We love to see children evolve and progress at their own pace and without restrictions. After six months they already begin to introduce new foods to your diet, they only drank exclusively milk. With the introduction of a new diet they already start another way of eating, but we still have to know when children eat alone.
It will take a few months for your baby to catch the first cutlery and use them to eat. They will first like to get acquainted with the food, they will play with it and put it in their mouths. Later they will use the spoon or fork to go replicating his skill little by little.
At what age can children eat alone?
There is no exact age to determine when babies can begin to be independent with their diet. From the 12 months and up to 26 and 28 months They are already beginning to do their first skills, you can take some silverware and make some feints. When they are two years old, they can hold the cutlery with more security, without help from their parents.
The best way for them to learn is by leaving your baby alone in front of the food and with their cutlery. Make sure the food is safe without him making a big mess, and that he himself handle the spoon or fork without fear. At first it may not be safe to use it and will use hands as your best tool and catch food. You will be able to pick up the spoon and put it in your mouth, where you will try to insert some of what you have collected and with little success. It is much better to place the child close to the parents when eating, so that learn to imitate how the elders do it.
In the first two years of life
The baby will start to be curious about food and the best test is to try to catch it with your hands. If he is offered the cutlery he will use it, but still awkwardly. Some children will be able to use them firmly but with some mistakes. Even if you do not use them perfectly, you can offer a fork to get it started With its use, it will take a little longer to eat, but it will be worth seeing how it is part of your learning and growth.
Loves food And he will have no problem wanting to try what he sees his parents eat, although he will have a predilection for some foods. With two years already will be able to hold a cup and drink without spilling the content. Until then I could only use specialized closed glasses, to drink with a spout.
From the age of three
The baby is older and can eat almost anything. In your diet you can already incorporate solid and chunky foods. It may still be difficult for you to introduce new foods into your diet as you refuse to try new flavors. The child already begins to chew with his mouth closed use cutlery normally. It may be difficult for you to sit the whole evening, it will be a challenge, but little by little.
Not all children are reluctant to try new foods, some will be open to try different textures and colors. They will now be able to use even the knives adapted to their age and to handle glasses or small jugs with a handle.
At age 4, children begin to being curious about food and some will go to the kitchen to see how they are prepared. They know its importance and can talk with their friends and family about what they like the most.
From the 5 years
The child is old enough to acquire all eating skills alone. You will practically no longer need adult supervision and will be able to complete your meal on your own. Although it is best to always eat as a family, conversations at the table and talking with each other can become the best time of the day.