Estimated energy and nutrient intake for infants following baby‐led and traditional weaning approaches

Background Baby‐led weaning (BLW), where infants self‐feed without the use of spoon‐feeding by a caregiver, continues to be a popular approach for starting solids. However, concerns remain amongst health professionals that infants using this method may not consume sufficient energy or nutrients from solid foods. Little research has examined how different weaning approaches shape dietary intake. The present study aimed to use a 3‐day weighed diet diary to measure estimated energy and nutrient intake in infants aged 6–12 months. Methods Diet diaries were completed by 71 parents and analysed to compare estimated infant intake from milk and solid foods for those either following a BLW or traditional spoon‐feeding approach (TW). Intake was analysed for each weaning group in two age groups: 26–39 and 40–52 weeks, to account for different eating patterns at the start and end of the weaning process. Results For the younger infants, significant differences in estimated energy intake were found, with TW infants consuming 285 kcal from solid foods compared with 120 kcal for BLW infants. Conversely, BLW infants consumed more calories and nutrients from breast or formula milk, consistent with a slower transition to solid foods. No differences were found in estimated intake amongst older infants, suggesting that BLW infants had ‘caught up’ with their spoon‐fed peers. Conclusions Overall, few infants regardless of weaning group met recommended intake guidelines for energy (either over or under consuming) with many deficient in iron and zinc intake. The findings are important for those supporting parents through the transition to solid foods. Infants following baby‐led weaning have a slower transition to solid foods, which may be protective against overeating Key points At 6–9 months, infants following a baby‐led weaning (BLW) consumed less energy from solid foods compared to traditionally weaned (TW) infants with over three‐quarters of TW infants consuming more than World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines. Infants following a BLW approach had a more gradual transition to solid foods than those following a TW approach more closely supporting WHO guidelines. However, some parents may need further support with respect to offering more solid food exposures. No differences were found in energy, macro‐ or micronutrient intake for infants aged 10–12 months for infants following BLW or TW approaches, suggesting a convergence of intake towards later infancy. Many infants, rega