Remember, the baby's stomach is still quite small, so small portions are preferable. At first, the baby needs to learn to eat the porridge, so breastfeeding or a bottle is not completely over. For the baby, porridge is a completely new consistency to deal with on the fingers, hands and in the mouth. So don't despair if the baby seems to reject the porridge. It will come. Eating from a spoon is also something new. You are putting a hard and unknown object into the baby's mouth. Your baby is not used to it.
Tips and Tricks
THE FIRST GRASS AND MOSS
At some point, your child will be ready for something other than breast milk or formula. Your child is developing motor skills, growing and needs more nutrition. It's completely natural, if you're on maternity leave with your first child, it's also a new chapter for you. A milestone in your child's development has been reached. Whether it's your first child or you've tried it before, making the first meal of porridge is something special.
Always talk to your healthcare provider before you start giving your child porridge and other treats.
October 3, 2024
Prepare the first meal of porridge for your child.
A greasy mess
A washcloth or a bath may be necessary at first after your child's encounter with porridge and mash. The first meal of porridge can also be a messy experience, for both of you. The child has reached the age where arms and legs move relatively uncontrollably. So grab the bowl and be careful, otherwise it can quickly end up on the floor and everywhere else. Sometimes it can be so messy that it pays to leave the child in a diaper while they eat. This will save you clothes. It is also a really good idea to invest in a mat that can be placed under the high chair and protect your floor. Because the floor will be under fire from food and drinks for a long period of time. Children drop food, knock over their glasses, plates and cutlery. They don't always do it on purpose, sometimes those things just get in the way of quick hands and arms.
If you have a high chair with a tray, you can initially pour a little porridge onto the tray that is attached to the table. Small children experience with their mouths, they put fingers and everything else in their mouths and that way they play with the food in their mouths.
“ My first child didn't like eating with a spoon, so to get him used to the consistency of the porridge, he sat in a diaper, in his high chair and was allowed to have his hands in the porridge on the tray of the chair. That way he got to taste the porridge without having to spend too much time on the spoon. It came on the table a little later. It was a really greasy affair but it worked - my son wanted to eat porridge.”
- Maria, mother of 3
Create a calm and pleasant atmosphere at the dinner table
Regardless of your child's age, it is important to create a pleasant atmosphere when you eat. You cannot expect your child to sit perfectly or eat correctly with a knife, fork and spoon the first time. They use their hands and fingers when they eat, it is still natural for them. Talk, praise and help so that your child maintains the desire to learn.
Don't criticize or correct your child from the moment you sit down until you get up from the table. Your child is learning. Don't call your child disgusting or anything like that because they eat with their fingers or drop food from their fork or spoon. This creates a negative atmosphere around the meal and can be really hard to change, you risk your child not wanting to eat.
Focus on the good atmosphere, on the relationship with your child. Talk to your child and create the famous “hygge” at the table. Put the mobile away, turn off the TV, you are on your way to an important moment with your child.
You have many good meals to enjoy. Make it a good experience from the start.
“ In the morning I light a small string of lights above the table in a fairy branch. It is also lit at the dinner table. I have done this since my eldest was in kindergarten, which is where I got the inspiration. My children are 6, 9 and 11 years old. They still think it is cozy.”
- Mary
Weekend - Time for family and longer meals.
We love the weekend because there is time for the things we don't necessarily have time for on weekdays. On the weekend we have plenty of time for breakfast, lunch and dinner. On the weekend you have time to be with your family, time for closeness and togetherness. Enjoy it and be together.
Cooking can take a little extra time. And if your child has started eating porridge and mash, you can definitely make a delicious mash or porridge from the vegetables the rest of the family will eat. If your child is old enough to eat the same as the rest of the family, spend time at the table. Make it something your child looks forward to.
A good atmosphere at the table entices the child to take a little more bite. And as a bonus, it creates good memories. Even if the little child is not able to express it.
If your child has started to walk around, you can use one of the lower drawers in the kitchen or cupboard for the child's tableware that can withstand some bumps. This gives the smaller and very curious child the opportunity to help set the table.
