🍽 How Mealtime Builds Motor Skills (Without You Even Realising It)
When we think of feeding babies and toddlers, we often focus on what they eat—iron-rich ingredients, allergen exposure, getting enough veggies in. But mealtime is also a crucial opportunity for babies to build their motor skills—you know, all those tiny movements that lead to big milestones. So let’s talk about how every squish, scoop, and sticky-fingered reach is part of their development journey. 🖐 What Are Motor Skills? Motor skills are the movements and actions of the muscles. They’re split into two main types: Gross motor skills: Larger movements like sitting, crawling, and reaching Fine motor skills: Smaller, more precise...
How to Tell If Your Baby is Still Hungry or Full: A Parent’s Guide
Mealtime with your baby can sometimes feel like a guessing game—are they still hungry? Have they had enough? Should you offer more? If you’ve ever wondered whether your little one is truly full or just distracted, you’re not alone! Understanding hunger and fullness cues can help you avoid mealtime battles, prevent overfeeding or underfeeding, and build healthy eating habits from the start. Here’s how to decode your baby’s signals with confidence. Why Hunger & Fullness Cues Matter Babies are born with an amazing ability to self-regulate their intake. Unlike adults (who sometimes eat out of boredom or habit), babies eat...
Fussy Eating 101: How to Encourage Your Baby or Toddler to Try New Foods
Mealtime battles? Refusals? Dramatic gagging at the sight of a new veggie? Welcome to the world of fussy eating! If you’re dealing with a little food critic, you’re not alone. Many babies and toddlers go through phases of rejecting new (or even familiar) foods, and while it can be frustrating, there are ways to encourage them to explore and enjoy a variety of foods. Here’s how. Why Are Babies and Toddlers Picky Eaters? Fussy eating is common and often part of normal development. Some reasons why little ones might be picky include: Natural Caution: Babies are biologically wired to be...
Iron for Babies: Why It’s So Important & How to Add More to Their Diet
Iron is one of the most important nutrients for your baby’s growth and development, but did you know that babies between 6-12 months need more iron than an adult male? It’s true! Babies need 11mg of iron per day—almost double what an adult man needs. Iron plays a key role in brain development, immune function, and energy levels, so getting enough is essential. If you're wondering how to boost your little one’s iron intake in a simple, stress-free way, this guide will help. We'll cover:✔️ Why iron is so important for babies✔️ How much they need at different ages✔️ Signs...
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