Baby Carriers, Do I Need One?
Have you ever wondered how handy a baby carrier would be in your life as a parent? Can you imagine how much your tiny precious would love to feel your warmth all day long? When you consider both these factors, it confirms the best option for you and your baby is nothing but a baby carrier.
When your little baby is new to the world, your baby indeed is looking for the warmth felt before they were born. It is also certain that you would be swaddling your baby to stay warm. Anyhow, there’s no argument in saying that no matter how warm and cozy they would feel in a blanket, given a preference, your baby would definitely choose your arms. Babies love to cuddle up to you and feel your warmth all day long.
So, let’s see the practicality of carrying a baby in your arms while engaged in your day-to-day tasks. It is a fact that nothing means more to you than your little baby; however, carrying him for long hours is going to bring so much discomfort to your hands and especially your spine. Remember, when you have your baby in your arms while being engaged in something, it will surely cause you significant discomfort over time. This is where a baby carrier would come in handy. Let’s look into the types of baby carriers we find in the market. They come in three main styles, wraps, slings, and structured carriers.
Baby Wrap
The baby wrap is a long, soft, stretchy piece of fabric you could adjust and tie around your body, usually over your shoulders and around the stomach area, to form a baby carrier.
Sling
A sling is a broad piece of cloth that goes over one shoulder and across the mid-section of your body to form a carrier.
Structured Carrier
This backpack-styled carrier is formed by fitting its straps over your shoulder and placing the padded carrying space on your chest or back. These are called Soft Structured Carriers, so if you ever come across a term as “SSC” while you hunt, this is what they are referring to.
If we further elaborate, isn’t it easy if you could find the difference between a baby wrap, a sling, and a baby carrier in a straightforward way?
A baby wrap and a sling have a common element because they both have long single-piece fabrics that you can specifically use for newborns. Usually, the wraps and slings both come in one single size. Baby slings are the most basic type of carrier and can be easily worn over one shoulder and across your torso. The final formation of this is more like a pouch, in which you can place the baby’s head and neck properly without causing any discomfort.
Slings work best for babies in the cradle position. The most preferred and chosen style for slings is the ring sling carriers. While baby slings are comfortable and ideal for babies up to 4 months, it is imperative to follow all safety guidelines mainly because slings tend to pose a suffocation hazard.
If you look much closer into the wraps, you will notice that it can be used in many different positions even though it is a one-piece fabric. It allows you to wrap it up in different ways around your body. Another positive aspect of the wrap is, unlike the sling, it grows with the baby and ultimately can hold a baby weighing up to 35 pounds. Adding to the benefits of a wrap, you can adjust it to distribute your baby’s weight. This will keep you comfortable while carrying the baby for an extended period. Since the wrap is worn over both your shoulders, it’s much more comfortable than the sling, as again, it distributes the weight equally. The other advantage of the wrap is that you can position your baby inwards or outwards facing in the wrap.
Compared to the sling and the wrap, the baby carrier has a more structured design. Also, the pouch that it creates can be comfortable for your baby, and that’s why ultimately, among all options, most parents prefer the baby carrier. Additionally, the baby carriers are more suitable for older babies and toddlers who can hold up their heads.
How to wrap a baby carrier?
Anybody who looks from the outside might wonder if that stretchy piece of fabric wrapped around you is strong enough to hold your precious little baby. For some, it might even look like magic that you have entangled around yourself to free your arms. So, while letting people wonder, it is essential to know the perfect and proper steps to wrap the baby carrier.
Firstly, you should take that long piece of cloth and keep the logo right below your bust area and take the two sides to the back and cross over your shoulder to form an X from behind. Now that the wrap is again on the front, take the whole piece and pull it under the fabric covering the bust area. Then cross it over to form an X from the front too. Now take the remaining edges, send the material behind, and wrap it around. Then, take the edges of the wrap to the front, tie a knot, and safely secure to the side.
Remember, if you want your baby relatively closer to you, the initial step of wrapping the cloth area around the bust area can be a little higher. The higher you tie it, the closer your baby will be. Once you put your baby in the wrap, take the front covering area and adjust it in a way that would keep your baby comfortable and resting in a proper position. Also, it’s essential to be familiar with the T.I.C.K.S rule when positioning your baby inside the wrap.
