Babies are perpetual explorers, whose curiosity and desire to learn extend to mealtimes as well. Thus, the spoon easily flies, tomato sauce splashes on the tiles, or a piece of bread lands in the glass of water. In my previous article, I explained when this behavior signifies a normal developmental stage and when it can become a tiring game.

In this writing, I would like to provide more precise assistance for situations where it is clear that the mischief is not part of a learning process, but rather stems from boredom, attention-seeking, or poor communication.

 

First, the poker face!

The first step and the most important strategy - whether it's about discovery or play - is to ignore if our baby is more interested in, say, the workings of gravity instead of eating! Don't rush to their chair every minute, and don't protest with huge gestures! The key is calm, composed, neutral behavior. If we do this, there is a greater chance that our child - after studying themselves - will “give up” the behavior that is not so desirable from our perspective within a few occasions. 

 

 

Let's Not Compromise!

However, if we see that the little one is not “getting the message” and continues to entertain themselves, let's not get into a vicious “push and pull” game, meaning let's not compromise for the sake of eating! If the mischief continues, end the meal - don't tolerate it in the hope that a few bites might be eaten amidst the play! There's no need to worry, if the little one gets hungry, there will be plenty of opportunities to make up for the missed bites at the next meal - perhaps instead of throwing food. 

 

If we feel that there are regular issues with our baby's behavior, it is worth going through the following solutions, as restless behavior is often caused by something small - for us.

 

• 1. Check the high chair or booster seat! Is our child sitting comfortably and properly in it? Are their feet supported? Do they feel secure, is the chair stable? These are trivial things, but often a calm meal depends on just these. 
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• 2. Keep the meal schedule! If there are no snacks or nibbling between meals, there is a greater chance that the little one will sit at the table truly hungry. If this happens, they are guaranteed to be less likely to think about playing with the food - instead of eating.
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• 3. Give smaller portions! For a 1-2 year old child, too much food on the plate can be confusing and overwhelming, so it is better to give smaller portions of everything. No need to worry, if the baby is still hungry, they will let us know that they want more! 
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• 4. Set a good example and eat together with the child! The best is if we ourselves demonstrate the expected behavior at the table. Meanwhile, we can talk or just explain things to the baby - thus maintaining their attention and interest. 

 

 

The Most Common Scenes - and Their Solutions

In the following, I will go through some typical situations and how to channel disruptive actions into a useful - or at least less disturbing - direction in the simplest way:

 

1. Throwing Food

Perhaps one of the most common problems is that food or utensils regularly end up on the floor. While this does not initially indicate problematic behavior, if it is accompanied by regular attention or reaction, it can easily become a game for the baby. 

In addition to the above tips, we can also try giving the baby utensils that do not clatter when they hit the floor, or offer food that does not require utensils. 

If it is the lunch itself that regularly takes an unwanted trajectory, we can prepare a few extra bowls around the baby, encouraging them to place the unwanted food pieces there instead. 

It is also worth asking the little one if they have eaten enough when the throwing starts, as often this is how children express that they are done and thank you, but they do not want more. 

 

2. When the Plate and Glass Fly

A notch more annoying than the above example is when the plate or glass takes to the air, especially if it does so with its contents. If the baby is smaller, it might be worth getting suction cup tools or serving food for a few days that can be comfortably offered on the high chair tray. If the child is a bit older, we can also try the "nice word" approach. Calmly but firmly speak to them if they are throwing things, and distract them with conversations or small tasks related to eating! (e.g., "Can you scoop the sauce from your plate?")

It is important that if any tool lands on the floor, react calmly (even if dinner was in it)! Give the child 1-2 more chances, but if they still want to throw things, end the meal - and the game!

 

 

 

 

3, Smearing

The smearing of food is a typical part of the learning process and helps in developing a skillful and good-eating child later on. Therefore, it is important not to start wiping everything in panic during the first occasions, but to let your child explore the textures, colors, and materials. 

Smearing can often be a sign later on that your child has finished eating, so it's worth paying attention to this as well! 

 

4, Fidgeting in the high chair

It is a common scene for the baby to put their feet on the high chair tray or try to push themselves away from the table. As I mentioned earlier, it is worth checking whether the seating is appropriate for them? 

Of course, it may also be due to the often-mentioned reasons: the baby is bored, wants our attention, or has finished eating. 

The solution is naturally the same: if they are not endangering themselves, do not pay too much attention to their behavior, but if it disrupts eating, end the meal!