When your baby is first introduced to food, you might get the impression that they are playing with it instead of eating it. This behavior at mealtimes is a perfectly normal part of their development.
Understanding why babies play with food
When introducing solid foods with BLW Breast-Led Weaning) or during traditional weaning, your baby will often play with their food . This behavior isn't just to annoy you. Your little one has discovered a whole new world : the world of food with all its smells, colors, textures, flavors, and more. This discovery requires a lot of concentration to process all the information . Their hands will be a way for them to explore what's in front of them at mealtimes. Your baby will pick up different foods, squish them with their fingers, and that's perfectly normal . Little by little, your baby will develop their fine motor skills , allowing them to grasp different foods with ease.
During this period, which can be difficult for some parents, remember that your baby is not doing this to annoy you, but simply because he wants to discover with his hands what you are offering him!
Photo: © Lune et l'autre
What can be done to prevent the baby from playing with the food?
This period in a baby's development is inevitable, but it is possible to put in place small things that can lessen the baby's desire to play with food and to get it all over and around him.
Having good equipment
Having the right equipment can help you reduce cleanup after meals! A long-sleeved, generously sized bib or a tray for the baby's highchair will make cleanup quick and easy. But that's not all! Baby won't be able to get their nice clothes dirty at every meal.
To prevent the baby from putting more food everywhere except in their mouth, it is important to introduce cutlery and a plate at the right time .
Create a good environment during meals
The environment in which meals take place plays an important role in how family time unfolds. Ideally, mealtimes are a pleasant moment when we share stories with the whole family . If there are noisy things in the background, like the radio, television, or any other distraction, your little one will be drawn to several things at once. To help your baby focus on their beautifully prepared plate, a pleasant and calm environment is ideal!
Setting an example for baby
Throughout their development, babies will observe your movements and try to imitate you. From birth, you've been their role model ! It's important to keep this in mind during mealtimes. If your baby watches you eat your food neatly and without playing with it, it will encourage them to follow your example and eat like a grown-up .
Communicating with baby
In any situation, communication can resolve many issues! Communication can help you show your baby and isn't appropriate during mealtimes . Point out when their behavior isn't suitable, but don't hesitate to tell them when it is! negative and positive behaviors should be emphasized through communication .
Arm yourself with patience and let go
During this perfectly normal period in your baby's development, it's important to be patient and let go ! Showing impatience during mealtimes might make your baby play with the food more to see your reaction. By remaining calm and relaxing your stance on how much your baby "should" eat at mealtimes, your baby will eat their plate without noticing any reaction from you.
Baby got it all over the floor and clothes? A quick clean-up, change baby's clothes, and that's the end of it!
This phase where your baby plays with their food might not be very pleasant, but it's an important stage in their development. Remember, your baby isn't doing this to annoy you! So, take a deep breath and keep in mind that it's just a phase; it will pass. Your baby will soon start eating the contents of their plate!
