My baby is 10 months old but she doesn't want to seat properly and eat food.Always i used to carry her and give food.So how can I teach her to seat and eat.

Question

My baby is 10 months old but she doesn't want to seat properly and eat food.Always i used to carry her and give food.So how can I teach her to seat  and eat.

Accepted Answer

Teaching a 10-month-old baby to sit and eat can be challenging, but it's a good habit to establish early on. Here are some tips to encourage your baby to sit and eat properly:

1. **Create a Positive Eating Environment**: Make mealtime enjoyable by creating a calm and inviting environment. Use a high chair with a safety strap to ensure your baby sits comfortably and securely.

2. **Introduce Mealtime Routine**: Establish a consistent mealtime routine. Try to feed your baby at the same times each day so they become familiar with the schedule.

3. **Use Engaging Utensils and Plates**: Offer colorful, baby-friendly utensils and plates. Babies are often attracted to bright colors and fun designs, which can make mealtime more interesting for them.

4. **Offer Finger Foods**: Allow your baby to feed herself with finger foods that are easy to grasp and eat. This can make eating more engaging and help her develop fine motor skills.

5. **Start with Short Mealtimes**: Begin with short meals and gradually increase the duration as your baby gets used to sitting in the high chair. Start with 10-15 minutes and slowly work up to longer periods.

6. **Be Patient and Encouraging**: Praise your baby when she sits and eats well. Positive reinforcement can encourage her to continue this behavior. Avoid pressuring her or showing frustration if she refuses to sit.

7. **Lead by Example**: Sit and eat with your baby to demonstrate that mealtime is a shared family activity. Babies often mimic their parents, so if she sees you sitting and eating, she may be more likely to do the same.

8. **Limit Distractions**: Reduce distractions such as toys, television, or screens during mealtime. Focus on creating a calm environment where eating is the main activity.

9. **Gradually Transition from Lap Feeding**: If your baby is used to being fed while being held, slowly transition to the high chair. You can start by holding her for a few minutes and then placing her in the chair for the rest of the meal.

10. **Stay Consistent**: Consistency is key. Keep placing her in the high chair during every meal. She may resist at first, but with time and consistency, she will learn that sitting in the high chair is part of the eating routine.

If your baby continues to resist sitting in the high chair, consider consulting your pediatrician to rule out any underlying issues or for further advice tailored to your child's needs.