LISTEN TO THIS EPISODE

There is a real and credible body of emerging evidence that supports a baby-led approach to feeding. In this episode baby-led weaning expert, author, researcher and Professor Amy Brown is joining us to help break down the evidence behind baby-led weaning.

Amy Brown is a psychologist by background and a professor of Public Health in Policy and Social Sciences at Swansea University in the UK. Her research focuses on early experiences in parenthood with a focus on infant feeding, mental health and baby behavior. She has published widely across these topics and her research helps inform policy and practice in both the United Kingdom and around the world.

Dr. Brown is the author of the book “Why Starting Solids Matters” and numerous research publications exploring the safety and efficacy of a baby-led approach to feeding.

SHOW NOTES

SUMMARY of episode

In this episode, baby-led weaning research Amy Brown, PhD from Swansea University is here to talk about the EVIDENCE behind baby-led weaning, including:

• Why it’s kind of even ridiculous that we have to PROVE that babies can feed themselves since prior to the advent of commercial baby food, that’s all babies for generations have been DOING! (...but also, Amy’s doing the research, so SHE is allowed to call it ridiculous :)

• How there’s no evidence to support all of the things opponents of BLW sometimes claim: it does NOT increase choking risk, BLW babies do NOT have growth faltering, they do NOT have nutrient deficits...and a ton more info about what the research DOES show as benefits including responsive feeding outcomes, family bonding and self-pacing intake.

• Differences in the US vs. UK when it comes to advertising of baby foods, infant formula and toddler or “follow-on” formulas as they’re called in the UK. And why parents and caregivers would be better served to totally bypass the commercial infant food aisle at their local stores, no matter WHERE you live!

LINKS from episode

• Professor Amy Brown’s website.

• Follow Amy on Instagram @prof_amybrown.

• Dr. Brown’s review article “Baby-Led Weaning: The Evidence to Date”. This is a great place to start your lit review or jump off to her other research (...all of which is located under the Research tab on her website, first link above).

• Her book “Why Starting Solids Matters” (this is an affiliate link).

TRANSCRIPT of episode

WANT MORE BLW INFO?!

• SUBSCRIBE to the Baby-Led Weaning Made Easy Podcast here - new episodes are released on Monday and Thursday and subscribing means you’ll never miss what’s new (+ you’ll get notified about special bonus episodes too!)

• FOLLOW Katie’s baby-led weaning Instagram page @babyledweanteam for daily video trainings - lots of great info on introducing high water content foods (but skip the extra water early on!)

• SIGN UP for Katie’s free online workshop “BABY-LED WEANING FOR BEGINNERS: How to get your baby to try 100 foods before turning 1 without you having to spoon-feed purees or buy pouches” - everyone on the free workshop gets a copy of the 100 FIRST FOODS LIST so you can focus on trying new foods that your baby CAN and WANTS to self-feed!