Messy Mealtimes ~ Try These Tips

By: Alice Seba

Does your baby throw his bowl or food every mealtime? Does he try to grab the spoon from you ending in a terrible mess? Messy mealtimes are a fact of life. Try these tips to help minimize the disaster area that is your kitchen:

1. If you are spoon feeding your baby and he wants to grab the spoon only to splatter food all over the wall; try giving him an empty spoon to manoeuvre while you feed him with another spoon. It will give your little one a sense of control over the feeding process.

2. Try a bowl with suction on the bottom to prevent bowl throwing. If possible, check the suction prior to purchase. Babies and toddlers have incredible strength and can often loosen the suction on some cheaper bowls.

3. If your baby throws his food, give small amounts of food at a time. Add more as he finishes each portion. He is less likely to waste a limited food supply.

4. Spread a plastic sheet on the floor beneath your child's high chair. Just shake off or wipe off the food at the end of the meal.

5. Try a coverall bib. You can buy great plastic bibs with sleeves that give your child ultimate coverage during feeding time.

6. Roll up your baby's sleeves to prevent food from soiling them.

7. Praise your child when he eats nicely and avoids throwing food.

8. Don't force feed your child. Babies and toddlers go through growth spurts that tell their body when they need more or less food. Forcing your baby to eat more could result in poor eating habits and overeating in the future.

9. Be patient. You can't prevent all messes. Reacting in frustration or anger only serves to make mealtime a stressful time.

10. If funds permit, invest in a hand vacuum. They are a lifesaver for quick clean up after mealtime.

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