How to use an Ergo Baby carrier?
On your lookout for the perfect baby carrier? The Ergo baby carrier is one of the best brands to look into. If you ever happen to look into Ergo baby carriers, you will be amazed to see the options and variety of carriers they offer you. To name a few, they got Aerloom, Omni 360, Embrace,360, Adapt, Original, and the list goes on.
The Ergo Baby carriers come with different features to meet your personal requirements. Since they have a massive collection, it’ll not be a daunting experience, and your search will be straightforward and convenient. Be it an Ergo Baby carrier, or another brand, make sure to look for broad, padded shoulder straps as well as a wide waist strap.
Safety Points to Remember
While looking into your and the baby’s comfort, it is crucial to know the hazards associated with baby slings, wraps, and carriers. Be aware of how you place the baby inside the pouch area as the primary hazard related to baby wraps is that baby can suffocate. Therefore, make sure that the baby’s face is not pressed against your body.
The other point to consider is to watch your step always. Losing balance or tripping can cause serious injury to the baby if not held up properly. Also, it is very important to be considerate when bending down as you have to pay proper attention to hold the baby constantly, or else there is a chance that the baby could get dropped off from the wrap.
Further, it is necessary to go through the carrier’s instructions that you purchase as it will educate you on the essential steps and tricks to follow while using the baby carrier.
After you are pretty familiar with the features, options, instructions on using, safety measures, etc., you should look for your requirements and preferences. One carrier that would have been convenient to someone else may not be the perfect one for you. When choosing, make sure to look for healthy hip positioning for your baby, and your comfort matters too.
Now that you are all set on purchasing buy the one that best suits you and your little bundle of joy. Let your baby feel the warmth and snuggle up to you while you keep your hands free and go about your work.
Does My Baby Need a Baby Capsule?
Ever thought a baby capsule can make your little wonder feel comfy, cozy, and safe while being on the move? If you did, you are one more step closer to being that excellent, cool parent. Baby capsules come in really handy whenever you think of getting out with your newborn. Be it a car ride, walk around the mall, or a day out, your baby’s safety is the topmost priority. Buckling your little one securely for the car ride has to be done right. Even carrying the baby in your arms would be quite a hassle and discomfort to the baby.
The capsule makes the transition of your baby from a stroller to the back of your car easier. As the capsule comes with a detachable base, it is easy to remove it from the base that’s fixed onto the vehicle and then attach it to your pram by using an adapter. Opting to settle for a baby capsule will be a real worthy investment. Not only that, it will be a win-win situation for your baby and you. When purchasing a baby capsule, it is essential to check the safety and brand recognition of the product. One should also look at the convenience of using such products.
How would baby car capsules give you an extra hand rather than just using a baby car seat? Even though you have a baby capsule, it is advisable to have a car seat, too, as keeping them in the baby capsule for long rides is not safe. The maximum duration to keep your little one in a baby capsule could be for 2 hours, but that too under supervision. However, having a baby capsule will be helpful for emergency trips, or short car rides to the mall, especially since this is detachable. The baby won’t be disturbed. Just detach the capsule and pop it onto the stroller. What’s more, you can then continue with your tasks and a calm baby.
Features to look at:
A standard quality baby capsule can be recognized by looking into certain unique features. When you are browsing for a baby capsule, note what features they have and their relevance to your requirements.
Firstly, are they cushioned? This is something you should inspect. Having a cushion around the area where you will lay your little one will bring extra comfort and safety to your baby. Even further, it will protect your baby’s head as we know the newborn’s head is not steady to hold on his own in the first few months.
Detaching the baby capsule from the car seat will allow you to carry the baby without disturbing them, mainly if they are asleep. Therefore, having a baby capsule attached and detached between a stroller and the car as and when you need, will be a real lifesaver. This process is made more accessible by Baccani Australia’s car capsule and adaptors. All that’s fixed to your vehicle will be the base of the baby capsule, while the capsule itself would be detachable.
