Mealtime Skills

What should I know as I start to teach my child to feed herself?
The first rule is to accept the fact that allowing her to feed herself will take longer, at least in the beginning. You must also accept the fact that self-feeding will be messier.

Parents often dread the start of self-feeding because of the mess involved. However, all toddlers and parents must pass through this stage sooner or later. Remember the big payoff at the end: a more self-sufficient eater and a sense of achievement for your toddler.

What can I do to make things easier?
Since mealtimes are likely to be messier, be sure toddler has her bib on. You may want to spread newspapers on the floor to help make clean-up easier.

How does the process of learning to self feed ususally go?
When toddlers are first learning to feed themselves, they will mainly use their fingers. As her coordination improves, she'll be ready to start using a spoon and a fork.

Once your toddler is accustomed to using her fingers, you may want to put out a spoon and a fork. Even if she doesn't use them at first, at least she'll start to get comfortable with them.

For a while, your toddler may succeed in getting food on the spoon, but lose it before it makes it to her mouth. Real success is not likely until about age 15-16 months.

What foods work best when she's learning to use a spoon?
Beginning self-feeders may fare best with foods that stick easily to a spoon, such as mashed potatoes, oatmeal, and applesauce.

At what age can children typically use a spoon and fork?
By about 18 months, most toddlers are capable of using a spoon or a fork. However, they may not use utensils consistently at every meal.

When should I introduc a cup?
If your toddler is not already drinking from a cup, it is best to introduce it sooner rather than later. As time goes by during the second year, toddlers are more likely to resist on principle.

Any tips for getting a toddler to drink from a cup?
Start offering a cup at every meal. If she ignores the cup or pushes it away, don't force her to drink from it. Sometimes filling the cup with something different than she is receiving from a bottle may intrigue her enough to give the cup a try.

Reprinted with permission from Wyeth Nutrition.