Mealtime can be challenging and sometimes feel like a battlefield for many reasons including power struggles, fussy eating, and children not eating the way we expect them. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed at the dinner table, please know you’re definitely not alone. Responsive feeding might just be the answer!
1. What is Responsive Feeding?
Responsive feeding is all about listening and embrace your baby's ability. Just like us, babies have an internal compass that tells them when they are hungry and when they are full. By watching their body language and listening vocalisations, you learn to understand exactly how much food feels "right" for them. Crucially, feeding responsively recognises that mealtimes are not just for nutrition, but also for communication, comfort and reassurance between baby and the caregiver.
2. Watch, Listen and Feed
Ready to try it? Here is a simple way to bring responsive feeding into your home:
- Provide a range of healthy foods during regular meal and snack times.
- Set up a safe, nurturing environment where your child can focus on the flavors and textures of their food.
- Pay close attention to their "I’m done" signals. If your child repeatedly turns away or pushes the spoon back, they are telling you they’ve had enough.
- Try to refrain from forcing them to finish. Trusting their fullness today builds a healthy relationship with food.
3. Why It’s a Game-Changer
Adopting this gentle approach has wonderful benefits for your little one’s future:
- Helps babies develop a natural and healthy relationship with food.
- Lowers the risk of unhealthy eating habits or obesity later in life because the child learns to stop when they are full.
- Makes mealtime into a happy, bonding experience rather than a chore.
It is also helpful to remember that a baby’s appetite goes up and down, and that is completely normal! Whether they are teething, going through a growth spurt, or just having an "off" day, their hunger will change.
4. A Note For The Journey
By paying attention to their cues, you are helping your baby grow into a confident, healthy eater. You're doing an amazing job, and it's okay to take it one bite at a time.
If you’re looking for more gentle feeding tips or want to discover tools that make mealtime feel like playtime, feel free to explore our other stories and collections at Plate and Play. We’d love to be a part of your family’s feeding journey.🧡
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