities.
What foods can be given during BLW complementary feeding?
With BLW, a variety of foods can be offered, pre-adapted to infant age and safety. Here are some examples of foods that can be given for BLW:
- soft fruits and vegetables. Pieces of ripe bananas, pears, peaches, pieces of soft avocado, boiled broccoli, carrots or sweet potatoes. Avoid hard and small foods that can cause choking;
- soft lean meat and fish. Offer pieces of boiled chicken, beef or turkey meat, as well as soft fish without bones or skin;
- soft grain products. Pieces of gluten-free crispbread, bread or toast, soft cooked pasta, rice cereal;
- soft dairy products. Soft pieces of cheese, plain yogurt or cottage cheese can also be included in complementary foods;
- eggs. Offer egg dishes such as soft-boiled eggs or scrambled eggs cut into halves or pieces.
It is important to remember that you should always consult your pediatrician or child care specialist before introducing new foods. With BLW, it is recommended to introduce one food at a time so that the child’s reaction to it can be monitored and any allergic reactions or digestive problems can be detected.
How to prepare BLW complementary foods?
With BLW, it is important to prepare food in a way that is safe for the baby and easy to digest. Here are some general guidelines for cooking dishes using the BLW method:
- Pre-processing of food. You may need to pre-treat some foods to make them safe for your baby. For example, fruits and vegetables can be cut into soft pieces or strips that are easy for your child to grasp. Make sure the size of the pieces is appropriate for your child’s age and development.
- Boiling, baking or stewing. Meat, fish, vegetables and grain products can be boiled, baked or stewed until tender. This will help make them more chewable and digestible. Make sure the food is not overcooked into a puree or too soft for the baby to hold and grasp.
- Avoid adding salt, sugar and spices. It is important to avoid adding salt, sugar and spices to foods prepared for your baby. Babies do not need excess salt and sugar, and spices may be too intense for their delicate stomachs.
- Ensure safety. Make sure all foods you offer your baby are safe for her to eat. Avoid small and hard foods that may pose a choking hazard. Check foods carefully for any bones, peels, or skins that may cause swallowing or chewing problems.
- Let the baby participate. It is important to remember that the purpose of BLW is to allow the baby to learn to feed independently. Give him the opportunity to pick up food on his own, explore it, and taste it. They can use their hands for holding and chewing, so don’t worry if they get dirty.
Finally, remember that every child is unique and their food preferences and abilities may vary. It is important to be prepared for the fact that your baby may refuse certain foods or show preferences for certain tastes and textures.
What are the disadvantages of BLV complementary feeding?
With BLW, there is a risk of suffocation for the infant, especially if the food pieces are too large or hard. Particular care should be taken when selecting the size and consistency of food pieces to reduce the risk of choking. Other disadvantages of BLV complementary feeding:
- uneven nutrition. Infants following the BLW method may be less likely to get enough food, especially in the beginning when they are just learning about food. This may cause parents to be concerned about the nutritional value and adequacy of the diet;
- less absorption of nutrients. Initially, infants following the BLW method may absorb fewer nutrients from food because some of the food may be unrecognized or inedible. However, as nutritional skills develop, nutrient absorption should improve;
- more clutter. In BLW, the infant independently takes food and participates in the feeding process. This can lead to more food spills, messes, and the need to clean up after every meal.
Infants following the BLW method may be more prone to selective feeding, where they prefer certain foods or textures and reject others. It is important to note that each child is unique and BLW may or may not be appropriate depending on their individual needs and development.