How to Feed If the Baby Doesn't Sit Yet?

One of the important points in caring for a baby is feeding them. However, what if the child does not yet know how to sit independently? In such a situation, it becomes necessary to find the optimal way of feeding, which would be safe and convenient for both the baby and the parents. In this article, we will consider two main options for feeding, as well as discuss important aspects of safety and comfort during this process.

Option 1:

If the child does not yet take a sitting position on their own (for example, from the "mermaid" pose or from all fours), but can already hold their back vertically and does not fall to the side, forward, or backward, then the baby can be put in a high chair only for the duration of the meal. For such a short time, there will be no harm to the spine, and the child will be able to eat safely.

If the baby does not yet hold their back straight, and when you put them in a high chair, they lean (more often to the side), then it is too early to put such a baby in a high chair.

Option 2:

Hold the baby on your lap, holding them under the armpits, sitting at the table (not sitting them down). You can eat from one plate to maintain food interest and show the baby how to eat, offering micro-doses of food.

There is also an option when the baby eats lying on their stomach. However, the safety of this method has not been proven, but it has not been refuted either. Therefore, I cannot recommend this method and I have not used it myself.

Do not feed in a semi-reclining position. Often, parents tilt the back of the high chair and put the child in it. This is not safe! The back of the high chair should be at 90 degrees or with a slight incline so that the child sits upright in the chair.

It is important to remember that each child is unique, and it is necessary to choose a method that corresponds to their age, physical capabilities, and comfort. If in doubt, it is always better to consult a pediatrician or child specialist.