10 Advantages of letting babies eat with their hands, even if they get dirty

Every stage of a child’s growth is wonderful. When the family starts introducing food, those responsible usually argue between letting her eat with her curious little hands or teaching her how to use cutlery. Over time, it’s normal for children to learn to use a fork, knife, spoon… But it’s important that we let babies use their hands to taste food, because this activity can be good for their development. Yes, even if they get so dirty that they have to go straight to the shower after eating. Pediatricians call this way of infant feeding the Baby Led-Weaning method.

O awesome.club likes to bring new ideas and options for the healthy growth of children. That’s why he wants to tell you about this method and the 5 benefits of letting your baby eat with his hands.

BLW was created in the UK a few years ago. This method encourages baby to explore the world of food with their hands. Although mothers find it difficult to accept the idea of ​​letting the baby finish a meal with food from head to toe, this method teaches that the little ones will discover textures, aromas and flavors on their own, stimulating all their senses and emotions, helping in their development and in their future relationship with food. Before starting to let the baby eat alone, without cutlery, it is necessary to consider some guidelines:

The baby should never be left alone while eating. Eating with your hands doesn’t mean mom shouldn’t be around;

The baby needs to show interest in food and no longer have the extrusion reflex, which is when he “spits” the food out with his tongue;

The baby must be able to sit upright. Food is offered by the mother, but not given by mouth;

Ideally, the baby should eat sitting at the table with the rest of the family;

It is not necessary for the baby to have teeth.

When the baby is ready, eating with your hands will benefit your development.

By offering small, thin or differently shaped foods, the baby improves his ability to pick up objects that require effort and skill. He also learns what each part of his hands is for, exercises them and strengthens their mobility. Over time, the baby will want to imitate the family and use the cutlery. Practice will make him feel safe and he will even be able to hold the glass of water on his own, no problem.

Eye/hand coordination is developed and improves as baby chooses what he wants to put in his mouth from whatever he sees on his plate. He takes what catches his eye and decides whether to try it or not.

The baby sees different foods on a plate. He picks them up, examines them, matches colors and flavors to different textures and sizes, stimulating their sense of touch.

The fact that the baby’s hands are in contact with the food helps the body to create antibodies. At the same time, the stomach builds up greater resistance to infections.

At first, eating with your hands is not easy. The baby has to be able to pick up what he wants and put that food in his mouth. As he learns to pick up each food, he discovers his own ability. This stimulates their desire to continue learning and conquer their autonomy.

One study related the BLW method to satiety control. Until the baby begins to eat on his own, he associates “hunger” with breast milk. In this new phase, he must learn to control his appetite to stop eating as soon as he is satisfied. This form is a basis for building future healthy and balanced eating habits.

According to research, children can show certain difficulties in accepting solid foods if they are not introduced into their diet before 10 months of life. Babies are naturally curious about food from about 6 months onwards. This is the ideal time to introduce different foods so he can squeeze, mash, taste, smell. In the future, the child is likely to accept new, healthy foods.

When choosing to use this method to feed your baby, foods must be introduced one by one, so that he can have control of what he is eating and the adequate and necessary amount. This makes it easier to detect possible intolerances or allergies and prevent them in time. In addition, this form makes the child learn to differentiate what he likes from what he does not like.

The fact that the baby already eats solid foods does not mean that he will no longer need breast milk. This will be your main source of nutrition in case the baby does not feel very full from the food and continues to ask for milk. Food should be complementary until he is ready to stop breastfeeding. Breast milk contains a hormone called leptin, which helps a child feel full and therefore controls his appetite.

Placing the baby at the table, along with the rest of the family, helps develop a good relationship with food and with others. Eating together as a family is a great way to prevent childhood obesity in the future. In addition, it helps the little one to accept more quickly that he needs to eat the same as everyone else. The BLW method is based on the idea that the child adjusts to the diet followed by his family. Obviously, we must pay attention that the diet is healthy and balanced.

According to UNICEF, babies should be breastfed until they are six months old. After that age, the pediatrician will indicate the foods that can be offered.

Food offered to the little one should be a size that they are able to pick up, that fit easily in their hands, but a little bigger. The texture of the food must be soft, be easy to chew or melt in the mouth, as they do not have molars at the beginning. The meat must be cut across the fiber, crosswise.

The floor can be cleaned and the laundry can be done, but the stimulus for babies’ development is only once. Try to be patient and let your child enjoy the meal with their hands, without restrictions.

Did you already know the BLW method? What food does your baby like the most? Do you already use or know someone who lets the child eat with their hands? Tell us your experience!