When discovering foods, you may have the impression that baby plays with food instead of eating it. Baby's behavior at meals is a completely normal passage in its evolution.
Understand why baby plays with food
When discovering solid foods in BLW or during classic food diversification, it will happen that baby plays with food . This particular behavior is not done for the sole purpose of annoying you. Your little bit discovered a brand new universe , that of food with all these smells, colors, textures, flavors, etc. This discovery requires a lot of concentration to process all information . Hands will be a way of discovering what is in front of me meal for him. Baby will take the different foods, crush them with his fingers, and it's completely normal . Little by little, your little one will evolve and develop its fine motor skills which will allow it to catch different foods with ease.
During this period which can be difficult for some parents, remember that Bébé absolutely does not do it to bother you, but simply because he wants to discover with his hands what you offer him!
Photo: © Moon and the other
What to put in place to prevent baby from placing with food?
This period in baby's evolution is inevitable, but it is possible to set up small things that can alleviate baby's desire to play with food and put it all over and around him.
Have good equipment
Having good equipment can help you have less cleaning after the meal! A long -sleeved and large bib or even a place to put on the baby chair will allow you an easy and easy cleaning. But that's not all! Baby will no longer be able to dirty his beautiful clothes with each meal.
In order to prevent baby from putting more food everywhere except in his mouth, it is important to introduce the cutlery as well as the plate at the right time .
Create a good environment during meals
The environment in which the meal takes place plays an important role in the course of the family moment. Ideally, the meal at the table is a pleasant moment during which we share our stories to the whole family . If certain elements are noisy in the background such as radio, television or any other distraction, your little one will be attracted by several elements at the same time. In order to favor baby's attention on his beautiful plate prepared with love, a pleasant and calm environment will be ideal!
Show baby
Throughout its evolution, baby will observe your different movements in order to do like you. Since birth, you have been his example ! It is important to have this sentence in mind during meals. If baby watches you eat your plate without playing with food and eating properly, it will make him want to do like you and eat in turn like a big one .
Baby communicate
In any situation, communication allows you to settle a lot of things! Communication help you show baby what is good to do during the meal and what is not . Note him that his behavior is not suitable, but do not hesitate to tell him when he is! The negative and the positive will have to be highlighted through communication .
To arm with patience and letting go
During this completely normal period in the evolution of baby, it will be important to be patient and let go ! By showing your impatience during meals, baby could play more with food to see your reaction. By remaining calm and letting go of the quantities that baby "must" eat during meals, baby will eat his plate by seeing no reaction from you.
Baby put it everywhere on the ground and on his clothes? A small cleaning session, we change baby's clothes and we talk more about it!
This period during which baby will play with his food may not be very pleasant, but it remains an important step in its evolution. Remember that baby is not doing it to get bored! So breathe and keep in mind that it's just a period, it will pass. Baby will quickly start to eat the contents of his plate!
