When babies throw food during meals it can feel so frustrating! We get it! You lovingly prepare a meal, place it in front of your baby, and then it’s on the floor. First, take a deep breath. 💚 Food throwing is a completely normal part of baby development during the early stages of solid food introduction. We want to reassure you: you’re doing amazing, and this phase will pass.
If you’re searching for tips on how to stop food throwing, you’re not alone.
In fact, we have even more on this in BLW Meals app, but for now, let’s dive into why babies throw food and what you can do about it with kindness, patience, and practical strategies.
Why Do Babies Throw Food?
Understanding the “why” can help you approach food throwing with empathy. When you have this baseline established, you can begin to put yourself in the right mindset to approach the situation.
Some reasons babies throw food include:
- Exploration: Babies are little scientists! Throwing food lets them test gravity, textures, and cause-and-effect.
- Communication: Your baby might be telling you they are full, tired, bored, or not interested.
- Motor Skills Practice: Throwing food is a way to strengthen arm muscles and hand-eye coordination.
- Attention Seeking: If every food toss gets a big reaction, your baby may repeat the behavior to engage with you.
Remember: throwing food isn’t “bad behavior.” It’s a natural part of the learning process!
How to Gently Reduce Food Throwing
While you can’t eliminate all throwing right away, there are kind strategies you can use to guide your baby toward better mealtime habits. Read threw these ways to help make food throwing easier to navigate with your baby:
1. Set Clear, Calm Boundaries
At the beginning of each meal, remind your baby:
“Food stays on the table.”
Say it warmly and consistently. Every time food is thrown, calmly pick it up once (if you choose) without making it a big show.
2. Offer Small Portions
Give a few pieces of food at a time. You can always offer more if your baby finishes what’s on the tray. Less food means less mess and less temptation to throw!
3. Model What You Want to See
During family meals, show your baby how you keep food on your plate. Babies are incredible mimics, and modeling is a powerful teaching tool.
4. Introduce a “No-Thank-You” Spot
If your baby is done with a food, offer a small bowl or spot on the tray where they can place it instead of throwing it.
“You don’t have to eat it. You can put it here.”
This gives them autonomy while reinforcing positive behavior.
5. Keep Your Reactions Low-Key
Big reactions (whether laughing or getting upset) can encourage more throwing. Stay neutral: gently say, “Food stays on the table,” and move on.
6. Watch for Signs of Fullness
Sometimes throwing starts when babies are no longer hungry. Watch for signs like turning away, pushing food around, or fussing, and offer to end the meal before throwing escalates.
Be Patient: This Too Shall Pass
Just like learning to walk or talk, learning table manners takes time and practice. Food throwing usually peaks between 8 and 14 months but often improves as toddlers gain better control over their bodies and emotions.
Consistency, connection, and calmness are your best tools. And remember, every messy meal is a step toward your baby becoming a confident eater! For a step-by-step guide to all developmental stages, check out our BLW Meals app. Download now for a free 14-day trial!
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