Healthier lives 54

 What signs indicate readiness for independent self feeding

A baby is ready for independent self-feeding when several key developmental signs are present. Look for these milestones to know it's time to encourage your baby's growing independence at mealtimes:

Signs of Readiness

Sitting upright (with minimal or no support) and holding their head steady, which is required for safe feeding.

Showing interest in what others are eating, reaching for food from your plate or their tray.

Trying to grasp food, cutlery, or utensils, including grabbing the spoon or picking up pieces of food.

Developing fine motor skills such as bringing food to their mouth, practicing whole-hand grasp (raking motion), and later, the pincer grasp (thumb and forefinger).

Moving food around in their mouth, chewing attempts, and handling a variety of textures without frequently spitting out food.

Pushing your hand away when you try to feed them, preferring to do it themselves.

Age Range and Normal Variations

Most babies show these skills between 6 and 9 months, though individual readiness may vary.

Encouraging these behaviors in a positive, low-pressure environment helps build confidence and promotes healthy lifelong eating habits.

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