To the highchair set, mealtime is just as much about experiencing food as it is about eating it. Squishing those sweet potatoes between her fingers is a fascinating science experiment, smearing them on the tray is an art project, flinging a fistful at the wall — a lesson in cause and effect — and eating them, well that's just gravy.
Limit choices and portion sizes. If you want less discovery and more eating during mealtime, try offering only a couple of finger foods at a time and keep the portions pint-sized. Too many choices and too-big portions can overwhelm a little eater.
Set limits for throwing food. Don’t make a huge deal about it if she chooses to play with her food, but do set limits on the scope of the mealtime mayhem (squishing as she nibbles, fine — flinging instead of eating, not so fine). Leave pressure off the menu (let her eat as much or as little as she wants to), and avoid the kind of overreactions that are sure to inspire a second serving of antics. If there is one thing that little ones love more than playing with their food, it's getting mom's attention for playing with their food.
Give baby a spoon to hold. Another simple solution: a spoon of her own. She’s probably not old enough to wield it well yet herself, but just waving it around may keep her interest up — and her mouth open — long enough for you to sneak in a spoonful or two.
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