In the family of " existential questions of parents", I ask for... food diversification ! Stay with us, we will help you see more clearly between DME (Baby-Led Weaning) and the classic method .
How can you be sure you're making the right choice between DME and traditional diversification?
For a long time, the rule was relatively simple: we followed the pediatrician's recommendations and off we went, Simone! On one side, we had baby with his mouth wide open in his high chair and on the other, parents, ultra motivated to give him a taste of turnip puree or pear compote . It didn't work every time, but that's how it was! And then, DME arrived ... And the roles were almost reversed! Parents no longer had a monopoly on the spoon and baby had free rein to touch, smell, grab and nibble on pieces of food¹ Rest assured, the picture is not all black or all white: both methods have advantages . and disadvantages .
What are the advantages and disadvantages of each method?
The main advantage of traditional weaning is the control over quantities : in other words, you are the metronome of the puree and compote ! Since you are the conductor with a spoon as a baton, we can also easily imagine that the so -called traditional method generates less waste . For some anxious parents who have a panic fear of choking, the traditional method also has the merit of being less stressful .
On the DME side, the strong point is obviously autonomy of the child. Because yes, it is indeed baby who drives! By having the hand, he works his fine motor skills and experiments the discovery of smells, tastes, textures and colors in his own way and at his own pace. For some, DME is a way to simplify daily life with the same menu for the whole family… be careful however not to confuse autonomy with lunch or dinner alone: DME must be considered as a discovery accompanied by food ² .
What precautions should you take before starting?
Before opting for one method over another, it is important to ask yourself the right questions! Is baby ready? Am I ready? Is my partner ready? It is important to see food diversification as a team sport and not as a duel with your child. If everyone is up for it, it will definitely be easier! For little ones, first take stock objectively ³ : your child is 6 months or older , he must be in good health and show normal development for his age , he can sit without support in a high chair and is able to stay there for about fifteen minutes, he can grasp objects and brings them to the mouth without releasing them. Without one of these prerequisites , DME is not recommended.
Before you start, always ask your pediatrician for advice... they are also part of your team!
What foods are recommended for each method ?
In terms of menu, the rules are the same whether you choose traditional food diversification or DME. First thing to keep in mind: always introduce foods one by one , so as not to confuse the issue. So we forget paella or cassoulet to start with. At the beginning, the consistency is also extremely important: you must be able to crush the pieces between your thumb and index finger without forcing. If you opt for DME, the size of the pieces will also be important since baby must be able to catch them on his own. From now on, it is considered that there is no particular order to follow 4. Vegetables, fruits, poultry, fish, red meat, eggs, dried vegetables, starchy foods, dairy products: you can choose from all food groups. On the other hand, we will forget honey (until the child is 1 year old), sugar and salt (until he is 3 years old).
Can we mix the two methods?
The answer is yes! Nothing prevents you from dipping into both methods by playing the flexibility card 5 . For example, you can start weaning in the traditional way with pureed foods and then switch to DME by subsequently offering whole foods to your little one. You can also juggle with several spoons: one given to your child and the other in your hands. This way, he will become familiar with the object , develop his motor skills and you can still intervene and keep an eye on the quantities swallowed.
The word hunger !
So there is no right or wrong method. Whether you opt for classic diversification, DME or a mix of the two, what matters is that you are aligned with your choices. Keep in mind that the goal of food diversification is to awaken your child 's senses , develop his palate and above all make him want to be a taste adventurer. !
1 https://www.caf.fr/allocataires/vies-de-famille/articles/qu-est-ce-que-la-dme-la-diversification-menee-par-l-enfant-et-comment-la-mise-en-pratique-au
2 https://www.mangerbouger.fr/content/show/1500/file/Brochure-SPF-Mangerbougerfr.pdf
3 https://www.inspq.qc.ca/mieux-vivre/alimentation/alimentation/diversification-alimentaire-menee-par-enfant
4 https://www.mangerbouger.fr/content/show/1500/file/Brochure-SPF-Mangerbougerfr.pdf
5 “Broccoli, sardines and spaghetti, DME becomes flexible and accessible”, Manon Brzostek, Eyrolles editions
