Carol Stovold Quality Kidz qualitykidz.co.nz

Each child has their own unique ways of doing things, in their own time; and feeding independently is no different. The important thing to remember is there is no specific age that they need to be accomplished at feeding, so it is not useful to compare your child to anyone else's.
Letting them learn at their own pace will often result in baby making the switch to self feeding before they are even capable of getting enough food that way. The ‘feeding relationship' or the interaction and communication that take place whilst baby is feeding influence their ability to progress. As long as you are responsive to babies feeding cues and attentive to their needs, they will learn to have a positive relationship with food and feeding.

Babies should never be forced to consume additional food when they are indicating by closed mouths or turning away their heads that they are full. When feeding cues are ignored or overruled they may become confused about the sensation of hunger and fullness. This confusion about hunger and fullness cues has been linked to childhood obesity.

Food should be offered in a positive way without forcing or enticing baby to eat and their diets should be full of good nutrients from all of the food groups. Babies and infants are biologically capable of regulating their food intake to meet their need for growth, but they have such small tummies that it is best to avoid empty calories by filling them up with over-processed foods. Positive feeding environments which are patient, relaxed and calm will often decrease any ‘fussiness'. The type of foods will vary as will the amount eaten each day as they transition to feeding independence.

Often by nine to 12 months, baby may be possibly eating some baby foods and eating table foods with the family. At this age, many babies:

• may eat with their fingers
• may reach for a spoon to start spoon feeding themselves, but may need help
• may drink from a cup that is held or may begin to hold a cup
• may reach for the foods that you are eating or want to eat from your plate

Tips for assisting this transition can include:

Offering them a variety of nutritious foods daily, giving them the choice of what they want. Then, no matter what they choose, you still know they will get the nutrition they need.

Cutting foods small and choosing things that are easy to pick up, whilst ensuring that they can actually chew and swallow them. Stay far away from foods that can cause choking, like whole grapes and popcorn. Always supervise them when they are eating – it takes a split second to choke.

Not letting them roam around and snack. Have them seated for all meals and snacks.

If your baby starts grabbing for the spoon, let them try. Get ready to clean up a mess, but it's the best way to have them learn. There are a lot of great baby spoons available that assist them to eventually get the food in their mouths.

Above all have fun, make a meal an enjoyable process and have a good stain remover handy.

Next Week: Keeping children safe over winter