Healthy Baby

 Is Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) a Modern or Traditional Approach? At first glance, Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) might seem like a modern trend, yet its roots are far more ancient than most people realize. While the term itself was coined by Gill Rapley in the early 2000s, the concept is anything but new. Historically, before the advent of commercial baby foods and purees, infants transitioned to solid foods by joining family meals, exploring and tasting foods at their own pace. They would grab whatever was within reach – a piece of bread, a chunk of vegetable, or even bits of meat. There were no specially prepared purees or spoon-feeding marathons. Babies were simply encouraged to eat what the family ate, learning through observation and imitation. Interestingly, this approach aligns closely with the natural developmental milestones of babies. Around six months, babies gain the ability to sit up unassisted, develop the pincer grasp, and show curiosity about food. Isn’t it fascinating how biol...

Providing support during the breastfeeding process not only helps mothers feel more comfortable, but it also significantly contributes to the success of breastfeeding. Unfortunately, many mothers express that they do not receive enough support from their partners. Having fathers more actively involved in this process can help mothers cope with the challenges they face. A study conducted in Italy showed that when fathers received breastfeeding training, breastfeeding rates increased during the first six months. In a similar study conducted in our country, it was determined that fathers' reluctance to support breastfeeding led to a decrease in the mother's milk supply and, in some cases, to the cessation of breastfeeding. This results in unwanted outcomes for both the mother and the baby. In one of my previous posts, I discussed how fathers can support the breastfeeding process. You can read that article here. A father's support is crucial for boosting the mother's morale...

 Eggs and BLW Hello, dear parents! Today, let’s talk about eggs and their role in baby-led weaning (BLW). Are they a good choice? How should they be introduced? What should you watch out for? And, of course, I’ll share two delicious egg-based recipes for your little one at the end. So, grab a cup of coffee (if your baby lets you), and let’s dive in! BLW and Sleep: Is There a Connection? Before we get into the egg talk, let’s address something every parent obsesses over: sleep. Is there any food that magically helps babies sleep better? Unfortunately, no. But nutrition plays a role. Eggs are rich in tryptophan, an amino acid that helps produce serotonin and melatonin—two hormones that regulate sleep. Some parents swear that offering eggs for dinner helps their babies sleep longer. While there's no solid scientific proof, it's worth experimenting (as long as there are no allergies). And let’s be honest, if sleep was purely about food, we’d all be feeding our babies gallons of cha...

Fruit Recipes Your Baby Will Love Starting solids with Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) is often a thrilling, sometimes chaotic journey. You’re introducing your little one to the wonderful world of flavors and textures, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. What should you give them first? How do you make sure it’s safe? And most importantly, how do you make it enjoyable for both of you? Luckily, fruits are a great place to start, offering natural sweetness, vibrant colors, and loads of nutrition. Plus, they are easy to prepare, making them perfect for the BLW experience! In this post, we’re diving into the juicy world of BLW-friendly fruit options and sharing five easy, baby-approved fruit recipes that will have your little one reaching for more. Let’s get started! Why Fruit is a BLW Game-Changer Have you ever noticed how babies can get fixated on the simplicity of holding a piece of fruit? It’s fascinating, really. Fruits are not only packed with essential vitamins and minerals, but they’re a...

 Hello, I am a Baby. You, the ones who admire the big people, think that life is easy, with no responsibilities, and full of freedom. You think that you live carefree, with your bread in your hands and water flowing freely. But sorry, my life is nothing like that. For example, I cannot speak like you. I cannot express my feelings or my needs clearly. Sometimes I am hungry, sometimes I have soiled myself, sometimes I am sad, sometimes I am angry. But I can’t tell you about any of these; I just cry. There’s always a reason for my crying, but sometimes you accuse me of being "spoiled." But none of this is spoiled behavior. Sometimes I sweat a lot, sometimes I am cold, sometimes I am silent, sometimes I get hungry, or I may have a pain somewhere. I may feel upset, stressed, or angry, and I can’t explain this to you. I might soil myself too, and I would like you to understand how difficult that can be. Luckily, since my cortex isn’t fully developed yet, I forget. But forgetting do...

Hello new mothers and expectant mothers, Breastfeeding is a truly special time for both mother and baby. It is a magical bond that forms between them. In the beginning, finding the right breastfeeding position and ensuring the baby latches properly may require some effort. Don’t worry, after just a few tries, both mother and baby will get the hang of it. As the mother focuses on her baby and the physical bond between them grows stronger, breastfeeding becomes an even more enjoyable, fulfilling, and unique experience. After birth, babies are usually immediately brought to the mother’s breast. Newborns have a natural reflex to suckle. They try to latch with the coordination of their lips, tongue, and palate. As the baby nurses, the mother’s milk glands become more active. For the baby, achieving this coordination can be a bit tricky. However, it is common for babies to get tired quickly while breastfeeding and fall asleep at the breast. This is completely normal. Gently massaging the bab...