Looking for a baby capsule that is compatible with your stroller or vice versa will come in handy. The space needed to accommodate a stroller or a large car seat in your vehicle far outweighs the room for a baby capsule. Understandably, you may opt for a stroller if you’re going to be on your feet for a longer time. So make sure to buy a stroller that can attach a baby capsule onto it. You can convert it to a whole travel system by simply attaching it to the baby stroller, which makes you all set for all your adventures.
Another plus point is the storage area that most of the baby capsules have designed for them. Having a space to place a small bottle will help you keep your hands free.
Also, do not forget to look for straps that can secure the baby. They are not steady in controlling themselves, so it’s essential to look for a belt that would be comfortable. The baby’s safety relies so much on the strap while they are inside the baby capsule.
Further, it is necessary to consider your convenience too. Therefore, it is vital to look for a lightweight baby capsule that will be easier to carry on your forearm. If this is one of your requirements, check out the steelcraft baby capsule, for it will suit your convenience and baby’s comfort.
The Baby Jogger Capsule is very user-friendly. There are a great many reviews from parents who have already purchased the product. The special features include the adjuster for the headrest and harness height. Its rubber grip on the handle allows you to carry the capsule without any discomfort on your hand. Also, the design comes with a canopy that has a UV50 sun protector. How cool is that?
Setbacks of a Baby Capsule
While looking at the pros of using the baby capsule, it is good to know the cons. Leaving the baby for too long in the capsule can cause harmful effects to the baby’s spine, as the shape of the baby capsule is somewhat of a curved one. The best position for babies to lie down is a straight one. Therefore, make sure your baby doesn’t stay there for more than 2 hours at a stretch.
The other concern is you can only use a baby capsule for short periods. The maximum age range you could go up to is twelve months, but mostly, it is only up to about six months. After that, you will need to move onto a car seat. Anyhow, considering the convenience and comfort the capsule brings to your baby, the fact that you wouldn’t be able to use it for a long time doesn’t matter. After all, you use the baby capsule in the initial stages of your baby’s growth, so taking all necessary precautions is vital.
General Tips When Using and Choosing a Baby Capsule
While considering all the manufactural aspects of the product, an adult must always keep close attention to the baby’s movements as they’re in no position to express themselves in difficult situations. Strap your baby securely and ensure all locks and safety features of the baby capsule are in place before driving the car or pushing the stroller. Compatibility is key. Ensure the baby capsule you choose can be paired with the rest of your baby equipment and is user-friendly.
Another main point is, wherever you are in Australia, it is imperative to be aware of the Australian safety standards applied for these baby products. Being aware of it before purchasing will allow you to buy the perfect baby capsule for your baby. Suppose you are looking to buy a baby capsule in Melbourne. In that case, you have many options with many different brands and features.
However, while so many options are available out there in the market, it is essential to know your actual requirements. At the same time educating yourself through websites, reviews, recommendations, and other forms of literature is a good idea. However, it all depends on your preference. For it is your precious little bundle of joy that will be using the baby capsule. Therefore, it is you who knows what’s best for your baby.
- Published in Prams
How do I cure my Newborn’s Hiccups?
Ever imagined cuddling your bundle of joy and breastfeeding him, to realize it follows with a bout of newborn hiccups? If you’re a first-time parent, this can alarm you. Well, you no longer have to worry if you educate yourself on the causes and things you could do to make your newborn feel better.
Hiccups are typical in babies, and although we think it’s new to your newborn, that’s not true, for hiccups do occur while the baby is still in the womb.
What causes hiccups in newborns?
With all the new changes your newborn experiences in his new world, his amazing little body keeps adjusting to the new environment, along with the little developments that keep happening inside his organs.
There isn’t a single primary cause that causes hiccups in newborns. According to theories, the closest cause can be identified as irritation in the newborn’s diaphragm, which could further elaborate as a tiny contraction in his developing diaphragm. Hiccups could also result from the baby being overfed or if the baby sucks milk too fast, in which case he could be swallowing a lot of air.
Newborn hiccups after breastfeeding
It’s a well-known saying that “babies do not come with a catalog.” If it did, then bringing up a baby would not be as exciting. After all, you learn things with hands-on experience. So if your newborn experiences hiccups after being breastfed, there could be few causes that we could look into. The position that you nurse the baby can cause hiccups if it’s an unnatural position that you have been feeding him. Also, suppose the baby has been swallowing excess air or being overfed. In that case, that too could cause the newborn’s tiny digestive system to react differently.
