When the time comes for your baby’s first real bites Do you throw it onto the tray and declare it over? Absolutely not! Here are five reasons why the baby will benefit from using the baby bowl or plate.
1.) The whole thing is About The Portions People
As a dietitian and nutrition specialist who has instructed hundreds of families and health professionals on how to handle baby-led weaning, I can tell you that the number one error I have seen caregivers and parents make when the baby starts solids has to do with the size of their portions.
I’ve seen Instagram photos of infants surrounded by piles of protein. and servings of starches that toddlers wouldn’t be able to consume! Parents are left feeling disappointed or disappointed when their child doesn’t take in “all of the meals” that was offered to him.
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Let’s be honest about portions, people Baby portion sizes are much smaller than you imagine!
A baby’s plate that is divided or mat can be a great way to keep portions under control. Don’t forget that your baby still receives the majority of the nutrition they require from breastmilk or formula for infants up to the age of one. The solid foods we provide can provide some nutrition however they also provide an opportunity for your baby to explore new flavors and textures , and to play and discover with the new food concept.
The most popular baby plate is used at my home as well as in my practice is one that has two 2-oz and one 4 oz portion compartment that is made in the shape of smiling faces.
It is possible to complete each portion of the plate by 1/4 or 1/2 for infants who are just beginning to experiment eating solid foods, but I like the visual reminding me that less is more in this case, and keeping portions small is better for infants and their small stomachs.
2.) The variety is Spice of Life
Another advantage of having a divided silicon mat or baby plate is that it serves to serve as an illustrative reminder to parents that baby should be eating different kinds of food.
We know that infants who are exposed to a larger variety of foods, tastes and flavors during the 6-18 months of their lives have an increased likelihood of becoming an avid eater, and a lower chance of developing having a difficult time eating later in the course of.
What’s the best method to increase the exposure?
Try to introduce your child to three different meals at least two meals a day. They don’t ALL need to be completely different food items – repurposing meals in a safe manner or using leftovers is excellent ideas.
A divided plate that has three distinct sections helps to remind your baby that he should be exposed to a variety of different kinds of food and helps establish the habit of eating the same way at every meal.
3.) Plates and bowls minimize mess
It’s possible to think that adding plates or a baby bowl in the kitchen is just making more dishes. Yes, it’s just one (or two) more dishes for you to prepare. However, I’d argue that the addition of a baby’s plate or bowl for the table actually reduces the spills!
Feeding a newborn, especially when you’re doing weaning with a baby, is quite a messy task. However, in my experience I’ve observed that babies who are sitting in front of the bowl or plate are more comfortable with less mess.
Baby’s who are just seated with food served on a tray will swat it from side to side , and the majority of it ends in the floor. By separating the divided areas of a plate , mat or bowl the baby is able to take food much more easily, meaning less ends up in the ground.
4.) Motor Skill Development
Plates for babies and baby bowls may aid in the development of motor skills related to eating.
The soft edge of the silicon bowl or plate edge, a baby is able to begin raking food before actually putting some into her mouth!
5.) Making food Fun
Feeding your child should be enjoyable and the Happy Mat with its smiley face design is perfect for this. The portion of 4 oz in the mat is designed as a real smile and is placed beneath the two 2-oz “eye” components.