1 yr old feeding self with sppon or fork

[Kooy]

My son has recently turned one and eats a good variety of foods with differing consitencies etc.
He has shown some interest in feeding himself yoghurt, and the like, with a spoon, but isn't co-ordinated enough to scoop it up himself. He loves feeding himself if I get the food onto the spoon and place it on his tray. He picks it up and gets it in his mouth really well. He is also pretty good with the finger food, but regularly puts too much in his mouth.

What I would like to know is, how do I help him move along with this so that he will feed eventually himself with a fork or spoon?
I am concerned that he should already be doing this at his age... but I'm not sure how to go about teaching him.

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks.

[the pero clinic]

Dear Kooy,

Your son’s level of skill with self-feeding sounds pretty typical for his age. It’s great that he is able to put the spoon to his mouth and self-feed with finger foods (perhaps some talking and showing of “biting” bits off the food will reduce the overstuffing tendency).

At this age, while fine and gross motor skills are still developing, the control of hands and arms is more difficult for activities and movements further away from the body (e.g stretched out towards the food tray) than when closer towards the body (e.g coordinating movement at the mouth). This relates to a baby’s strength and stability through the torso, neck, shoulders and arms which develops over time. A baby needs strength and stability through the shoulder and arm to coordinate movements of the hand – particularly when the hand is held away from the body.

To encourage your son’s development with scooping food, ensure he is well supported through his trunk in his highchair. Use towels as padding to reduce any slouching or tipping that is occurring. Continue to show him the action of scooping by holding your hand over his to guide him. When you let him try for himself, perhaps try holding his upper arm or shoulder to help with stability there. As well as this, practice the skill during play. Give him a tray of sand or rice and a larger scoop (like a flour scoop), or a cup / spoon / scoop in the bath to practice the same scooping action again.

I’m sure your son will have the hang of it in no time, but if there are concerns about the way a baby or child is using their hands for eating, playing, drawing or writing is best to consult with a paediatric occupational therapist for ideas on promoting fine motor development.

the pero clinic