4 Must know about self feeding

Self feeding is an important development for children. Teaching children to self feeding may not be an easy thing. But feeding your child continuously until he grows up is not good either. This will only hinder its development.

Self feeding in children comes in phases, making it a long drawn out, but extremely rewarding, journey for you and your child. Although your child needs to reach toddlerhood to have the physical ability to self feed, it helps to start early. Here are the 4 must know things before you start letting your baby self feeding.

Content:

| Self feeding advantages

| How to encourage self feeding

| Best self feeding age

| My favorite self feeding spoon

Self feeding advantages

Some parents choose to continue feeding their children because they don't want their children to be messy or dirty while eating alone. In fact, this is a learning process that children must go through. Baby led weaning (BLW) is a method that allows babies to self feeding. Mama only needs to prepare food that has been processed according to the baby's ability to eat, then the baby can use his hands to take and feed the food. Letting children eat alone also teaches him many things. Self feeding have many advantages.

Read more: Why letting your baby self-feeding is worth the mess

To prevent obesity

One of them is keeping children connected to their basic instincts (hunger) and listening to their own body cues (satiety). When a child is fed by another person, the child has the potential to eat more than they need, causing them to lose touch with their basic bodily instincts. In addition, it can also trigger stomach upset and can lead to eating problems later in life, such as obesity.

Helping children recognize the taste and texture of food

In applying the BLW method, food is served in a solid and larger form. This will allow your little one to recognize the texture because it is easy to grip. In addition, this method also introduces your little one to the various tastes, colors and aromas of the food he consumes.

Read more: Start feeding your kids solid food with this

Support children's motor development

Implementing the BLW method can support your little one's motor development, you know, Bun. This method can be a means for your little one to train eye and hand coordination, as well as chewing and grasping skills.

Read more: How to help my baby develop their pincer grasp?

Make children enjoy the food they eat

Teaching your little one this method allows him to enjoy the food he is eating without the need to be forced to open his mouth. In addition, your little one can also be introduced to many types of food.

How to encourage self feeding

Don't help put food in their mouth

You could say BLW is a method for making your little one independent when eating. You should really try to step back and believe that your baby can put food well in his mouth. Don't help put food in his mouth and you don't have to worry if you think he doesn't eat much. At this stage, food is a way for your little one to experiment and learn. As extra nutrition, your child will get what he needs from his milk, whether formula milk or breast milk.

Try offering a variety of foods

After your baby learns to use a spoon (holding objects between fingers and thumbs a.k.a. pincer grasp), you can introduce berries and raisins, or peas. Don't overwhelm your baby with too much food, having in front of him two or three items at a time is sufficient.

Read more: Baby's first solid food

Be patient

It is better if you don't rush when you want to let your children self feeding, because your child will choke on food if his age is not suitable, another reason is because he is not good at chewing food that is too solid. Wait until your baby is six months old and make sure he can sit up straight before starting self feeding. Be patient is the key.

Nothing comes easy with the baby. Every habit and every successful milestone is a result of someone’s effort. It could be you, your nanny, your spouse, the siblings or even strangers.

Read more: 3 Rules you must follow when giving first food to your children

Best self feeding age

Learning to self feeding can generally begin at the age of 9 months, when children are able to grasp their own food. At this age, parents is allowed to give them finger foods or foods that are easy to grasp. Children will become interested in holding their own spoon, fork, or water bottle in both hands when they are 13–15 months old.

In my daughter case, I let her start hold when she was 7 months. The food does not always fill the spoon and she not always succeeds in putting it in her mouth. Not a little food will also fall on the floor or table.

Around 18-24 months of age, they will begin to be adept at putting their own food into his mouth less messy. However, your little one must always be supervised when learning to eat on their own. Because they are still learning, sometimes children may choke, cough, or vomit. Later when your little one enters the age of 24–36 months, they will be more adept at eating and enjoying their own food without the need for help from adults.

My favorite self feeding spoon

You might be wondering if you can just get away with using a regular old steel spoon to feed your baby. After all, if it’s good enough for you to eat with, shouldn’t it be fine for a baby?

Some old-school parents will shrug and say that you can feed a toddler just fine without buying yet another special tool. But most feeding authorities recommend using a shallow, plastic children’s spoon for feeding, since it’s easier for them to eat from and won’t hurt their delicate mouths.

Read more: Baby essentials that is important for your children's development

Combined spoon and teether

Some spoons are made a little larger with a more chewy texture, for those teething kids who to bite down on as they eat. The teething element may encourage some kids to use the spoon.

