Hi everyone! My name is Sarah Johnson, and I’m a pediatric occupational therapist with the infant development team at Emerge Pediatric Therapy. Today, I’m excited to share three essential tips for introducing purees to your infant around six months of age.
These tips are designed to support your baby’s oral motor development, encourage independence, and make mealtime a fun (and sometimes messy!) learning experience.
1. How You Present the Spoon Matters!
One of the most important things to focus on when introducing purees is how you present the spoon to your baby. Here’s the key:
- Offer the spoon straight into your baby’s mouth, wait for them to close their lips around it, and then gently pull the spoon straight back.
- Avoid lifting or tilting the spoon upward, as this can prevent your baby’s lips from activating properly to pull the puree off.
By encouraging your baby to close their lips and pull the puree from the spoon, you’re helping them build essential oral motor skills for eating solid foods later on.
2. Use the “Three Spoon Rule”
The “Three Spoon Rule” is one of my favorite strategies for introducing solids because it allows your baby to be actively involved while still giving you a part in the process. Here’s how it works:
Have three spoons available during mealtime:
- One spoon for your baby to hold in each hand.
- A third spoon for you to use to offer bites.
This rotation allows your baby to explore self-feeding by bringing the spoon to their mouth while you continue to support oral motor skill development by offering bites. This method is a win-win: Your baby feels independent and involved, and you can ensure they’re getting the nutrition and practice they need!
3. Embrace the Mess
This might be the hardest tip for some parents, but it’s so important: It’s okay to be messy!
- Let your baby get food on their hands, face, and even the table. This sensory experience is vital for their development.
- Avoid wiping their face and hands after every bite. Frequent wiping can be uncomfortable and may even lead to tactile or oral aversions.
Instead, keep the cleaning for the end of the meal. By embracing the mess, you’re supporting your baby’s sensory exploration and helping them build a positive relationship with different textures.
Why These Tips Matter
Introducing purees isn’t just about eating—it’s also a chance for your baby to develop critical motor and sensory skills that will support their long-term feeding journey. By presenting the spoon to the infant, encouraging independence with the “Three Spoon Rule,” and allowing them to explore textures without worry, you’re setting the stage for confident, happy eating.
Need More Support?
If you have questions about your infant’s development or need personalized guidance, feel free to reach out to us at Emerge Pediatric Therapy. We’re here to help you and your little one thrive!
Happy feeding,
Sarah Johnson, Pediatric Occupational Therapist