Katherine Whitby | Registered Paediatric Nurse | Health Visitor | Baby Massage Instructor | Mummy of Two | Founder of Baby Steps
Through my Weaning course and supporting parents along their Weaning journey I share gems of advice which I have seen over the years and whilst Weaning my own two children.
One tip I share however sometimes takes parents by surprise, just because they haven’t thought of it yet in their parenting journey.
I'm going to share it with you today because it's game-changing.
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, finding time to sit down and share a meal with your baby might seem like a luxury. You may prefer to keep the adult meal time you have always had. However, research consistently shows that the benefits of eating together as a family, even with the youngest members, are invaluable.
Often when I am listening to parents telling me that Weaning isn’t going quite so well, I hear that their baby is usually eating in their highchair on their own. This is very understandable. The parents may be tidying up the kitchen while their little one sits in the highchair with some food, perhaps finger food or chewing on a toy. Unfortunately, when baby is learning to eat, they may not actually realise when it’s meal time to start with.
Also by eating alone, they are missing out on the fun, social factor of meal times as well as many of the important benefits we are going to talk about.
There are billions of restaurants all over the world as we love to eat together. And babies are the most social of all of us! We celebrate occasions and make memories at meal times. My children are 11 & 14 and it’s where now they are older, I hear about their day. So it’s important babies share in this as well as we create the foundations for happy, healthy meals together.
Here, I will delve into the numerous advantages of making family meals a priority, specifically focusing on the positive impact it has on your baby's development and overall well-being. I fully appreciate this won’t always be possible with meal times, work, nursery but where you can it will make a big difference...
Nutritional Foundation
One of the primary benefits of eating with your baby is the establishment of a strong nutritional foundation. When parents and caregivers model healthy eating habits, babies are more likely to adopt these habits themselves. Family meals provide an opportunity to introduce a variety of nutritious foods, exposing babies to different tastes, textures, and nutrients essential for their growth and development.
Language Development
Sharing a meal is not just about nourishing the body; it also plays a crucial role in language development. During family meals, babies are exposed to a rich and diverse vocabulary as they hear conversations and engage in interactions. This environment promotes language acquisition and communication skills, setting the stage for stronger verbal abilities in the future.
Social Skills
Eating together fosters a sense of togetherness and social connection. Babies learn from observing and imitating their parents and siblings, and mealtime provides a natural setting for acquiring social skills. From taking turns to using utensils, babies absorb these behaviours through observation and practice, laying the groundwork for positive social interactions in various settings.
Establishing Healthy Eating Habits
The early years are crucial for shaping lifelong habits, including eating behaviours. Eating with your baby helps establish a routine and structure around meals, teaching them the importance of regular, balanced eating. This can contribute to a healthier relationship with food, reducing the risk of future issues such as picky eating or overeating.
Emotional Bonding
Family meals offer a unique opportunity for emotional bonding between parents and babies. The act of sharing a meal creates a positive, nurturing environment, strengthening the emotional connection within the family. Babies thrive on the sense of security and love that comes from these shared experiences, contributing to their overall emotional well-being.
Cognitive Development
Beyond the physical benefits, family meals also support cognitive development. Engaging in conversation during meals stimulates a baby's brain, promoting cognitive skills such as attention, memory, and problem-solving. The interaction and exchange of ideas during meals contribute to a stimulating environment that aids in the development of a curious and inquisitive mind.
Cultural Connection
Family meals are an excellent opportunity to pass down cultural traditions and values. Introducing babies to different cuisines and customs from an early age helps them develop an appreciation for diversity and fosters a connection to their cultural heritage. It also encourages an open-minded attitude toward trying new foods and embracing different culinary experiences.
Time Management and Routine
Establishing a regular family mealtime routine instils a sense of structure and time management in a baby's life. Predictable meal schedules contribute to a baby's understanding of daily routines, creating a sense of stability and security.
This structured approach to meals can extend to other areas of a baby's life, promoting a healthy balance between various activities.
In conclusion, the benefits of eating with your baby go far beyond simple nourishment. Family meals play a pivotal role in shaping a baby's physical, emotional, and cognitive development.
From building a strong nutritional foundation to fostering language skills and emotional bonding, the advantages are vast. So, take the time to prioritise family meals, creating a positive and nurturing environment that will have a lasting impact on your baby's overall well-being and ensure you will create happy healthy meal times which will bring a lifetime of happy memories.