The Journey to Self-Feeding: Keeping It Clean and Healthy

The transition from spoon-feeding to self-feeding is a significant milestone in your child's development. It marks the beginning of independence, fine motor skill development, and an exploration of tastes and textures. However, this journey can be notoriously messy, with more food seemingly on the floor, walls, and clothes than in your child's mouth! While it's important to embrace this messy phase for what it is—a learning experience—it's equally crucial to keep things clean and healthy. In this blog, we'll share some insights on the milestones of self-feeding, alongside tips on maintaining cleanliness and hygiene using KidsBliss's range of safe cleaning products.

### **Understanding Self-Feeding Milestones**

Self-feeding starts with your child's desire to grab the spoon you are feeding them with or reaching for food directly with their hands. This usually occurs around 6 to 9 months of age. By 12 to 15 months, many children are keen to eat independently, although their coordination might still be developing. By the time they're around 18 months to 2 years old, most toddlers can use utensils with better proficiency, although messes are still a given!

### **Embrace the Mess – It's Part of Learning**

It's essential to let your child explore food textures, tastes, and the process of eating independently. This exploration is crucial for their sensory development and fine motor skills. Yes, it means there will be spills, splatters, and stains, but it's all part of the learning curve.

### **Creating a Hygienic Dining Space**

Before and after each mealtime, ensure the dining area is clean and sanitized. Using KidsBliss's everyday cleaner can help maintain a clean eating environment without introducing harmful chemicals. Its plant-based ingredients are effective yet gentle, perfect for high chairs, dining tables, and any surface your little one might come into contact with.

### **Dealing with Stains and Spills**

Food stains on clothes are inevitable during this stage. Pre-treat any stains with KidsBliss's laundry liquid before washing. Its formula is tough on stains but gentle on fabrics and your child's skin, ensuring that their clothes come out clean and free from harmful residues.

Additionally, for any fruits and vegetables that your child might be snacking on, washing them with KidsBliss's vegetable wash can remove residues and contaminants, ensuring that what your child is putting into their mouth is as clean as possible.

### **Cleaning Up Post-Meal**

Once mealtime is over, it's time for cleanup. A good routine helps manage the mess and maintain a healthy environment. Use KidsBliss's alcohol-free hand sanitizer to clean your and your child's hands after eating. For any dropped food, a quick sweep and a wipe-down with the everyday cleaner will suffice.

### **Encouraging Independence**

While it's tempting to step in and minimize the mess, allowing your child to navigate self-feeding fosters independence and self-confidence. Provide encouragement and celebrate their milestones, no matter how messy!

In conclusion, the journey to self-feeding is a significant developmental milestone filled with messy adventures. By incorporating safe and effective cleaning products like KidsBliss's vegetable wash, everyday cleaner, and laundry liquid, you can ensure that this journey is not only a learning experience for your child but also a clean and healthy one. Remember, every spill is a step toward independence, and every stain is a mark of progress!