Weaning is such a huge topic that it is always useful to break it down into smaller, more manageable topics for parents. I’ve written before about everything from weaning equipment, the benefits of baby-led weaning versus the benefits of starting weaning with purees (spoiler: you don’t have to choose one or the other), as well as about the benefits of veg-led weaning.


But today, I wanted to focus more on the mealtime experience itself for your baby. I’ve already posted a general blog outlining the importance of mealtime environments when weaning your baby which elaborates on topics like language use, role-modelling and routines. What can sometimes get overlooked is why it’s a really good idea to physically sit with your child whilst they eat.
So here are my top five reasons why sitting with your little one during mealtimes is important.
1. Safety
For safety reasons, babies shouldn’t be left alone when eating. It’s natural for parents to be anxious about gagging and choking whilst weaning their baby but the best thing you can do to reduce the risk of them choking is to always be with them when they are eating. Ideally this is throughout their journey with food, but especially in the early days of weaning.
It’s so worth doing a course on weaning and finding out more about Gagging and Choking during weaning, to give you the reassurance that you need on this front too. Most of the families I work with or speak to I suggest they do an online first aid weaning course (I have a mini one on my Online Weaning Course already).
You might also like to consider a full pelt first aid course with Keep A Beat.


2. It’s more enjoyable for baby
We all know that eating out is a sociable experience and food is often more enjoyable when shared with others (more on that in point 3 below!). Even lunch in the work cafeteria or a morning coffee break is more entertaining and relaxing when we share that time with someone else. Babies are no different and respond positively to eating alongside you.
Conversely, eating alone in their highchair can feel lonely for a baby or they might get bored more easily or start reacting to get your attention. Taking the time to sit with your little one as they eat will pay dividends as your baby grows and they learn to associate mealtimes with enjoyment and quality time spent with their parent or carer. It means that they are much more likely to want to come to the table.


Fussy Eating Crash Course
Do you have a baby or child showing signs of picky eating? Or perhaps they’re frequently pushing their plates away no matter what you serve – and you’re going a bit mad! Then this Fussy Eating Crash Course is for you.


3. Eating together is more sociable
Better still is for you to actually eat yourself at the same time as your baby, toddler or child during mealtimes. I appreciate that given our busy lives, it just isn’t always possible to eat a meal together with your children and sometimes families will eat at different times due to conflicting work/school schedules, differing appetites and things like children’s early bedtimes and daily routines. But the act of sharing meals together as a family can make such a positive difference to your child’s enjoyment and appreciation of food.
I’ve written before about the concepts of conviviality and commensality – that is the act of eating with friends and family and the social enjoyment gained from it. As often as you are able to, share a meal with your little ones. Not only will this simple behaviour boost their enjoyment of food but you will be laying the foundations for healthy eating habits as they grow, such as eating mindfully and learning to recognise hunger and fullness cues.


4. Eating together sparks curiosity
Mealtimes are such a fantastic opportunity to teach children all about the world of food and nutrition. When you sit together as parent and child, you have the chance to talk to them about the food on their plate and introduce them to different textures and tastes in a casual and routine way. Reluctant children and fussy eaters can be more willing to try new foods if they are exposed to them first during a meal shared with you. New foods can become familiar and trusted if your children regularly see you eating them whilst shared meals like picnics or buffets are the ideal chance to introduce a wide variety of different foods in a relaxed, non-pressured way. In fact, keeping mealtimes light and non-pressured is central to this idea of shared eating.
Always remember the simple idea that it is your role as the parent to offer a variety of foods and it’s then up to your child to decide what and how much they would like to eat. This helps to take the pressure off both you and them – a double win! – although it does require patience and accepting that your child may not eat what you offer them.
5. Sharing a meal builds routine and structure
Establishing routines around meals helps toddlers and children know what to expect and how to behave. Try to stick to the same habits at the same times each day and involve your little one by asking them to help set the table, clear things away or complete simple tasks like sharing out the cutlery. Table manners are learnt by repetition and you are your child’s best role model.
They will learn from you how best to behave at mealtimes and if you are focused on eating and enjoying your dinner with them, then they will learn that this is an enjoyable time too.


6. Eating together helps children learn (a lot) about eating
Eating with your baby and toddler is a sure fire way to help them learn the skills needed to eat such as biting, chewing, sipping from a cup, using cutlery – you name it. They learn a lot through observation, so watching you eat will be the best way to help them learn how to eat and achieve some of the milestones/skills associated with eating. Additionally, they are likely to pick up on your patterns of eating at mealtimes – if you enjoy a balance of foods and eat a variety each day, showing them this via those shared mealtimes will be the best way to try and instil that enjoyment for a variety of healthy foods in them too.
Just to caveat, we know times aren’t always easy and if you can’t always eat together that ok. Just try to fit in mealtimes – even if its with one friend or family member – whenever it is possible. Additionally, don’t be disheartened if mealtimes aren’t always smooth going. Sharing a meal doesn’t mean your child will automatically eat it, but it does mean they will learn in time what is expected and build positive habits as they grow!
I hope you’ve found these tips useful. You might also like to read my advice on screentime for children during meals. If you are struggling right now with a picky eater, sharing meals with them can be one ingredient in helping them to develop an improved relationship with food. You may also like to download my free factsheet on fussy eating or my mealtime language tips for fussy eaters.


Online Weaning Course
If you’re soon to begin your baby’s weaning journey, Charlotte’s Online Weaning Course is your complete step-by-step guide to introducing solids.