You, as a new parent, could worry about these regular hiccups. Still, it’s no reason to worry unless you think it’s causing discomfort to your newborn.
How to get rid of newborn hiccups?
Changing the nursing position to start with and being aware of the correct nursing positions will help you massively. For example, suppose you experience that your newborn is getting hiccups frequently in a particular position. In that case, it’s advisable to be observant and keep changing the nursing position to find out which position your newborn is most comfortable with. We may follow a specific position known to be the most suitable for most mothers. Which might not be the best position your tiny precious baby is looking for. If you think you need some expert assistance, do not hesitate to talk to a lactation consultant.
- Follow a feeding schedule
Hiccups can occur in the case of the baby being overfed. As a new parent, when the baby cries, you may consider it an indication that your baby is hungry, but it may not always be so. The best solution to this would be to follow a feeding schedule. Hence, after a while, you are aware of when the baby is really hungry, and that will enable you to feed the baby while he is calm. This method will also help the baby to digest easily and in a pattern.
- Observe the baby’s lip in holding the nipple
It is highly advisable to keep a watch on your newborn to see if his mouth is correctly connected to the nipple (areola). For example, suppose the baby’s mouth is not adequately wrapped around the nipple. In this instance, your baby is likely sucking more air than milk, resulting in air getting filled in his stomach.
- Take a break and burp the baby
Taking breaks while feeding to burp your baby will also help in getting rid of hiccups. Carrying your little one in an upright position and slightly bending the baby over your shoulder will help the baby in burping. Technically, baby care experts suggest that when doing this, make sure you gently press your newborn’s tummy against your lower shoulder area. Thereby it will release excess gas in his digestive system. Just a little tip would be if you ever think you need daddy’s assistance in anything, they are good at this. So do not hesitate to give this a try.
- Rub the tummy / carry upright
You could also do something as simple as rubbing the baby’s tummy, giving him some comfort, or even carrying him upright for a couple of minutes. By doing this, it helps release the pressure from the diaphragm, which results in proper digestion. Apart from all these forms of little practices and positions, you could also use few other things to bring comfort to your newborn.
- Use a pacifier
Using a pacifier will help the baby’s hiccups get better. What it does is when the baby keeps sucking the pacifier, and when it’s time for breastfeeding, his little lips are trained to hold the nipple in the correct form. Therefore, this helps the baby not to swallow excess air while breastfeeding.
- Use Gripe water
Gripe water was something mothers have been using over the years. It is used to make newborns and children feel better whenever they feel discomfort in their stomachs and primarily to comfort babies suffering from colic. Gripe water is an herbal mixture containing sodium bicarbonate and some herbs such as fennel, dill, ginger, chamomile, lemon, and peppermint.
Since gripe water is a non-prescription product, you could use it if you please. However, it’s also advisable to consult your pediatrician, as every baby reacts to things and medicine differently.
- Let the hiccups stop on their own
As long as the hiccups are not bothering the newborn or discomforting him, it’s OK to let the hiccups just run their course. Nevertheless, while allowing it to stop on its own, be observant. If it doesn’t stop without your interference, talking to your pediatrician will help.
What should you avoid while your newborn has hiccups?
Sometimes parents, out of despair and fear or if they are not aware of newborn hiccups, tend to either give water or shake and sway the baby vigorously. Thinking that will help stop the hiccups. Yet as parents, we should be aware that you should not panic and give even water in the first few months as a part of only breastfeeding a baby. Secondly, shaking a baby can have other adverse effects, like the baby could throw out the milk which has not been digested.
Also, in the case of older people being at home, they could suggest specific remedies that were believed in the past to get rid of hiccups. One such remedy is to pull their tongue. However, such treatments can be terrible for your baby. Therefore, while accepting suggestions from family and friends, it is advisable to understand on your own what’s best for your baby.
Food for thought
As stated above, bringing up a baby is a hands-on experience. Therefore, unless your newborn is in excessive discomfort or vomiting after hiccups, you do not have to be alarmed as hiccups are a normal stage of development in newborns.
