Encouraging your baby to feed himself

You can tell when your baby is ready to feed himself, because he usually starts staring you down while you eat your own meals.

Most babies start the self feeding game by watching you closely as you eat and trying to grab at their own food. This can happen at around 6 months, but it can take longer for your baby to get interested. It's a gradual process. By eight months, you can set mushy food out on the highchair, and your baby will likely try to scoop food into his hand with the other hand. Offer other foods that are easy to pick up like sliced soft bananas, very well cooked beans, and pasta. Get ready for a mess. Babies like to smash food all over, which is helping them to develop a feeling for self feeding. By nine months your little one will be able to pick up even smaller items like cold cereal pieces. Safety:

• Allow your baby feed himself only after he can fully sit up on his own in his highchair.
• Never leave your baby alone to eat. He could choke.
• Always make sure all the foods you give are soft and fully cooked, or small and mashable, like cereal.
• Aim for healthy foods - 7 powerful baby bites