Let’s think about eating... how our muscles help at mealtimes

Mealtimes can be messy events, especially at the moment. For toddlers, learning how to get food into their mouths without a few spills and sticky faces along the way will take time, practice and muscular coordination. So keep the wet cloth handy... 

What motor skills are being used when they’re eating? 

Your toddler is using a variety of muscles as they eat, including those which help with their postural control and movement of their shoulders, arms, elbows, wrists, hands and fingers.  

Eating with fingers takes a lot of muscle control – even more if cutlery is being used. Not only do your toddler's large and small muscles have to work together to hold and move the cutlery, but they also require good hand-eye coordination to get the utensil to their mouth.  

On top of all this, they are coordinating their muscles to chew and swallow food safely.  

So, when eating gets messy, remember: your toddler’s brain and body are busy coordinating muscle movements from all over their body. If getting a bit grimy means they are practising these skills, it’s a sign that less messy mealtimes lie ahead!