varför ska yngre bebisar ha större matbitar än äldre?

Why should younger babies have larger pieces of food than older ?

Posted by Elin Oresten on January 11, 2023

Varför ska små barn ha större bitar?

It may seem strange that a small baby should have larger pieces of food than an older one. But their hand position plays a role in how food should be served.

By adjusting your food, you can reduce the risk of choking and ensure that more food ends up in your stomach.

Palmar grip (from birth)

This whole-hand grip means that the baby grasps objects with the entire palm of their hand. Until they are around 8-9 months old, babies use the palmar grip to grasp and bring food to their mouth. In order for them to be able to grasp pieces of food, they need to be large enough for the palmar grip. In addition to the baby being able to grasp the piece of food, it is also safer to have large pieces at that age, as small pieces are not registered as easily by the brain and can be more difficult for a baby to handle in their mouth. Of course, the pieces of food should be relatively soft, but not so soft that they just fall apart when the baby tries to grab them.

Pincer grip (from about 8/9 months)

At around 8 months, many babies move from a full-hand grip to a so-called "immature pincer grip", where the flat parts of the fingers meet. Many babies have a fully developed pincer grip by 9/10 months of age and can then more easily pick up smaller pieces of food such as a macaroni.

When you give them smaller pieces of food, they start to use their chewing skills in a different way. Therefore, it is good to start cutting into small pieces when the pincer grip is developed, so that the chewing ability develops and the pincer grip is refined. However, it is important to still vary with larger pieces of food sometimes to maintain and develop the ability to bite off bites.

Starting solid foods after 9 months

If you have a child who has not eaten finger foods before and is older than 9 months, there is no obvious way to go when it comes to the size of the pieces. I usually recommend starting with slightly larger pieces to start practicing chewing and motor skills, but to also start with smaller pieces quite quickly when you see that eating is working reasonably well.

/Elin Oresten
Licensed Nutritionist

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Benefits of eating the same food the whole family

Make picked food at home

Children love to imitate, by eating the same food it facilitates learning and makes mealtime a positive experience of togetherness. As a parent you don't have to feed but can sit next to and enjoy the food.

Picking food gives children the opportunity to explore a variety of textures and consistencies at their own pace. This can lead to a healthier relationship with food and a greater enjoyment of eating. By offering different textures and flavors, the child gets a broader taste palette, and there is a greater chance that the appetite will continue even during the naturally picky period that usually comes around two years. Research shows that children who are introduced to a more varied diet from the start eat more variety and more vegetables later in life.

Promotes exploration and independence at mealtime.
Develops early chewing skills.
Simplifies family meals and strengthens community.

Why finger food ?

Promotes exploration and independence at the meal

Develops early chewing abilities

Simplifies family meal time and strengthens the community

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Common questions about picking food

What is finger food ? What is finger food ?

Finger food is a way of offering food where the baby/child eats themselves either with their hands or with a spoon.

Finger foods give children the opportunity to explore a variety of textures and consistencies at their own pace, from an early age. This can lead to a healthier relationship with food and greater enjoyment of eating.

How to start giving finger food ? How to start giving finger food ?

Make sure your baby shows signs of being ready for solid foods. She should be able to sit up in a chair on her own, be able to bring objects to her mouth on her own, and show an interest in food. Maybe your baby is reaching for your food or looking at your plate with fascination, then there is probably interest!

Consider offering foods that are fairly soft but easy to grasp. For example, sweet potato sticks, slices of liver pâté, cooked broccoli or omelette/pancake strips. Sandwiches with butter and/or liver pâté are also perfect for practicing motor skills. Slippery foods that are difficult to grasp can be rolled in seeds or sandwich crumbs. For example, avocado or banana. But in general, it is good to offer the baby what the rest of the family eats as often as possible.

Small babies don't have a pincer grip so it's big pieces that matter at first. The pieces should be longer than the palm of their hand because small babies (6 months) often can't open their palm on request. It may feel scary but it's actually safer with bigger pieces than smaller pieces when it's a small baby! If they take too big bites they spit it out again.