Spoon-feeding can have major health effects on a baby

Many mums enjoy spoon-feeding their little ones. It gives them some alone time with their baby and a chance to bond. However, professionals think that this style of feeding could have harmful effects on youngsters.

 

According to a recent study led by Dr Brown and Michelle Lee from a leading UK university, spoon-fed children are more likely to become overweight compared with those who feed themselves.  

 

The research examined and compared the weight and eating habits of 298 babies who fed themselves solid foods from the start of weaning with those who were spoon fed puréed foods.

 

The results showed that children who fed themselves were less likely to be overweight since they were much more able to stop eating when they thought they were full.

 

Dr Brown said: “This may be explained by the baby being allowed to handle foods, control their intake and eat at their own pace, alongside being exposed to a wider variety of tastes,” meaning they were also less picky.

 

Although it may seem difficult to stop spoon-feeding your little one right away, it might help to start gradually - think of it as a way of letting them grow their own wings.