Independent Feeding - Parenting Center Tip of the Week [mountsinaiparenting.org]
Independent Feeding Learning to feed themselves is important for babies’ regulation and fine motor skills. Being able to stop when they’re done allows babies to control how much they eat – and learn their bodies’ own signs of fullness. Feeding can exercise the small muscles in a baby’s hand and assist in learning the pincer grasp – a preliteracy skill that facilitates writing. Whenever possible and safe, encourage families to allow babies to feed themselves. While it may be messy, it’s an...