Throwing Food

by Helen
(Dallas, Texas)

My almost 13 month old throws food on the floor at every meal. We've tried verbal corrections and squeezing his hand while we say "no" but nothing seems to work. Is he old enough to understand yet?

What can we do?

Baby Help Line Response:

Hi Helen!

Actually verbal corrections tend to not work that well until babies are around 2 years old. Even raising your voice won't work - your son is likely to get scared or think it is funny and either way miss the message. It's easier for them if you show them how to act again and again and again...

What I do is I simply take the food away (and say "no" with a calm voice). Not much point with making an issue of it. Or I just stop the baby's hand from throwing while saying no. (Not in hard way, just for the purpose of showing what I mean with no.)

But for such a young little fellow, your no will not mean all that much - he is out to discover the world!

Also remember that even if your kitchen will be a big mess, letting your boy experiment and try feed himself will make him really eat without your help much faster.

Welcome to a very messy period ;-)

/Paula

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