We believe that mealtimes should be a time of joy and exploration, without too many cues. At the same time, there are some basic guidelines that can help create a safe and positive mealtime experience. These "golden rules" focus on making mealtimes safe and inspiring food enjoyment for both children and parents.
1. Create a positive atmosphere at the dinner table
Children quickly notice the atmosphere at mealtime. Try to create a calm environment where your child can explore, without pressure or demands. If your child doesn't want to eat, it's better to stop the meal and try again later, rather than let the meal become a struggle.
2. Wash your hands before meals
Because picky eaters often eat with their hands Hygiene becomes A and O. Therefore, it is a good routine to wash your child's hands before meals. You can lead the way by washing your hands yourself.
3. Use a safe chair
For a safe meal, always have your child sit in a stable chair where the feet rest on a footrest. An upright position makes it easier for the child to eat independently and reduces the risk of accidents.
Footrest for Ikea high chair
4. Always be on the lookout
Never leave a child unattended. when eating. Quick reactions are important if the child has problems with food.
5. Keep an eye on hoarding
At first, children may "hoard" food in their mouths at mealtimes, which means there is food left in their mouths when they have finished eating. It is important that food is not left in the mouth when the meal is finished and the child begins to crawl or walk around. Attempts to remove the food safely (see point 8)
6. Don't feed with finger foods
When the child is allowed to pick and eat on their own, a natural rhythm arises.. It strengthens both self-confidence and security, while allowing the child to experience food in their own way.
If you want to feed, it is better to mash the food. It is always safest when children are allowed to put the food in their mouths themselves because it allows their brain to register the food and it has time to think “Aha, here comes the food”.
Popular finger food recipes
7. Eat while sitting down
For a safe eating experience, it is best for the child to sit still while eating. When eating outside, stop the cart for a quiet and safe moment, the same in the car. Stop - it's worth a few extra minutes to make the meal safe.
8. Keep your fingers away from your mouth
Sometimes it can be tempting to take the food out of the baby's mouth if you notice that they are struggling with a piece of food. However, it is not safe to put your fingers in their mouth as this can push the piece of food further back in the mouth or throat. Instead, help the child to spit out the piece of food. If it is an older child, you can tell them that they can spit out the food. If it is a baby, you can demonstrate by pretending to spit excessively and holding your hand in front of the baby's mouth.
The last resort is to put a finger in your mouth and, in a sweeping motion along the inner cheek, pick out the piece of food.
9. Food without pressure
This is of course an important rule regardless of whether you are giving finger food or spoon feeding. I always try to think of myself as offering food to my child, rather than giving food. When I offer food, I take responsibility for what is served, while my child controls what and how much is eaten. Pressuring children to eat rarely leads to anything good, on the contrary, it can be counterproductive.
Small hands, big food options!
With these simple tips, finger food becomes a moment of culinary joy and security – without chopsticks, just opportunities to discover and enjoy.
/Elin Oresten
Lic. nutritionist and founder of Knatteplock.
