My doctor said Baby Led Weaning isn’t safe. Now what?
- Feeeders and Growers
- Nov 16, 2020
- 1 min read
Pediatricians are essential and incredibly knowledgeable on so many topics it makes our heads spin. And 100% of the time you should trust your pediatrician over random people on the internet for health advice on your baby.
When it comes to general feeding information however, WE are specialists with over a decade each of experience and as such we must point out that the statement that Baby Led Weaning is dangerous just isn’t true for most babies.
But it’s definitely possible that your pediatrician knows something specific about YOUR baby that makes Baby Led Weaning less safe for him or her. So we encourage you to ask. If your pediatrician says it’s just generally not safe, you know that he or she isn’t up to date on the latest research on infant feeding and must not feel confident in oral motor skill development.
It’s always ok to ask clarifying questions to your child’s pediatrician.
That’s OK they aren’t feeding experts because they are the expert on so many other important things that we will cut them a break on this one.
Hearing this from your doctor can feel confusing especially when you’ve read positive things about Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) or seen other families use it successfully. First, it’s important to remember that your doctor’s primary goal is safety. Some providers are cautious about BLW due to concerns about choking, gagging, iron intake, or developmental readiness.
If you’re unsure how to move forward, getting guidance from pediatric professionals who stay up to date on infant feeding research can make a big difference. MT Spokane Pediatrics is a great local resource for families navigating questions like this. Their team provides evidence-based pediatric care and can help you: