Tips for family meals with your baby
Even at a young age, your baby will realize that mealtimes are special times to enjoy mom, dad, and her siblings. To make the most of mealtimes with your baby:
- Keep it fun. Although your baby won’t be ready for a high chair until she can sit up on her own, she’ll be thrilled to sit next to the dinner table in a bouncy chair or on mom’s, dad’s, or an older sibling’s lap. The smorgasbord of sights and sounds is sure to intrigue her.
- Take turns feeding your baby. As solids become a routine part of your little one’s diet, let other family members and friends take turns feeding her. It’s good for your baby to know that others can feed her when you’re not home.
- Set an example. Your baby’s future eating habits can be influenced by seeing her family eat lots of fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy and lean meats on the table.
- Keep it social. Turn off the TV, the radio, and the computer when it’s time to eat. Create family rituals at the dinner table to establish a sense of tradition. Include your baby in the conversation.
- Keep it safe. When your baby is at the table, always keep utensils and place mats beyond the reach of her grabbing hands. Sharp knives, forks, breakable plates, bowls, and cups all should be pushed far back from her reach. Keep hot foods and beverages away from your baby too.