It was Stéphane Kleintjes, a Dutch dietitian-nutritionist specializing in child nutrition, who initiated child-led diversification (DME). We also speak of conscious and autonomous diversification. In France, the movement is relayed by the Leche League (association for the promotion of breastfeeding) and the forums of pro-nature mothers (using natural remedies).
He can eat with his hands
The child is offered solid foods, in the form of large pieces cooked or raw. We put several on his plate, the child chooses what he is going to eat and manages with his hands. This learning complements classic diversification but must not take its place.
Start when your child can sit well, usually after 6 months. Vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, pasta, you can offer them anything as long as the food is tender. For vegetables, prefer steaming. Place in front of him, for example, a well-cooked carrot stick, a bunch of broccoli or a cod cube. Compose a varied, colorful plate containing foods that are easy to grab. Then let it be! Just think about putting on a bib with sleeves, or be ready to clean …
He learns to eat in a playful way
THE’child awakens his taste,his touch, his smell and discovers the pleasure of eating alone. He thus develops his autonomy at his own pace, by making his own food choices. The EMR also contributes to psychomotor development: baby catches the pieces with his hands, guides them towards his mouth. He learns to chew faster. It becomes possible to share the meal with the family. And seeing his parents eat with him is much more stimulating for the child than eating his mash alone before everyone else.
“From a nutritional point of view, this method is equivalent to classic diversification, explains Dr Christine Coquart, general practitioner. On the other hand, it allows you to learn to eat in a fun way: therefore ideal for difficult children! The best is to start. after 6 months, for limit the risk of allergy, always testing only one food over 3-4 days. Pumpkin, beans, we opt for well-cooked vegetables. For fruits, choose them very ripe or simply poach them in hot water. Encourage him to taste without being too intrusive. Too bad if he gets it everywhere! However, you should always watch him and make sure he does not choke. “
A mother testifies …
“I breastfed all my children,” says Hélène, 34, mother of 4 children. When we switched to diversification, it seemed obvious to me to give them foods close to what we find in nature to maintain their good health. With us, we start with raw fruit. Depending on the food, I crush or I give in pieces directly. A banana, a juicy peach … Carrots or cucumbers are also easy to chew on. They thus forge their tastes: at the beginning, the smallest swore only by grapefruit. Today my four children eat everything. “