Suppose, after taking all necessary actions to make your newborn get rid of hiccups. Yet, the hiccups continue to an extent where the baby feels uncomfortable. Then you should consult your pediatrician. While knowing the causes and remedies, you must believe in your instincts as a parent. After all, you know what’s best for your newborn.
- Published in Baby
Safety Tips you should Consider when Handling Baby Strollers
A Stroller is an essential accessory in both your baby’s life and yours. After all, the stroller is how you will be taking your baby out and about with you. Don’t worry about taking your baby with you while traveling. You can explore all that Australia has to offer with the help of your baby stroller. However, handling the baby strollers correctly is vital. Following are a few tips on handling your stroller safely.
Safety Requirements of the Manufacturer
Once your purchase your baby stroller, always check the instructions and warning labels. Make sure you have read and understood the general safety requirements. You are assured of specific minimum safety requirements, such as Wheel locking, Seat locking, and even Safety belts. All these details are vital to keeping your baby safe inside the stroller.
What you can do to Keep your Baby Safe in the Stroller:
Ensure your baby is securely fastened
Making sure that your little one is strapped on properly is your number one priority. Always be aware of the click of the harness. Even if you are in a hurry, double-check that your baby’s belt has been firmly fastened.
Be aware of where you place your Stroller
Placing your stroller in a safe place is critical. When you’re out for a walk or you’re at the mall, there can be slopes and dangerous corners. Even if the stroller is locked, it could tip or roll away, so it is always safer to be aware of where you place your stroller.
Don’t leave the Stroller out in the Sun
Australia can get pretty warm during the summer. Therefore, be careful where you place your stroller. Ensure you cover the stroller so your baby has proper shade from the sun. Direct sunlight can be sensitive to your baby’s skin. It is also harmful to your baby if the metal parts of the stroller get heated.
Keep an eye on your Baby
Your baby should be within your visibility. Even your baby feels safe and secure when they have sight of you. The ideal requirement is for you to have one hand on the stroller. However, if this is not always practical, make sure you stay within the range of your baby and the stroller. If it comes to an emergency, you will be able to grab hold of the stroller.
Don’t let your Baby sleep overnight
There are times when your baby has fallen asleep peacefully in the stroller. The last thing you want to do is wake your baby up. After all, they may be exhausted from their trip outside. However, do not let your baby sleep through the night inside the stroller. It could suffocate your baby. This advice is generally notified in your baby strollers warning label.
Be attentive when your baby is playing with toys
There are times when you give your baby a small toy or even a sound toy to play with. Basically, something to keep them entertained. While it will keep your baby happy, it could be a choking hazard. Next time you give your baby a toy, make sure it is safe or keep an eye on your baby.
Store bags in the given compartments
Most Baby Strollers come equipped with a compartment to store bags and other necessities. Always place your bags or baby’s essentials in those given spaces under the seat. Never hang your bags on the handles of the stroller.
Don’t fold and store your stroller near your baby
When folding your stroller, ensure that you do it away from your baby. As they are inquisitive and love touching things, they could get their fingers stuck in the hinges. Curious little minds love getting into trouble, and they could get trapped by the weight of the stroller. Whenever you’re not using the stroller, pack it away safely and keep it out of reach.
In Conclusion
Following these safety tips will ensure you keep your baby safe while using your baby stroller. The methods mentioned above are not hard to do. It is a list of vital information to remember when using baby strollers. Ensuring your baby is safe and happy the next time you take them for a stroll.
Choosing Prams for your Newborn baby
A Pram for a Newborn baby is an essential part of their lifestyle. Not only do babies need a pram, but as a parent, a pram is vital to carrying and transporting a baby efficiently. Thus, making the pram a requisite part of our baby gear. A pram comes in the form of a wheeled carriage, with the body shaped like a boat, that allows the baby to lay in a fully reclined position. The prams can carry a baby or a child of up to 9kg.
In 2018 according to statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, there were 303,029 babies born to 298,630 mothers in Australia. These data show that with the increase in babies being born, the need for prams has increased. Yet, there should be awareness on choosing suitable prams for a newborn.
