Infants need nurturing interactions with adults to build their security and trust, which are the basis of healthy learning and development. Engaging with your growing baby during mealtimes will make this routine fun for both of you.

Younger Infants

Find a comfortable place for you and your baby. Tell her you’re preparing to give her something to eat. This will let your child know what to expect next.

While feeding, have a conversation with your baby while maintaining eye contact to build on your social-emotional connection. You can ask your baby questions like, “Do you feel better now?” “Is your tummy getting full?” and “Does that milk taste good?”

Older Infants

When you begin preparing the food, tell your child you’re getting ready to feed him.

Place your child at the table in a high chair. Giving him bite-size food that he can pick up will keep him engaged and develop his fine motor skills.

If you are spoon feeding, try giving your child a second spoon to hold — mimicking your actions is great for hand-eye coordination and engagement.

As with young infants, having conversation with your older infant is important. You can ask him questions like, “Is that ______ good?” or “Do you like the way ________ tastes?”