How to gradually teach your baby to eat… alone
Your baby is at that stage of development, during which he learns how to eat and drink.
But what is the appropriate age, when he should start eating with a spoon and fork?
According to experts, usually, after completing the twelfth month, your baby can start experimenting with a spoon. This, of course, depends on the baby, since some babies seem impatient to eat on their own and some others show reluctance both for food and for holding the spoon and fork.
Fingers
The first signs that your baby is trying to eat on his own are when he uses his fingers to grab food. In this way, your baby begins to develop fine technical skills.
To help, offer small, soft pieces of food that are easy for your baby to grasp and chew, such as:
- Small pasta
- Bread crumbs
- Small pieces of soft fruit or vegetables
- Pieces of soft cheese or crackers
By the time your baby is twelve months old, he or she will be able to eat comfortably with his or her hands.
Fork & Spoon
First, you should teach your baby how to chew and swallow solid foods, such as pureed foods, that you give him or her with a spoon.
- Most babies can swallow small pieces of food without choking at around 6 months of age.
- Your baby can use a spoon at around 10 to 12 months of age.
- Over time, your baby will improve their ability to use a spoon. To get them used to it and practice, allow them to use a spoon and fork, even if this can be fatal to the cleanliness of your kitchen.
Cup / Cup
Your baby can learn to use their cup without the protective lid at around 9 months of age.
- By 12 months of age, your baby can hold a cup with both hands.
- Enable your baby to hold a cup.
If you have any questions, consult your doctor about what your child can do or learn to do at this age.
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