Parenting:why we shouldn't stress about mess at mealtimes...

Although the thought of tackling a troublesome tot smeared in soggy food sources may see our stress levels soar, encouraging infants to independently explore new tastes and textures can benefit more than just their bellies. 

Here are our top three reasons why we shouldn't stress about mess at mealtimes...

1. It can tempt tots to try new tastes and textures.
As unappealing as a plate of soggy peas may seem, minors are much more likely to tuck into troublesome tastes and textures when they're given the freedom to touch, taste and tear apart new and unfamiliar foods - this includes the saliva smothered squish that stems from 'playing' with first foods!

2. It aids development.
Although encouraging our offspring to delve into a dribble filled dish may make for a sickening sight, messy mealtimes can not only teach tots how to feed themselves - an action that allows them to develop new likes and dislikes without the influence of pushy parenting - but they can also aid development by strengthening a selection of skills - think emotional development (increased independence/confidence), intellectual/cognitive development (remembering how to feed themselves) and fine motor/physical development (moving a spoon to their mouth).

3. It reduces the risk of overeating.
As tempting as it may be to force feed an apparent fussy eater, the shunning of food sources can also stem from an already satisfied stomach - a reason why letting little'uns take the lead at mealtimes can lessen the likelihood of overeating as they're able to stop when satisfied, as opposed to being force fed (and fussy!) when full.

Top tip: babies who aren't ready to start solids will often force their food back out of their mouths - an action that's often associated with babies around the age of six months (and before!) and can be mistaken for messy eating.

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