Tips & tricks for feeding your baby
We asked the experts (our OHbaby! readers), for some of their best tips for feeding baby, and here they are. Bring on the wet wipes!
Feeding Tips
ü Don’t stress about the mess, let them enjoy the food.
ü Introduce little forks (proper ones) early, as it helps with the child’s hand and eye coordination.
ü Let your little one join in and watch you eat during mealtimes to get them interested in eating different foods and to learn how to eat.
ü Always give them a “win” - at least one thing on their plate you know they’ll eat so you don’t worry about them being hungry if they don’t eat the new thing.
ü Suction bowls help avoid food wastage (so your little one can’t pick up the bowl and tip out the contents) and catcher bibs can help make clean up easier.
ü Put a shower curtain, large rubbish bag, a plastic mat or newspaper underneath the highchair to save the carpet. Or if it’s warm and safe, put the highchair outside in the shade.
ü Make your own and freeze in ice cube trays then put it in snaplock bags once frozen. Take advantage of seasonal fruit and veges and freeze for later.
ü Give them their own spoon to hold and sneak in mouthfuls off your spoon when they attempt to put their spoon in their mouth.
ü Colour changing spoons for hot and cold are great.
ü For picky eaters just put what they don’t like on the plate anyway, as well as foods they would normally eat...they will eventually try it!
ü Bibs made from old towels are very absorbent and help with the clean up. Plus, a dishwasher-safe high chair is a great time saver.
ü Fill silicone feeders with frozen or chilled veggies to help with sore gums. They contain the mess and there’s less chance of choking.
ü Eat with your child as often as possible to develop some healthy habits for you both!
ü If it’s too hot in the house, appetite goes down. Place your child’s high chair near an open window for some fresh air to enter.
ü Try a combination of textures so that they get used to different things.
ü Use a highchair with a huge tray to provide loads of space for food and play.
