Playing Instead Of Eating: The First Meal Together With The Baby


Food flies through the air. The spoon is turned into a vegetable catapult, and the porridge is used to cream the hands. Most babies don’t understand at first that mommy and daddy are not at all thrilled about this. Don’t play with food is, therefore, the first rule that is laid down when eating together at the table.

If the whole family sits together at the table for the first time, it is a wonderful event for the parents. However, eating with a baby can quickly become a challenge. After all, the little ones still have to learn table manners, and if something doesn’t taste good, they will shout or cry loudly. That’s why it’s important for parents to set an example at the table and establish firm rules.

This Is How The First Meal With Baby At The Table Will Be A Complete Success

What Are Table Manners? – Establish Firm Rules

Most babies are allowed to eat with their grown-ups for the first time at the end of the baby-feeding period, i.e. from the age of ten to twelve months. It doesn’t matter at what age your child is allowed to join you for the first time: It’s important that there are firm table rules for your little one, too.

Also interesting:
All Articles About Breastfeeding At A Glance

Even if your child looks pretty cute with porridge on his face, he needs to learn how to behave at the table and, above all, how to eat properly. At first, young children muddle around in their food a lot. Often, they just want to try out what you can do with a spoon and fork. Don’t be afraid to let your child try things out and practice the correct spoon swing, for example. Also, no child should be forced to eat something they don’t like.

However, throwing food, spitting all over the table, or smearing it on furniture and body should be taboo. Here it is important that you as a parent are consistent and communicate to your child in a friendly but clear manner what is allowed and what is not. Overall, the mantra is: With a lot of love and patience, your baby will settle in at the table. After all, everything is new and exciting for your little one at the beginning.

Also interesting:
Complementary Feeding Guide: Everything You Need For Your Baby's Meal

Celebrate Food As A Shared Event

The first meal together and subsequent meals should be special. Take time for each other and celebrate the meal as a family event. For the child, it is a great experience to sit at the table with the parents like an adult, and he or she enjoys feeling part of the family.

Therefore, the TV should not be on while eating and the laptop or phone should remain in the study. A set mealtime helps ensure that everyone can be present at the meal. It also gives structure to your child’s day.

Parents Act As Role Models

Your child imitates what you do. Therefore, pay attention to your table manners and be aware that you have a role model function.

The Right Equipment Is Important

Your Own Place At The Table

For your child to feel comfortable at the table, he or she needs his or her own place. Unlike adults, your child cannot yet sit on a normal chair. For eating or other sitting activities, a high chair is best suited for baby and child. This can be adjusted with age and adapted to the size of the child. There are also special seat cushions for slightly larger children.

Also interesting:
Clusterfeeding: What Is Behind This Term?

Safe Spill Protection

One thing must not be missing at mealtime: The bib. The colorful cloth around your child’s neck ensures that you don’t have to mop the floor and clean your child’s things after every meal.

But what’s on the baby menu and what do you eat with? Find out what other utensils you need for eating with baby in our baby food guide.

The best products for you and your baby.

Baby monitor

With a baby monitor, you can use your time flexibly, sleep peacefully at night and still know at all times that your baby is doing well.

Nursing pillow

A good breastfeeding pillow has several advantages, because it helps you not only to breastfeed, but also to fall asleep and is also suitable as a nest.

Diaper bags

A diaper bag offers you a lot of storage space, so that you have everything you need for your baby on the go - from the changing pad to the bottle.

Pucksack

A pucksack gives your baby the feeling of security, like in the womb, and thus supports a peaceful and restful sleep.

Bicycle trailer

Bicycle trailers can be used in combination with a baby seat shortly after birth. They are not only safer than child seats but also more comfortable.

Playpen

A playpen can be very practical in everyday life! Which model is suitable for your needs, you can read in my guide.

Baby bed

The first bed accompanies your child for years. Fortunately, there are beds that grow with your child. I have made for you on the search for the best baby beds.

Stroller

A stroller is a worthwhile purchase. But there are the most diverse models on the market. Find out which is the right one.

Radiant heater

Radiant heaters provide your child with the necessary warmth when changing diapers or after bathing.

Extra bed

Side beds are very practical and offer both mother and baby a lot of advantages, because for babies, especially in the first months of life, it is reassuring to be able to sleep next to their parents.

Leave a Comment