You can start to let your baby feed herself when she is around 6 months old. This is usually when she can sit up on her own, has some control over her head and neck. Some babies can sit in a highchair from 6 months onwards.
You may want to start with small amounts of food and gradually increase the amount as she gets older. This also a good time to introduce bowls and cutleries. Just pop on a baby bib, use a splash mat if you have one, and always supervise your baby during mealtimes.
You can put anything in a baby's bowl that is appropriate for them. This includes fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, and even desserts. The general guideline is to avoid honey, raw or undercooked food before 1 year old. Always feed them a well-balanced diet for your baby's health. You must cut the food into small pieces so that your baby can easily eat it. Don't put anything in the bowl that could be a choking hazard, such as hard candies or nuts.
There are many different types of bowls available for babies. You may want to choose one that is made from a soft material, such as silicone, to prevent your baby from tipping it over and breaking it. Some bowls have a suction base to help keep it in place. Additionally, bowls and plates with sections are a good way to ensure a balanced diet and to introduce different foods to your baby. Some bowls come with lids, which can be helpful if you are traveling with your baby.
You can stop spoon feeding your baby when she is around 1 year old. This is usually when she can feed herself with her hands. Just be sure to offer her small amounts of food so that she doesn't get overwhelmed and don't leave her to eat by herself in case she chokes on something.
Sippy cups are considered training cups for babies who can't drink from a normal cup yet. The cup has a spout that makes drinking easier for small babies. They are different than straw cups, which trains babies to drink from a straw. Both have lids to prevent spills and are usually made of plastic or silicone.
They are both used for different purposes. Younger babies find sucking on a straw easier than on a spout. Sippy cups are good because it is a good transition to normal cups. It depends on your baby.
You can start to let your baby drink from regular cups when she is around 1 year old. This is usually when she can feed herself with her hands. It will take some practice before your baby can drink without spilling liquid everywhere, so don't worry if your baby takes longer.
When your baby can drink from a cup, you can stop using straw or sippy cups and switch to water bottles. Some parents stop giving milk in baby bottles to transition to drinking milk in a cup.
Most children can use cutleries effectively by the time they are between 2 and 3 years old. However, some children may need a little bit more practice. You can help your child practice at every mealtime. You may also want to try using different types of utensils, such as forks, spoons, and knives. Serving different kinds of food will train them to handle different cutleries.
You should wash all your baby's bowls, cups, and cutleries in hot, soapy water. Alternatively, you can sterilise them by boiling them in water for 5 minutes. Or pop them in a steriliser with baby bottles and teats, if you can fit them in. Be sure to dry them off completely before using them again.
