Baby-led Weaning

November 23, 2009
In this British import, trained nurse Rapley and freelance writer Murkett encourage parents to forego the usual baby puree and move straight to whole foods while continuing to breastfeed primarily after a baby is six months old. Their arguments are scientifically sound, especially when it comes to muscle development in the mouth, and they address the anticipated counterarguments, e.g., the need for iron-fortified cereal at six months. There are some British references (e.g., diapers are "nappies"), but they do not interfere with the reading. Some parents will be concerned about their lax approach to the order of allowable foods and especially their lack of concern about nuts, but allergic warnings are given where necessary. If mine were little again, I would definitely try this. As long as mom is nursing, who says baby can't eat lamb chops?-Julianne J. Smith, Ypsilanti Dist. Lib., MI

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