Baby-Led Weaning and Influencing Factors: a Descriptive Study

Objective: This study aimed to examine the demographic factors affecting baby-led weaning (BLW). Methods: The study was of a descriptive and cross-sectional type to examine the factors affecting BLW between March and May 2024. The study population consisted of parents registered in a Family Health Center in Türkiye. Parents who gave written and verbal consent to participate in the study were included in the study (n = 137). Results: The mean BLWS scores of mothers and fathers were 49.96 ± 6.67 and 46.71 ± 6.58, respectively. Parents’ and babies diet had a statistically significant effect on BLWS total score (Parents: F= 4.564, P = .035; Babies’ diet: F= 2.47, P = .028). There is a positive and statistically significant relationship between BLWS score and the age, height, and weight of the child (r = 0.307, r = 0.254, r = 0.217, respectively). Conclusion: The BLW levels of both mothers and fathers are above the mean. Whether the parent is a mother or a father and the baby’s diet are important determinants of BLW. The extent to which the baby sits with the family at meals, the degree of independence in eating, and the total BLW levels of the parents are affected by the age, height, and weight of the children.