Baby Feeding 101

Warning: These results were obtained during the study of only one baby. Individual results may vary.




Feeding babies might seem to be an innocuous task but is really wrought with hidden traps and pitfalls that can surprise the unsuspecting. We cover just a few here.

1. The Sideways Stuck Out Tongue maneuver is an invitation to the uninitiated. The mouth is open and the facial expression of the subject is eagerness but when the attempt is made to insert the spoon the tongue does not give way and the food can spilled.

2. Spitting is pretty self explanatory but can surprise the naive who fall for the sweet face of the baby. The range and quantity can also come as a surprise. Wearing an apron or old clothing is highly recommended, especially when feeding such foods as might stain. It is also important the feeder remember that at this age the subject has no ulterior motives for provoking the feeder and patience must be employed.

3. Teeth Clenching On Spoon is also a handy tactic performed by the subject that is done for a variety of reasons. On occasion the subject is dissatisfied with the flavor of the food offered and uses this as a means of halting the forward progress of the spoon, resulting in spillage. This is also a sly method of detaining the spoon long enough for the subject's hands to engage the utensil. Most of the food will be consumed if this is the reason as the spoon is caught on the way out of the mouth rather than the way in. The final reason is that it is unintentional on the part of the subject and the subject is just as surprised as the feeder when it occurs. (Frequently occurs when teeth are new.) The innocence of the subject may come into question later when the aforementioned motivations are the cause.

4. Spoon Diving is the result of overzealousness on the part of the subject. The feeder needs be prepared for this as it can be potentially dangerous when the subject dives forward at the same time the spoon is being offered. This may result in a collision as the spoon meets the back of the throat of the subject. Discomfort and wariness of the spoon may be after effects.

5. Opening Mouth Well results in the neat and timely feeding of the subject. It occurs when the subject is motivated and aware of the offered spoon. A small warning seems prudent here, however: many bites may be accomplished in this manner but it by no means assures an entire feeding will be completed with such ease.

6. Laughing With Food in Mouth, in fact, frequently accompanies the Opening Mouth Well technique, as it is the result of a happy and motivated eater. So pleased with the food, the feeder and his progress the subject may resort to expressing his happiness through laughter. This usually occurs with his mouth full of food that may then slide out of the subjects mouth or be spit out as was previously discussed.

We hope that you have found this information helpful in the feeding of your baby. After all, knowledge is power, or at least a more pleasant feeding. Maybe. Sometimes.