When Can A Baby Feed Themselves?

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As a parent, it’s exciting to see your baby develop new skills, such as sitting up or crawling. One milestone that many parents look forward to is when their baby starts to feed themselves.

But when does this typically happen, and what can you do to encourage your baby’s self-feeding skills?

Between 6-9 months you will have either been weaning your baby onto purees and are wondering when your baby will start to hold the spoon themselves, or your baby is still on a milk diet and you are wondering when your baby is going to start showing an interest in food.

When to Expect Self-Feeding

Every baby develops at their own pace, so it’s difficult to give a precise age when babies start to feed themselves. However, most babies will begin to show interest in self-feeding between 6-9 months of age.

At this point, they may start to reach for food and put it in their mouth, or try to grab utensils or finger foods.

Also Read: Can Babies Have Honey Graham Crackers?

Watch out at this age many babies will enjoy putting lots of things in their mouth and they won’t all be edible, its good to make sure your baby has toys they can easily hold and bring to their mouth to explore textures.

Your baby has probably started cutting a tooth or two. Quite often around the same time that babies cut teeth, they want to chew often on their own fists or teething toys.

If they are putting other things in their mouth but not showing an interest in puree or finger foods, have your baby on your lap whilst you eat something soft such as some cut banana or pear, your baby might start to copy you or is likely to when they are ready and if you do this daily.

Encouraging Self-Feeding

While babies will naturally begin to show an interest in self-feeding, there are things you can do to encourage and support their development.

Here are some tips:

Offer finger foods: Once your baby is able to sit up and has good head control, you can start offering soft finger foods such as banana, cooked vegetables, or toast strips.

These foods are easy for your baby to pick up and self-feed.

Use a spoon: Around 8-10 months, your baby may start to show an interest in using a spoon. You can offer them a spoon with a small amount of food on it, or help guide their hand as they practice using it.

Also Read: Can Babies Eat GoGurt?

Make sure the spoon has an easy grip handle and is has a shallow lip so that its comfortable for your baby to get the food of it.

Give your baby space: It’s important to give your baby the opportunity to explore and experiment with self-feeding. This may mean allowing them to make a mess or take their time with their food.

Your baby is likely to make a mess, so its best to be prepared and not worry to much if it goes everywhere. Mistakes are how we learn! and they make for super cute photos.

Stay close and supervise: While it’s important to give your baby space to self-feed, it’s also crucial to stay close and supervise them during meal times to ensure they don’t choke or hurt themselves with utensils.

Be patient: Learning to self-feed is a gradual process, and your baby may take some time to get the hang of it. Be patient and supportive, and celebrate their progress and achievements along the way.

When Do Babies Start To Feed Themselves With A Spoon?

When it comes to self-feeding, using a spoon is a key skill that babies will develop over time. Here’s what you can expect:

Most babies will begin to show an interest in using a spoon between 8-10 months of age. They may start to reach for spoons or try to grab them from your hand during meal times.

At first, your baby may have difficulty coordinating the movements required to scoop food onto the spoon and bring it to their mouth. You can help them by offering a pre-loaded spoon or guiding their hand as they practice using the utensil.

As your baby becomes more comfortable with using a spoon, you can start offering them more opportunities to practice on their own. Be prepared for some messes and spills as they learn, and be patient and encouraging along the way.

It’s important to choose spoons that are safe and appropriate for your baby’s developmental stage. Look for spoons with a soft, flexible tip that won’t hurt your baby’s gums or teeth, and avoid metal spoons or those with sharp edges.

Many children I have looked after, including my own like to hold a spoon and try themselves as well as have help, this can help ease frustration particularly in hungry babies, as well as ensure that more food goes into their tummy than up the wall or on the floor!

Also Read: Accidentally Gave Baby Tap Water

Bottom Line

In conclusion, most babies will start to show an interest in self-feeding between 6-9 months of age. By offering finger foods, giving them a spoon, and giving your baby space to explore and experiment, you can encourage and support their self-feeding skills.

Remember to stay close and supervise during meal times, and be patient and supportive as your baby learns this important skill.