Grabease stage 1 silicone spoon

The soft spoon is perfect for tiny mouths during the early stages of self-feeding, and the textured handle soothes little one's gums during teething. Kickstart BLW with Grabease stage 1 self-feeding silicone spoon.

Shaped ergonomic spoons

Little hands can be clumsy and a spoon is hard to hold. This style of spoon is usually chunkier and shaped to help toddlers get to grips with their fine motor skills.

Grabease stage 2 spoon and fork

Grabease patented fork and spoon sets were the first utensils designed with babies’ independence in mind, and they come highly recommended by Occupational Therapists. The ergonomic handle fits comfortably in babies' natural hand grasp, making the hand-to-mouth motion easier. This set will also help strengthen their fingers while encouraging proper pencil grasp development (this will come in handy later!).

BONUS! Yummy and healthy ice cream for your baby with Grabease

The Best Bibs for Baby-Led Weaning: A Buyer's Guide for Messy Eaters

Editor's Note:

This article was originally a review of a specific bib we once carried. We've updated it to be a comprehensive guide on the features that make a full-coverage bib a must-have for messy eaters. The insights are based on real-world experience to help you choose the best option for your family.

Baby-Led Weaning (BLW) is an amazing way to introduce solid foods. It has so many positive benefits for a child's development. However, there's no denying the biggest con: it can be incredibly messy and frustrating to clean up after every meal.

A great bib (and floor mat!) can be a game-changer. It will help you feel so much happier and more relaxed during your baby's BLW journey. When you aren't constantly stressing about the mess, you can truly enjoy the experience of eating with your baby.

For maximum protection, a full-coverage, all-over bib is the best solution. Here is what you should look for when choosing one.

The Ultimate Checklist for a Full-Coverage Bib

The Good: Key Features to Look For

• Generous Size and Coverage: Look for an oversized bib that covers not just your baby's chest, but their lap as well. The best designs have an elastic hem that can be stretched around the high chair tray, creating a "catch-all" zone that contains all the mess.

• Lightweight and Portable: The fabric should be lightweight and easy to roll up for storage in a diaper bag, making it perfect for meals on the go.

• Easy to Clean: This is non-negotiable. The bib must be machine washable for deep cleans and have a smooth surface that is easy to wipe down for quick clean-ups between meals. Always ensure you hang it to dry completely before storing.

• Safe and Waterproof Materials: Safety is paramount. Ensure the bib is certified BPA-free, PVC-free, and phthalate-free. Look for a 100% polyester fabric with a TPU coating for waterproofing. This will keep your baby's clothes completely dry from drool and spills.

• Comfortable Design: Look for stretchy neck and arm holes that are comfortable for your baby. Consider the sleeve length based on your climate; short sleeves are fantastic for warmer weather to prevent overheating, while long sleeves offer maximum coverage for especially messy meals.

• Versatility: A great bib can often double as a smock for messy art and craft projects!

The Final Verdict

For parents embracing the fun (and chaos) of Baby-Led Weaning, a full-coverage bib isn't a luxury—it's an essential tool. It dramatically reduces laundry, minimizes clean-up time, and lowers the stress level of mealtimes. By investing in a high-quality bib with these features, you're not just buying a piece of fabric; you're buying yourself more joy and peace of mind during one of your baby's most important developmental stages.

A Parent's Guide to Choosing the Best Baby Bowls and Plates

Editor's Note:

This article was originally a "best of" list from 2019. To provide more timeless and useful advice, it has been updated to be a comprehensive guide on the features and materials to look for when choosing the perfect mealtime gear for your little one.

When your baby reaches 6 months old, an exciting new adventure begins: starting solid foods! As you move beyond breastmilk or formula, the gear you use becomes incredibly important. The right bowls and plates can make the transition to self-feeding smoother, less messy, and more successful.

Learning to self-feed is a critical milestone that practices fine motor skills and fosters independence. To set your baby up for success, here’s our guide to the essential features to look for in baby bowls and plates.

The #1 Feature: A Strong Suction Base

Let's be honest: babies and toddlers love to test gravity. Outsmart your child's tendency to toss their plate on the floor by choosing bowls and plates with a strong suction base. This provides a stable foundation for little ones learning to scoop and feed themselves, keeping the food on the table and off your floor. Look for a strong lock mechanism that lets you know it's securely stuck in place.

Choosing the Right Material: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Silicone

This is the go-to material for convenience and durability.

• Pros: Virtually unbreakable (aka toddler-proof!), lightweight, and flexible. It's almost always dishwasher, microwave, freezer, and even oven safe. High-quality, food-grade silicone is also free from BPA and other toxins and won't have a strange taste or smell.

