How to Feed a Baby With a Spoon

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for your baby until approximately 6 months of age. When it̵7;s time to add solid foods to your baby̵7;s diet, feeding her with a spoon is likely to be her first adventure in feeding. Although your little one needs to acclimate to these new menu choices, feeding her with a spoon shouldn't be a challenging transition.

Things You'll Need

  • Narrow, soft spoon

Instructions

    • 1

      Put your baby in an infant seat or your lap if he̵7;s not yet sitting independently. If your baby sits unassisted, place him in a high chair and buckle him in.

    • 2

      Place a small amount of pureed food or baby cereal (such as rice, barley or oatmeal mixed with formula or breast milk) on the tip of the spoon and hold it near your baby̵7;s nose so she can smell it, advises KidsHealth.org.

    • 3

      Touch the spoon gently to your baby̵7;s lips. Wait while he licks the food off; this gives him a taste without requiring him to figure out how to use the spoon quite yet.

    • 4

      Wait for your little one to open her mouth as you hold the spoon there. When she opens her mouth, place the spoon inside. Ideally, your baby takes the food off the spoon by sucking it or manipulating it with her tongue.

    • 5

      Watch to see how your baby responds to the food. If he swallows it readily, continue to feed him small bites of food. If he pushes it back out of his mouth with his tongue, he may not be quite ready for solid foods, counsels AskDrSears.com. Wait for a few days and then try again to see if your baby manages solid foods more effectively.

    • 6

      Continue feeding your little one as long as she seems interested and opens her mouth to accept bites of food. Stop feeding your baby when she turns her head away from the spoon or stops opening her mouth.

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