BLISS: an increasingly popular method of food introduction

We can’t talk about BLISS without talking about BLW (don’t you know what it is? Check out this content about BLW !). That’s because the BLISS ( Baby Led Introduction to SolidS ) method is based on the BLW approach.

With the increase in BLW supporters and through research with babies in the food introduction phase, a group of researchers from New Zealand created the BLISS . The same approach, but with some guidelines to ensure the baby’s good nutrition.

What is the BLISS method in the Food Introduction?

As in BLW, BLISS allows the baby to explore the food with their hands , touch, bring to the mouth and ingest the amount they want. Unlike the traditional introduction of food (both baby food), who determines the amount is the baby . Parents or caregivers are only responsible for the quality of the food and, of course, supervision during the meal.

The guidelines that were established for the success of the BLISS method are divided by objectives in the table below.

objectiveRecommendations
Increase your intake of iron-rich foodsOffer a high-availability iron-rich food with every meal, including: liver, red meat, chicken, pork and fish. Also regularly offer foods rich in iron of medium and low availability: dark green vegetables, beans, chickpeas and lentils. Use recipes to safely offer foods that the baby cannot grasp at first (leafy vegetables, for example).
Improve iron absorptionSoak whole grains (brown rice, beans, chickpeas, lentils) in lemon water for 12 hours, discarding the water before cooking. Offer a fruit rich in vitamin C along with big meals: orange, tangerine, strawberry, pineapple, kiwi, star fruit, peach, etc.
Ensure a good supply of other nutrientsOffer a variety of foods, repeating the foods initially refused over and over again. Offer 3 to 5 different foods at each meal, but place only one piece on the tray at a time, replenishing as needed.
Reduce the risk of growth failure as a result of a low caloric intake of self-feeding currentOffer at least one energy food at every big meal: potatoes (sweet, baroa, English), yams, cassava, pumpkin, avocado, banana, olive oil, coconut oil, meat in general, beans and other legumes.

Source: BLW Practical Guide – CONALCO

BLW x BLISS

The difference between the two methods is that BLISS must follow the recommendations in the previous chart. In practice, the baby will feed alone (with supervision!) in the same way as in BLW. The rules established by the studies carried out only serve to circumvent common problems identified in children who had AI with the BLW approach.

In fact, when you choose BLW and always worry about offering a good variety of healthy foods for your child, you will be practicing BLISS .

There are also those who argue that more than nutrition, BLW (and BLISS too) is a respectful way to start feeding the baby . Do not force, do not distract, respect the baby’s time and appetite. These are all basic premises to start with BLISS/BLW. After all, BLW is not just about eating with your hands.

Tendencies

The Brazilian Society of Pediatrics and other world bodies have already published studies and manuals on the method. Despite being little accepted by pediatricians, the trend is that BLISS becomes increasingly popular .

Today there are already books, testimonials from parents on the internet, profiles on social networks talking about BLW and BLISS . This has helped a lot to popularize the practice and encourage parents to provide a richer experience for their children, as well as a relationship with food very different from what was seen a few years ago.

Still have questions about BLISS and BLW? Keep reading our articles or leave your question in the comments.

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Dr. Tabriella Perivolaris, Sara's mother and fan of fashion, beauty, motherhood, among others, about the female universe. Since 2018 she has been working as a copywriter, always bringing to her articles a little of her experience and experience as a mother and woman.

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