Choking Occurrence in Babies Using Baby-led Weaning and Traditional Weaning
Dian Susmarini1*, Made Sumarwati2, Dian Anandari3, Atyanti Isworo4, Eni Rahmawati5, Yati Sri Hayati6

1,5Faculty, Pediatric Nursing Department, Jenderal Soedirman University, Indonesia (Corresponding author: dian.susmarini[at]unsoed.ac.id)
2Nursing Management Department, Jenderal Soedirman University
3Public Health Department, Jenderal Soedirman University
6Community Health Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Brawijaya University

Abstract

Background: The development of feeding methods for babies grows over time, with new ones is baby-led weaning. The concern for this method that is felt by mothers and health workers is the risk of choking when the baby is self-feeding. Studies to address this problem are still lacking, therefore further research must be conducted.
Purpose: To identify differences in choking events in babies using baby-led weaning and traditional weaning.
Method: This study used a comparative descriptive method, with a sample of babies aged 6-12 months. The sampling technique is convenience sampling which was taken in one month. Inclusion criteria included infants living in Indonesia, those without congenital or chronic disease and completed the self report questionnaire. A total of 286 respondents were eligible for this study.
Results: There was a significant difference of choking events between the baby-led and traditional weaning groups (p value = 0.014). It was also found that baby-led weaning babies were 1.98 times more prone to choking than traditional weaning babies.
Conclusion: This study adds references to the field of baby-led weaning in terms of safety concerns. Therefore, mothers who decide to use this method for their babies should take precautions about observing the baby during feeding time.

Keywords: baby-led weaning, choking, feeding method, traditional weaning

Topic: Maternity and Pediatric Nursing