It can be concerning when your baby starts spitting out food, especially after you’ve put in the effort to prepare a nutritious meal. Rest assured, this behavior is often a normal part of their development. During this phase, babies are undergoing significant emotional and psychological growth, learning about concepts like permanence and cause and effect. This exploration is crucial as they gradually assert their independence, a hallmark of toddlerhood.
Your baby has likely discovered a fascinating new skill: they don’t have to swallow All Food! They can spit it out! To them, this is a remarkable revelation, and the sensation of spitting food might even be enjoyable. This newfound ability can be particularly exciting for them, and they might express their delight at this discovery. Ironically, your reactions, such as worrying or trying to coax them to eat more, can inadvertently reinforce this behavior. It’s similar to telling a three-year-old not to jump on the bed – it often makes them want to do it more!
However, it’s important to remember that your baby doesn’t yet possess the cognitive understanding that they need food for sustenance. While sleep regression can sometimes be linked to hunger, it’s also frequently associated with the rapid physiological changes happening in their brain. They are processing significant emotional and intellectual leaps, alongside absorbing and learning countless new things every day.
To navigate this phase, it’s helpful to reframe meal times and your approach to feeding. If you typically spoon-feed your baby, consider introducing finger foods. Allowing them to explore textures and feed themselves can be a game-changer. This new experience and sense of independence might be enough to discourage the spitting. If you are spoon-feeding, have you progressed to more textured foods? Experiment with lumpier purees or try something like spaghetti with sauce, allowing them to suck the sauce off the strands.
If you are already practicing Baby-Led Weaning (BLW), try shaking things up with different food presentations. Let your baby attempt to self-feed porridge or yogurt for breakfast, for instance. You can also try a change of scenery. Offer a snack of cut-up orange segments in a bowl in the living room, away from the high chair. Positive reinforcement is key. When they eat well, shower them with positive attention and praise. Say things like, “Are those oranges yummy?”
If they spit food out or refuse to eat, avoid “rewarding” this behavior with worry or excessive attention. Simply clean it up without making a fuss. However, be sure to offer praise and positive attention when they do eat appropriately.
Remember, this is a developmental phase, and it will pass. Consistency and patience are crucial. You’ve got this!