• Cons: Can sometimes be stained by brightly colored foods like carrots or beets.

Bamboo

For parents looking for an eco-friendly and stylish option.

• Pros: Made from a sustainable, biodegradable resource. It's naturally resistant to mold and mildew. Bamboo dishes are lightweight and have a beautiful, modern look.

• Cons: Most bamboo products are hand-wash only and cannot be used in the microwave. They are more rigid than silicone and can crack if dropped from a significant height.

Stainless Steel

A durable and safe alternative to plastic.

• Pros: Extremely durable, will not break, and won't stain or hold onto food odors. Many stainless steel bowls come with airtight lids, making them perfect for storing leftovers or packing snacks for outings.

• Cons: Cannot be used in the microwave.

The Power of Divided Plates

A simple but brilliant feature to look for is a divided plate.

• Encourages Variety: The separate compartments naturally prompt parents to serve a variety of foods from different food groups.

• Appeals to Picky Eaters: Many children prefer their foods not to touch. Divided sections can make mealtimes less overwhelming for them.

• Great for Portioning: The sections provide a simple visual guide for appropriate portion sizes.

Bonus Features to Consider

• Steam-in-the-Bowl Design: Some innovative silicone bowls are designed to be placed directly in a pot to steam veggies or warm up purées, which helps preserve nutrients.

• Stackable Designs: If you have more than one little one, look for plates that are designed to stack neatly for easy serving and storage.

Choosing What’s Right for You

Now that your child has a whole new, edible world to explore, meals become one big adventure. What you use to feed your little one should make life easier for you and more fun for them. Whether you prioritize convenience (silicone), sustainability (bamboo), or durability (stainless steel), the right gear is out there.

Bon appétit

Starting Solids: The 3 Essential Rules for Baby's First Foods

There are so many ways to introduce and give the first foods to your child. Proper nutrition is critical, and as gastro-hepatology consultant pediatrician Dr. Frieda Handayani says, any method applied must prioritize nutritional needs to support each stage of growth. Errors in feeding can have serious consequences, leading to eating difficulties and even malnutrition.

"The first time feeding a child, there will be many challenges, so we must be patient. But it is a child's learning process that must be passed," Dr. Frieda advises.

To navigate this new chapter successfully, here are the three essential rules you must follow when giving your child their first foods.

Rule 1: Follow Your Baby's Cues, Not Just the Calendar

While the general recommendation is to start solids around 6 months, the most important factor is your baby's individual developmental readiness. Forcing food before they are ready can lead to frustration and feeding aversions.

Look for these key signs of readiness:

• They have solid head and neck control and can sit up well with minimal support.

• They show significant interest in food by watching you eat, leaning forward, and trying to grab what's on your plate.

• They have lost the "tongue-thrust reflex" that automatically pushes food out of their mouth.

• They open their mouth when food comes their way.

Only when your baby is showing these signs are they truly ready to begin their solid food adventure.

Rule 2: Introduce New Foods One at a Time (The 3-Day Rule)

This is the most critical rule for identifying potential food allergies or sensitivities. When you introduce a new food, offer it exclusively for 3 to 4 days before introducing another new food.

How it works:

1. Start with a single-ingredient purée (like mashed avocado, sweet potato, or iron-fortified baby cereal).

2. Offer this same food once a day for 3-4 days.

3. During this time, watch for any signs of a reaction, such as a new rash, hives, vomiting, diarrhea, or other signs of discomfort.

4. If there is no reaction, you can safely add that food to the "accepted" list and move on to introduce another new food, following the same 3-day process.

This simple rule removes the guesswork. If a reaction does occur, you will know exactly which food caused it.

Rule 3: Prioritize Safe Textures and Progression

A baby's ability to chew and swallow develops over time. It's crucial to offer textures that match their current ability to prevent choking.

Follow this general progression:

• Stage 1 (First Foods): Start with very smooth, thin purées. The texture should be like a soupy paste that is easy to swallow.

• Stage 2 (6-8 Months): As they get more comfortable, you can thicken the texture to be more like a traditional mash with soft lumps. This encourages them to start using their tongue and jaw to move food around.

• Stage 3 (8-12 Months): Introduce soft, mashable finger foods. The food should be soft enough that you can easily squish it between your thumb and forefinger. Think small pieces of banana, avocado, steamed carrots, or puffs that dissolve easily.

Safety is non-negotiable. Always supervise your baby during mealtimes. Avoid hard, round foods like whole grapes, nuts, and hard candies, as these are serious choking hazards.

By following these three simple but essential rules, you can create a safe, positive, and healthy foundation for your child's lifelong relationship with food.