Heinz - Tinytums

Introducing lumps

Feeding time can become quite a chaotic affair.
Paula, 34, says you’ve got to get your camera out.

“After the first stages of weaning all the fun really begins. Because they’re getting the hang of using a spoon as well feeding time can become quite a chaotic affair, but I think it’s best just to embrace this. Get a nice big plastic mat that you can stick under the high chair and turn off the bit of you that minds your kitchen getting messed up. Yeah you’re going to have to get down on your hands and knees to clean up afterwards, but it’s all worth it.

“The thing is I think the baby should be the one who sets the pace when it comes to feeding. Generally as long as they’re getting some nutrients down them. Or if they put most of it on their head. Let them make a mess and get stuck in, this is when they start getting a relationship with food and eating. You’ve got to let them play with their food and get messy, remember that it’s a big deal for them.

I've got so many photos
“When they’re ready to move on from totally puréed food you can just start to mash the food a little less, make more texture and introduce lumps.  After a few months they’ll be ready for a bit of finger food to gnaw on. A bit of mild cheese or a slice of banana. Then rusks or bread with a tiny bit of butter on it. I think bread’s better than toast because toast can be a bit rough for them and dry, it can stick in their mouths a bit.

“I’ve got so many photos and so much video taken of my daughter eating.  She’ll think I was obsessed! But it really is such a fun time and you just get some of the funniest pictures.”