Introducing food to your baby is an exciting step, but it can also feel uncertain. Many parents wonder if they’re doing it right, how much food is right and which utensils are best. In this post, we look at 5 common mistakes parents make when introducing food – and how to avoid them with the right tools and knowledge.
Introducing food to a baby involves gradually supplementing breast milk or formula with solid food. It usually takes place from around 6 months of age and can be done through traditional spoon-feeding or baby-led weaning (BLW), where the baby is allowed to grasp and eat the food himself. Whatever the method, it is important that the baby is ready, that the environment is safe and that the equipment supports learning.
It may be tempting to start tasting portions early, but before 4 months the digestive system is not ready. At the same time, it can be a mistake to wait too long, as the baby may miss important developmental milestones. Signs of readiness include being able to sit with support, showing interest in food and being able to bring food to the mouth.
Start small! Too large portions can overwhelm the child and create a negative experience around food. Small bites or a few spoonfuls are enough at first. Let your child control the pace and signal when they want more.
A common pitfall is using spoons that are too big or slippery, making it difficult for the child to grip. An ergonomic spoon for food introduction makes a big difference. Choose a spoon with a grip-friendly design, adapted for small hands – preferably with features that train tweezer grip and minimize mess.
Explore our range of baby spoons
Self-feeding is an important part of a baby’s motor development. A common mistake is to overfeed your baby instead of letting them try it themselves. BLW tip: serve bite-sized pieces that the child can grasp and hold. This builds confidence and stimulates fine motor skills.
All children develop at their own pace. It’s easy to compare with others or feel worried if your child isn’t eating “as they should”. Stress and pressure often make the situation worse. Instead, create a calm, safe eating environment and be patient – many small steps go a long way.
A good spoon for food introduction is lightweight, easy to grip and designed to allow the child to practice on their own. It should have an appropriately sized bowl, be made of safe material and ideally be able to encourage tweezer gripping. Ergonomic spoons like ours at I Can Spoon are designed with these needs in mind.
Starting solid food is an important step in your baby’s development. By avoiding common food introduction mistakes and choosing the right tools, such as an ergonomic spoon, you can make the journey safer and more enjoyable for both you and your baby. Remember: it’s not about perfection – it’s about creating positive, exploratory meals from the first bite.
