Skip the spoon and let babies feed themselves

Before starting your child on solid foods, talk to your baby’s doctor. Consider asking about something called “baby-led weaning.” It’s a different way of introducing babies to solid foods. As a parent, you can decide the method that is best for you and your little one.

With baby-led weaning, you don’t need spoons. Instead, babies feed themselves solid foods they can pick up and put in their mouth. There are some interesting benefits.

First, it puts babies in charge of how much they eat. Studies show this may teach babies to pay attention to their own hunger. It also puts babies in charge of when they are ready for solid food. (That means delaying it until they are ready). It also encourages family meals where everyone eats together.

Pay close attention to your doctor’s advice about safe ways of feeding solid foods to your baby, including her or his thoughts about baby-led weaning. Make sure to learn about the dangers of choking.

Also, talk to your doctor about the best foods to try. As a general rule, look for foods that are soft enough to mash in the mouth. Or try foods that are large and fibrous enough — like strips of meat — that chunks won't break off. Make sure your baby is seated upright while feeding. Always watch closely. You can also combine baby-led weaning and spoon-feeding.