With the perfect pram, your newborn will have a safe space to sleep, sit and be comfortable. As a parent, you tend to have baby essentials or even shopping to carry around. Having to carry extra diapers, clothes, and even food in a backpack can be a hassle. Most prams provide storage compartments, which can accommodate these essentials. Therefore, when choosing a pram for a newborn, you should also check the additional features you get. After all, when purchasing your pram, it should be worth the money you spend.
Nevertheless, finding the best pram for a newborn isn’t easy. Before deciding on what pram to purchase, it is essential to consider safety, lifestyle, family size, and value for money.
What should I consider when choosing a pram?
When choosing a pram for your newborn, there are a few tips to keep in mind.
Is it newborn-friendly?
It is vital for Newborn babies ‘ growth that they lie flat and not strain their neck. At least up to 6 months, a baby should be placed flat for spinal growth and development. Therefore, putting your baby in an upright position or a seated position is not recommended. A pram is, then, the suggested choice for a newborn.
However, you do get prams and strollers that are versatile and come with a bassinet attachment to accommodate newborn babies. They could be used as a stroller with reclining capabilities for when your baby outgrows the bassinet stage. It is ideal for parents who hope to expand their families or already have a toddler. Prams and strollers that are adjustable are also perfect for use from newborn to toddler. Currently, in Australia, this option is available. You can find these prams and strollers in popular models such as Baccani Cavallo, Bacani Pletora, and Baccani Lusso. All these prams have features excellent from newborn to toddler, making a parent’s life that much easier.
Is it safe for my newborn?
Safety measures to check before choosing a pram for your newborn include:
Basic Safety Requirements
It is essential to make sure the pram you are looking at meets the basic safety requirements. After all, your baby’s safety is key. Prams and Strollers sold in Australia have to meet mandatory safety guidelines. These guidelines are known as the voluntary Australian New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2088:2000 ‘Prams and strollers—safety requirements.’ The brakes, harness, head barrier, tether strap, informative labels, and performance testing of the prams are made according to these guidelines. The instructions found are relevant to the safety of the prams. Always ensure that the pram you purchase has satisfied these rules.
Other safety features
Check to see if the pram is stable. Test the pram by pushing it lightly or rocking it from side to side to ensure that the pram won’t tip over. Make sure the prams tire locking mechanism works. The pram should be able to be locked in to place securely when in use and not collapse.
The pram you purchase should come equipped with a safety harness. The harness should be easy to adjust and fasten. It should also stay in place once attached.
Check the pram to ensure your baby’s hands or feet won’t get trapped or caught in any unnecessary spaces or hinges.
Your baby pram should have a cover to shade the baby from sunlight. After all, babies can be sensitive to harsh light and get burnt.
Is it user-friendly for you?
As you will be the one pushing the pram, it is time to consider if the pram in choice fits you and your lifestyle as well. When choosing the pram for your newborn, you need to see if it is user-friendly.
The pram you choose for your newborn should be car-friendly. It should be easy to place and lock securely to the car seat. If you use public transport, then your pram should be easy to move around and comfortable to use. Say you have an active lifestyle, then the pram you choose should fit in with your schedules.
The height of the handles of the pram should be accessible and suit your height. The pram size and weight are important as well. For example, will you be able to carry it upstairs, take it through the front door or have enough space to store the pram when not in use? These are all factors to take into account when finding the ideal pram for a newborn.
How long and where will you use it?
Think of how long you plan to use your baby pram. Is it only a newborn pram your looking for? Do you want the pram to convert to a stroller? There are so many possibilities. Sometimes, the practical choice may be to get a pram that is suitable for newborns to toddlers. Ideally, if you’re a growing family and for budgetary purposes.
The durability of the pram is essential. If you are an active parent and want to take your newborn out with you, you need to choose a durable and easy to maneuver pram.
Once you get your Pram
You finally found the perfect pram. It ticks all your boxes and is safe for your newborn. Now comes the task of using your pram safely and ensuring your little one is happy and comfortable in it. Cozy pram liners and extra accessories go a long way in keeping your baby warm and safe within the pram. Those additional features and accessories that you add to your baby’s pram not only make it stylish but convenient for both you and the baby. You can find all these accessories and more at Baccani Prams Australia.
Why should you let your toddler get messy eating?
