Does your baby hold most foods while eating, drink from a cup (with a little help), or hold and lick the spoon after it is dipped in food? These are his first steps in learning to eat by himself. You can help him practice by giving him finger foods such as pieces of soft cheese, bits of soft toast, graham crackers, cooked vegetable strips or slices, or dry, ready-to-eat cereal squares or rounds. These foods will easily break up or dissolve in his mouth. Try not to feed your baby french fries or other salty, fried foods.
Praise your baby while he is feeding himself, even if he is very messy. If the mess really bothers you, spread some newspapers under his chair to catch any food that drops.
About Weaning
Some mothers decide to wean their babies from the breast or bottle about now. Others wait until later on. When you decide to wean your baby, do so gradually over a period of several weeks. Your baby still needs to drink either breast milk or 24 ounces of iron-fortified formula each day. During the weaning period, be sure to give your baby some extra hugs and kisses.
No Seasonings or Small, Hard Foods
Although you may find unseasoned foods bland or tasteless, your baby does not. By now your little one can eat most of the things you cook for the rest of the family. Just take out your baby’s food before you add salt or other seasonings for them.
Be careful not to give your baby small, hard pieces of food he could choke on, such as grapes, nuts, seeds, pieces of raw vegetables, popcorn, or round slices of hot dog. Hot dogs are not good for babies for another reason—they are not nutritious, because they contain many additives and lots of fat. However, if you decide to serve hot dogs, for safety cut them in narrow, lengthwise strips then cut the strips crosswise into small pieces before handing them to your baby. Try “hot dogs” made from turkey or soy as healthier choices.
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