5 Easy and Nutritious Veggie BLW Recipes Your Baby Will Love Introducing solids to your baby is an exciting (and sometimes messy!) journey. If you're following Baby-Led Weaning (BLW), you know how important it is to offer a variety of textures and flavors to encourage self-feeding. Vegetables are a great way to provide essential nutrients while expanding your little one's palate. Here are five easy, nutritious, and baby-friendly veggie-based BLW recipes that will make mealtime both fun and healthy. Plus, I'll share some personal experiences, tips, and things to watch out for along the way! 1. Sweet Potato and Carrot Fritters These soft and naturally sweet fritters are packed with vitamin A, making them perfect for little hands to grab and explore.  blw potatoes and blw carrots are among the most preferred baby foods in the world. Ingredients 1 medium sweet potato, grated 1 medium carrot, grated 1 egg 2 tbsp whole wheat flour (or oat flour for a gluten-free option) ½ tsp c...

The Common Perception of Intelligence: "If You're Good at Math, You're Smart" But is intelligence really just about being good at math? Is intelligence something you're born with, or can it be developed over time? Does not being successful in math mean a lack of intelligence? Is excelling in areas other than math not a sign of intelligence? How intelligent are we? How intelligent is my child? The answers to these questions can be found in Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Howard Gardner, a researcher at Harvard University, introduced the Theory of Multiple Intelligences, which challenges the traditional view of intelligence. According to Gardner, intelligence is: Multifaceted, definable, measurable, and improvable. Developed differently in each individual, and dynamic. Unique to each person. Influenced by personal characteristics, beliefs, judgments, environment, and cultural differences. A result of various processes like perception, attentio...

What Do Experts Say About BLW? BLW (Baby-Led Weaning) has continued to stay relevant in recent times. It’s a topic I’ve discussed many times in social settings, with family, and even with my colleagues. However, there is one aspect that we sometimes overlook when talking about it: Science. What do scientific studies say about this? The real experts in this conversation should be nutritionists, dieticians, doctors, and academics, don’t you think? I created this post with that very need in mind. To do this, I had to conduct an extensive search through the internet and library resources. I hope you enjoy reading it: Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) is an approach to introducing solid foods that allows infants to self-feed from the start, bypassing traditional spoon-feeding of purees. This method has garnered attention from healthcare professionals and researchers, leading to various studies and expert opinions on its benefits and potential drawbacks. Benefits of Baby-Led Weaning 1. Enhanced Motor D...

New Ideas on Baby Feeding Introducing solid foods to your baby is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming. Should you spoon-feed purees, or is there a better way? Enter Baby-Led Weaning (BLW)—a feeding approach that encourages babies to explore food on their own terms, developing independence, coordination, and a love for healthy eating. BLW has gained immense popularity among parents worldwide, but is it the right choice for your baby? How do you get started safely? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this approach, from its benefits to practical tips and delicious meal ideas. What is Baby-Led Weaning, and Why Choose It? Traditional weaning often involves spoon-feeding purees, gradually introducing thicker textures until babies transition to solid foods. BLW, however, skips purees entirely, allowing babies to feed themselves from the start. Instead of parents controlling how much and what a baby eats, the baby explores whole foods, grasping and chewing t...

When it comes to infant healthcare and treatment in the United States, the experience can vary significantly depending on the state in which a family resides. This variation is influenced by factors such as state policies, healthcare funding, and the availability of specialized medical services. Understanding these differences is crucial for parents seeking the best care for their little ones. 1. Health Insurance Coverage for Infants In the U.S., the level of health insurance coverage for infants is not uniform across states. While federal programs like Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provide support, eligibility criteria and benefits vary by state. States with Broad Coverage: States like Massachusetts and New York often rank high in infant health insurance coverage, offering comprehensive benefits for low-income families. Challenges in Coverage: In contrast, states with higher uninsured rates, such as Texas and Florida, may leave some infants without ad...

What Should You Start With? Introducing solid foods to your baby is an exciting yet overwhelming journey. Many parents find themselves wondering: Which foods should I start with? Is my baby getting enough nutrients? Can I combine traditional feeding with BLW? These are all valid concerns, and in this article, we’ll dive deep into these questions. Which Foods Are Best for Starting BLW? When it comes to BLW (Baby-Led Weaning), the golden rule is to offer soft, easy-to-grip foods that babies can safely explore. Think about foods that are naturally soft or can be cooked to the right texture—something that squishes easily between your fingers but doesn’t fall apart instantly. Avocados, bananas, steamed carrots, sweet potatoes, and soft-cooked broccoli are all great choices. Protein sources like scrambled eggs, flaked fish, and tender-cooked chicken strips can also be introduced early on. Whole foods that are rich in iron, such as lentils or mashed beans, help meet the baby’s nutritiona...

A Healthy Choice or a Risky Trend? It started like this: A friend casually mentioned "BLW" over coffee, and I nodded as if I knew exactly what she was talking about. But later, curiosity got the best of me. I found myself down an internet rabbit hole, scrolling through pages of smiling babies gripping pieces of avocado and gnawing on broccoli florets. Baby-led weaning—sounds fancy, but what does it really mean? More importantly, is it actually healthy? What Exactly is BLW? At its core, Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) is a method of introducing solids where babies skip purées altogether and start with whole foods they can grasp and self-feed. No more airplane spoon tricks, no more blending carrots into an unrecognizable orange mush. Instead, you hand your baby a steamed piece of sweet potato, and they figure it out. They explore textures, learn to chew, and develop fine motor skills—at least, that’s the idea. It’s a stark contrast to the traditional spoon-fed approach, which has be...