How to teach the baby to eat

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It is easier for many mothers to feed the baby for 1 or 2 years than to wash everything after the baby's own food. But parents thus deprive the child of the opportunity to learn such an important skill as self-service.

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In addition, the first attempts to hold a spoon, bring food to the mouth, drink from a cup, all this contributes to the development of fine motor skills and the coordination of movements in the child.

Therefore, as soon as the baby shows interest in the spoon and tries to pick it up with the food, it is necessary to give it that opportunity. This usually happens at the age of 7-8 months, when he knows how to sit and hold several objects in his hand.

The first lessons of independence:

❥ In general, it is convenient for mothers to feed the baby in a high chair with a table. Put the baby on his plate and place the spoon next to him. A child should wear a special apron or bib so that he does not hit his clothes.

❥The baby is useful to see how mom and other family members eat. Do not force the baby to eat alone, if he does not show interest in this. But the child will observe the joint meal for the actions of the adults and will want to imitate them.

❥ Do not scold or embarrass the baby, spill the food. To minimize cleaning after feeding, pour small portions on the baby (and then feed). For the first signs of independence, it is better to choose porridge or mashed potatoes, something that can not be served, such as soup. Pour only a few sips of water into the cup.

❥ You can teach your child to eat with a spoon or drink from a cup. To do this, take the baby's hand in yours and feed it. In the same way show how to drink from a cup. Do it gently, without reproach, if something does not work.

❥If the baby took a spoon and started trying to eat, do not block it. When the baby is tired, feed it.

❥Before eating with a spoon, the baby will take the food with his hands. This is also an important point, so he learns to take food to his mouth.

If it does not interfere with the child's attempts to eat and have patience, then children with pleasure learn to be independent. You can teach your baby after a year of precision. Gradually learn to wipe your mouth and hands with a napkin, to clean yourself after washing the dishes. For children under three years old, this is not a difficult job, but one of the ways to play that helps them to know this world.