How to Train Toddlers to Eat By Themselves and the Things That You Need to Know

As a parent, there's nothing quite as heartwarming as seeing our little ones
accomplish milestones in their journey towards independence. Teaching your
toddler to eat independently is a monumental step in their development. It marks
the transition from baby to little individual and it’s an exciting yet challenging
journey. But remember, learning to feed oneself doesn't happen overnight and
like most other milestones, this too requires a lot of patience and consistent
effort.

The I can do it by myself phrase from my toddler led me to one such milestone,
the journey into self-feeding.

If you, too, are heading towards this exciting adventure, let me share with you the
essential tips and trick I've learned, along with the useful items that can make
this training more seamless and fun.

First things first: When is the right time to start?

Pediatricians generally agree that toddlers are ready for this journey by around 9-
12 months of age. They should have mastered pincer grasp – an ability to pick up
objects between their thumb and index finger. My journey started right around
my little one's first birthday, so don't feel the rush, take it at a pace you and your
toddler are comfortable with.

And here's how to proceed:

1. Patience Is Your New Best Friend

The very first thing to understand and accept is that this will be messy – very, very
messy! It's going to take patience. Encourage your little one, no matter how many
attempts they make, and no matter how much food ends up everywhere but their
mouth. I usually spread a large washable mat under the highchair to catch the
spills.

2. Baby Steps: Start with Easy Finger Foods

In the beginning, go with soft, bite-sized pieces that your toddler can easily pick
up. Foods like cooked peas, chunks of banana, well-cooked pasta are excellent to
start with.

3. Mealtime is Fun-time

Try and make this a fun experience. I noticed my little one enjoyed exploring
different food textures. Giving them a mix of foods in various shapes and textures
stimulates their curiosity and makes self-feeding enjoyable.

Now let's look at a few things that can make this transition smoother:

1. Training Utensils

When I first introduced a spoon to my toddler, it looked like a wrestling match
with a slippery eel. To help her grasp, I invested in some toddler-friendly spoons
with thick, easy-to-hold handles and soft, rubbery material to protect her tender
gums.

2. Section Plates

Invest in plates with separate sections to avoid mixing foods. Toddlers love
exploring their foods individually, and it's less messy!

3. Durable & Spill-proof Cups

Switching from bottle to a cup can be another messy ordeal. Use cups that are
designed to resist spills, have easy-grip handles and gentle-on-gum edges.

4. High Chair with Tray

A high chair with a tray was another savior, making meal times more organized
and cleaning up more manageable.

Finally, remember that each child is unique and progresses at their own pace.
Some toddlers may become comfortable with self-feeding in a few weeks, while
others might take a few months. The most important thing is to create a positive and fun environment around mealtimes. It's all about exploration, independence
and their cute little victories along the way.

Wishing you the best on this delightful, delicious adventure.

About the author:

Shruti Roy is from Bhagalpur and currently resides in Ghaziabad. She has a NET in public administration and holds two master's degrees in English literature and public administration.

She has a PG Diploma in Hindi Journalism from Tilkamanjhi Bhagalpur University and a BA (Hons) in English Journalism from Delhi University.She has also had a brief relationship with Hindustan Times, JT News, and Sportskeeda. Writing for her is a pleasant and calming activity.

She enjoys writing in both Hindi and English, including essays, short stories, articles, and poems. Currently she is a homemaker and likes spending quality time with her 6 year old son Parth.