For little ones, mealtime is as much about exploring food as it is about eating. Squishing sweet potatoes between tiny fingers is a captivating experiment, spreading them across the tray becomes an artistic endeavor, and flinging a handful at the wall teaches cause and effect. Eating? Well, that’s just an afterthought.
To minimize the mess and encourage actual eating, consider limiting both choices and portion sizes. Offer only a couple of finger foods at a time and keep servings small. This prevents overwhelming your little eater with too many options or large portions.
Set Boundaries for Food Play
While it’s normal for babies to play with their food, establishing limits is important. It’s okay to allow some squishing while nibbling, but flinging food should be discouraged. Avoid overreacting to their antics; your response can either reinforce their behavior or deter it. After all, the attention they get from playing with their food might just be the highlight of their mealtime!
Another tip is to give your baby a spoon to hold. Although she may not know how to use it effectively yet, just having it in her hand can keep her engaged—and her mouth open—long enough for you to sneak in a bite or two.
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In summary, while your baby may enjoy playing with her food, setting limits and providing engaging tools can make mealtime a more productive experience.