Everything went well when my little one used to sit on her baby high chair and have cereal for her meal. Over the next few months, there she is, playing with her food, swiping the spoon, and putting her hand inside her food bowl, literally playing with her food. All I can see is a mess, and she’s sitting there with food all over her face and hands. If you are parents of a toddler, we share the same story. Many of us do.
Most parents I work with feel that letting their kids play and have food all over them isn’t healthy and sees it as an ignorant act. Well, I would say, keep that bib away and let them get messy. Let them touch their food and mess around, seated safely on their high chairs. And you, my dear buddy, make sure you don’t feel disgusted when they are doing it.
Once at a birthday party of one of my closest friends. I was feeding my little girl Jesse, and one parent with a baby close to Jesse’s age said, “God!” “You make her feed herself like that?”. I looked at Jesse, and she was comfortably seated on a high chair, putting her entire hand in a bowl of applesauce and then stuffing her hand back inside her mouth. On the other hand, she grabbed some noodles, which I had kept in her tray. Others could see applesauce smeared on her face, ears, and hands, and all I can see is my baby eating and enjoying her food well, which she doesn’t usually do. It doesn’t matter to me whether she’s at a party or home; I let her play with her food and enjoy them in her way. My years’ work as a therapist rewarded me with experience and learning. This time gave me much patience and the ability to handle all these messes. So, I explained to my dear friend why they should let their kids get messy with food.
It made me think of the many times this discussion took place among my friends and families. And made me realize this particular topic was common with parents and highly important. So I should write a post and explain it to parents out there. Here are four vital reasons you should allow your babes to play and get messy with their food during mealtime. Read and educate yourself on handling the mess or embracing it dearly as I do now.
1.It wakes up the senses.
It is more than eating. This act of being inquisitive awakens your toddler’s senses and allows them to learn social and cultural norms. The tactile stimulation they get from playing with food produces a lot more important information for their brain to process and, in turn, create more enlightened and new responses. Can you let your toddler play with sand and finger paint? The answer is no because they’ll eat it. Thus, this is the best way possible at this stage of your babies’ growth.
2.”Yes, I can feed myself!”
They make their hands get messy with food, put them in their mouth, and then comes the great realization that when they put their hands with food in their mouth, they get food. There’s this great feeling they feel as realization hits ‘I can feed myself. It sets a perfect foundation for spoon-feeding. They do not know to spoon-feed themselves initially. But in a few months, they will accomplish eating with a spoon. The motion of food moving from hand to mouth will help them grasp it soon!
3.Prevent tactile defensiveness.
If babies aren’t exposed to different sensations and textures, they can become sensitive to new textures over time. If you continuously try to wipe the spoon and napkin to keep the baby clean. Or you’re trying to stop them from dirtying the baby high chair. It can make them feel uncomfortable. And they will reach a stage where getting messy makes them feel uncomfortable as it is a new sensation for them. Not that you will intentionally teach your baby tactile defensiveness. However, tactile defensive babies generally show early signs as a baby.
4.Meal time = positive time
As I always stress, keeping mealtime positive is paramount. Are you compelling your baby to wipe their hands and face after each bite? And trying to stop them from grabbing the spoon? Well, that doesn’t create a positive mealtime for your baby. Letting your child get messy and play with food keeps a laid-back flow to the whole meal; hence, it’s a positive interaction. And a gives your baby a happy feeling.
Indeed, they need to learn table manners at a young age. As parents, we must stop them if they are playing with food for the sake of playing and wasting food. But if they are getting messy just by eating, let them get messy. It is a crucial learning process for your toddler. Trying to keep them clean continuously or feed them without a mess may demotivate them to self-learn and get exposed to a beautiful sensory experience. If you notice your kid playing too much with food, provide them with finger paint and play in sensory bins.
Try to avoid:
- Scrapping the food dribbled out of the toddler’s face using a spoon. It can annoy them and make them feel uncomfortable.
- Wiping the tray off more frequently. Unless it disturbs your child’s finger feeding ability. The mess on the high chair tray is a wonderful sensory play that your baby will enjoy.
- Wiping hands and face. It is completely okay to have some food on the baby’s face, ears and hair. Let them play around.
- Published in Safety
