While it is good to allow older babies to feed themselves, I am at my wits end when I see the mess my ten month old baby creates. Please, is there anything I can do to prevent messiness?


Babies and toddlers love to feed themselves. They prefer using their fingers to the spoons you provide. Wear him his old clothes which you don't mind him soiling or a disposal or large plastic bib over his clothes which you can clean easily. Plastic bibs with troughs are useful but should not be worn too long either as they can cut into his skin. Place newspapers around the high chair as these can be disposed versus plastic floor mats which you will need to clean up to use the next day. It is a put off watching your baby make a mess of himself and his surroundings but mealtimes are a time for exploring and discovering. To reduce the episodes of spills, offer baby his water or juice in a sippy cup.


Meals should be in small portions served in non-breakable utensils and plates in case of accidents. Stay neutral as in do not scold or criticize as children tend to step up their misbehaviour. Do not laugh and make it light either as you are sending the wrong signal. But do praise him when he eats and teach your child about neatness whenever you feel right. While it is tempting to keep neatness the focus of mealtimes, curtailing your child's self-feeding opportunities is not the answer. By depriving him the chance to self-feed, you will end up delaying this aspect of independence. When you feel baby is playing with his food way too much, then it is time to remove him from his high chair - he is probably too bored and not hungry anyway.