As your baby begins to grow, they will find themselves reaching new developmental milestones. One of these is learning how to sit up at the table and eat like a grown-up! Some babies sit up at a high table and chair set and eat like grown-ups right away, while others take a little more time. Nevertheless, despite the different paces per child, they eventually go through almost the same breakthroughs. If you are interested in these, we have enumerated five baby feeding milestones your little one will experience. Since they aren’t grown-ups yet, we’ll also share how you can help them ensure healthy and safe mealtimes. Let’s dive in!
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Outgrowing the extrusion reflex
Babies have the natural capacity to suckle. This capability was developed when they were still in the womb—they thumb-suck! After being born, the extrusion reflex, also called the tongue-thrust reflex, allows them to latch on their mother’s nipples and enjoy nutritious breast milk. Over time, they eventually outgrow this reflex and ready themselves for solids on their 4th until 6th months of age.
To assist your little one with this development, it is best to feed them with pureed food first for some tongue and nibbling practice. Once your baby has mastered it, say hello to more sumptuous solids!
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Being a pro in grabbing and picking
As newborns, babies begin by having clenched fists in their newborn stage to loosening it up, reaching out to things, and grabbing what they like. Then, they develop the pincer grasp where they use their first finger and thumb to pick. This is an essential skill as they can pick small objects and the food you serve.
When they can control their hands fully, mealtimes become more exciting as they can feed themselves independently. On your end, the shopping list for cute, usable, and safe baby utensils will surely start to pile!
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Eating and sitting like a grown-up on a table high chair
From wiggling, your little one will begin to roll on their tummies, crawl, and sit down in a span of 2-6 months. In no time, they can already sit upright independently. When this time comes, it is also the moment you look for the best high chairs, and here are some of your choices:
- Portable high chair
- Cloth traveling high chair
- Clip-on tables high chair
- Space saver high chairs
- High chair with detachable tray
- Multipurpose high chair
- High table and chair set outdoor
You’ll have plenty of choices, but prioritize the type that provides support on your baby’s back and have safety straps to ensure your little one won’t fall.
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Craving for more than just milk
You can breastfeed your little one for as long as you can and want because of the nutrition and plenty of benefits both you and your little one can reap. However, when they reach their 6th month, you need to complement breast milk with solid food for their nutrition. You can ensure your little one’s health by giving these healthy foods:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Chicken
- Beef
- Turkey
- Bread
- Cereals
- Natural fruit juices
- Water
It is important to serve various dishes for your little one to get balanced nutrition and adventures for the taste buds!
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Overcoming food sensitivity and allergies
Food allergies in babies and kids are nightmares for parents like you. Some of the most common allergy-triggering food for babies are the following:
- Peanut butter
- Different kinds of nuts
- Eggs
- Chicken
- Cow’s milk
- Shellfish
- Some types of fish
It is important to observe your little one’s reaction and body signs of allergies when feeding them new food. The good news is many babies overcome their allergies as they grow, especially when the food is repetitively given to them at a tolerable level. On the other hand, if they are allergic to it, it is best to refrain from serving it.
Grown-Ups Role in Healthy and Safe Feeding
It’s amazing how the single activity of feeding your little one ticks a lot of milestones essential in their healthy development. Here are the things you can do as an adult to keep them safe when they begin feasting at the same table with you:
- Ensure the high table and chair outdoor or indoor are safe for the baby.
- Ensure to attach all the safety straps when your little one uses high chairs.
- Give baby-friendly feeding utensils and sippy cups.
- Always keep an eye on them, especially when you allow them to eat independently.
- Serve a variety of nutritious dishes.
- Be vigilant with food that causes allergies to your little one.
- Treat mealtimes as bonding time. Always eat together.
Preserve great mealtime memories while keeping away from the dire ones by ensuring your little one’s health and safety.
Baby’s Mealtime Needs From Ashtonbee
The feeding milestones above are just the introduction of an adventure. As your baby grows, their milestones will continue to mesmerize you. Your little one is growing up and becoming more and more independent every day. Be sure to be aware of your baby’s developments by knowing them. In this way, you can support them and give them exactly what they need.
If you are looking for baby-friendly mealtime utensils, we have a lot of them here at Ashtonbee! We have baby bibs, cups, bowls, feeders, spoons, and high chairs. So feel free to check out our collection now! Happy shopping!
