Comparação entre práticas relatadas da abordagem do baby-led weaning e a tradicional para a realização da alimentação complementar

Abstract

Objective: To compare the characteristics of complementary feeding for infants whose mothers reported practising baby-led weaning with those who reported using the traditional approach. Methods: Quantitative descriptive study with online interviews of mothers of infants aged 1 to 2 years, invited via social networks to complete a form containing socioeconomic, breastfeeding and complementary feeding data. The differences between the groups were verified using t-test or chi-square. Results: 208 respondents (57.9%) were identified who reported using the traditional approach and 151 (42.1%), baby-led weaning. Of the babies in the baby-led weaning group, 84.1% were breastfeeding, against 56.2% following the traditional approach; they were also less exposed to formulas, thickeners, bottles and pacifiers (p <0.05). In terms of complementary feeding, 7.3% of the baby-led weaning group initiated this before 6 months compared with 23.1% in the traditional approach group (p <0.05). Statistically significant differences were observed for the age of introduction of most food groups and for the use of ultra-processed foods, juices, sugar and salt. At 12 months those following baby-led weaning were significantly more likely to be sharing family food (71.5% vs 11.5%), to be seated appropriately at the table (89.4% vs 66.8%) and to be eating foods of an appropriate consistency (74.2% vs. 62.0%). Conclusion: In the present study, infants whose mothers reported following baby-led weaning were more likely to be introduced to food in accordance with national recommendations compared with those who were exposed to the traditional approach.

Keywords

• nutrição do lactente. desenvolvimento infantil. aleitamento materno. alimentação complementar.