Little chef – involving your baby when you’re preparing meals

What you need 

• Different types of food. Make sure these are safe for their age and won’t be a choking hazard to explore using their sense of taste. A little sample of (cooled) sauce or soft safe fruit/veg is ideal. 

What to try 

• When you’re preparing meals, give some of the ingredients to your baby to bring them into the experience.   
• Talk to your baby about what you’re cooking and how it might feel or taste when they eat it.  
• Make sure your baby is close to you while you work, so you’re aware of their eating.  
• They will be able to use all their senses to investigate the food, so prepare for some mess.  

Good to know 

Exploring food is great if your baby has been reluctant to eat an ingredient in the past. Even playing with it, in this low-pressure atmosphere, counts when it comes to exposure to new foods.