How to Establish a Feeding Routine

New moms may choose to nurse (or formula feed) their infants on demand, or they may prefer to feed them on a regular schedule--every four hours was the old standard, although many pediatricians now feel that every two to three hours is better for the child. Both methods have their proponents, and although many people will say that you should or you must do one or the other, when you come right down to it, ultimately the choice lies with mom--or perhaps in some sort of compromise between mom and baby. When it comes time to introduce solid foods, though, this is when feedings turn into actual mealtimes, and it is important for both mom and baby to establish some simple routines to make sure that mealtimes are enjoyable (or at least survivable) for all. Read on to learn how to establish a feeding routine.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Safe, study high chair
• Washable, easily removable bibs
• Small toys
• Plastic bowls
• Small plastic spoons
• Sippy cup

1. Decide on a few times of day to have your special mealtimes. For the first month or so baby will only need to eat once a day (preferably in the middle of the day), but by the time he is eight months old he should be having "three squares a day." If you have other family members who will also be eating together at set times, pulling baby's high chair close to the table so he can participate in the meal is not only cute but will also help prepare him to take part in family routines.
2. Make sure that baby is safe and secure in a sturdy high chair. Do your homework before purchasing a chair to make sure your model is stable and not prone to tipping over or to pinching baby. Choose a model with a safety belt or harness so baby can't wiggle out of the chair and fall onto the ground--the fall from some 3 feet in the air onto a hard floor can be pretty serious for a baby. If you'll be feeding your baby on a surface that isn't easily moppable (like in a carpeted dining room), you may also want to purchase a "splat mat" or use a bathmat or even a plastic drop cloth (best for those long-range splatters).
3. Arrange a selection of small toys on the tray of the high chair to keep baby amused while you get the food ready. Some high chairs come with "activity bars" or other built-in toys, and some toys are made with suction-cup bases so they stick to the tray and don't fall off onto the floor (unless baby manages to pull them of and throw them, which will probably happen).
4. Serve the food in small plastic bowls. If you heat the food up at all, stir it very thoroughly and test it yourself to make sure there are no "hot spots." It is best to serve food at no more than lukewarm temperatures--most babies aren't too picky about having their hot meals served hot, and you don't want to run the risk of mouth burns.
5. Use little plastic spoons to serve the food. One good source is to go to an ice cream store like Baskin-Robbins and ask for a couple of taster spoons (with or without taster scoops of ice cream). Although these spoons are plastic and disposable, there's no rule that says you have to toss them after one use. Just wash them and keep using them as long as they aren't cracked. Pretty soon you can graduate to regular disposable plastic spoons, and you can buy a box of several hundred of these for a few dollars. You can also buy fancier baby feeding spoons if you choose, but make sure they are plastic or rubber (not metal, as this conducts heat).
6. Choose bibs that are washable, and that are easily put on and taken of. Velcro or snaps good, ties bad. Maximum coverage is also good, especially if you don't want to have to change baby's outfit after each feeding. If you have an especially messy eater, you can look for the "arts and crafts"-type cover-up bibs, as they are meant to protect toddlers from finger-painting mishaps.
7. Feed your baby well-balanced meals--some carbs, some protein, some fruits and vegetables. These don't have to be elaborate three course meals, but it helps to break up mealtime monotony by being able to offer a bite of pasta, a little taste of peas an other food.
8. Try to take some time to interact with your baby during mealtime. Share a smile, a giggle, even a few bites of food. Baby food is not toxic for non-babies. It might be a bit bland, but you'll survive. It's important to try to make mealtime as pleasant as possible so your baby will have nothing but positive associations with food--even those mashed peas.