| There’s a clear divide between people (generally younger) who think it’s no big deal to let an infant without teeth gum on a piece of solid food, and those (generally older) who are horrified by the thought. This new approach to baby food isn’t about giving peanut butter before the first birthday – science shows that’s the right move. Instead, I’m talking about offering infants a hunk of solid food, like an entire banana, a strip of steamed sweet potato or half an avocado. Maybe steak. Not mashed. Not pureed. A slice, about the size of a pinky finger. Advocates say the benefits of this approach — known as baby-led weaning — include having the youngest members be part of the family meals and eat something everyone else is enjoying. It also allows babies to control their own consumption and reduces the need for separate food. The process starts at about 6 months, though some say it can begin earlier. The food is placed in front of the baby, who gets to choose how much to eat. You can offer a utensil, though it’s not required and likely not helpful. Let me tell you, it’s shocking to see a baby who can’t yet walk, talk or even crawl palm an entire strawberry and fumble it toward their mouth. You may be terrified the child will choke. Here’s what you need to know: Is this real? Yes, and a growing movement, though it’s still pretty new. Baby-led weaning emerged in the early 2000s and took off with the publication of Gill Rapley’s 2008 book of the same name. Social media fueled its popularity and the baby food industry has embraced the concept, offering snacks and ready-to-eat handheld items for infants -- as well as supplies like bibs to catch the spillover (good luck). There’s an app for that. And books and podcasts. Support groups and proponents detail how to prepare and present the food, and which items are easiest to try. There’s also plenty of controversy, even among supporters. Is a chicken drumstick safe? What about soaked chia seeds? And if it’s not endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics or the CDC, is it OK? The debate is raging. Is it safe? There isn’t a lot of research on the topic. One oft-cited study in Pediatrics from 2016 found that 35% of infants between the ages of 6 and 8 months choked while eating, but that was true regardless of whether they were on a baby-led plan or traditional feeding method. The takeaway? It’s important to be right there when the baby is eating. And you should be ready for gagging, which studies suggest may be more common with baby-led weaning. It’s also a good idea for everyone to learn baby CPR. Is it healthy? While the approach isn’t formally endorsed by the biggest pediatric groups, who say more research is needed, many children’s hospitals and health systems provide fact sheets and educational materials about how and when to start. Studies have shown that there’s little difference in calorie intake between babies feeding themselves versus ones being fed pureed meals, though infants consuming what the rest of the family is eating may be getting too much sugar or salt. Takeaways: Parents should talk to their pediatricians and do what they think is best for their families. They should also alert older relatives and friends about what baby’s mealtime will entail, if only to avoid sending them to the emergency room with a case of shock. — Michelle Fay Cortez | 
