As parents, it's natural to want to keep our babies clean and tidy. But when it comes to mealtimes, letting your little one get messy with food could be one of the best things you do for their development.
Sure, it might mean extra laundry and a bit more cleaning up, but research suggests that allowing babies to explore with their hands and faces during feeding has multiple developmental benefits.
Introducing solids to your baby is an exciting milestone, but it can quickly turn into a messy affair. At first, babies tend to stay relatively clean since they aren’t very mobile.
But as they grow, things change. Suddenly, they’re grabbing the spoon, swiping at their food, and blowing raspberries into mashed peas.
According to Jen Spiro, an experienced occupational therapist at nurtureOne, this is completely normal—and something to embrace rather than avoid.
“When you first introduce solids to your baby, it’s usually easy to keep things clean because they aren’t very mobile yet,” said Spiro.
“However, as the months go by, they will start swiping the spoon and blowing raspberries into their food, which can quickly become a mess for everyone!”
For many parents, the idea of allowing their baby to smear food all over themselves can feel overwhelming. It might even seem like more work than it’s worth.
Some parents worry that letting their children sit with food on their faces, hands, and even in their hair during meals could be seen as neglectful. But Spiro encouraged parents to think differently.
Spiro explained that messy eating plays a crucial role in a baby’s development, particularly when it comes to sensory exploration, motor skill development, and even building independence.
“Babies learn about the world through touch, taste, and sight, and mealtime is one of the best opportunities for them to explore these senses.”
One of the key reasons why messy eating is so important is that it encourages sensory exploration. Babies learn about the world through their senses—touch, taste, smell, and sight.
When they get to squish mashed potatoes or smear puréed carrots on their faces, they’re not just making a mess—they’re learning.
Studies show that sensory play, which includes activities like messy eating, helps babies understand different textures, shapes, and consistencies.
According to a 2013 study published in the “Developmental Science” journal, babies who were allowed to play with food were better at recognising and identifying food items later on.
The study noted that this hands-on experience was crucial in helping babies learn about the properties of food, like whether it's solid or liquid.
Cognitive abilities
You might not think of messy eating as a learning experience, but it actually plays a role in cognitive and language development. When babies explore food, they are constantly processing new information.
They’re learning cause and effect - what happens when they drop a spoon or when they squish a piece of banana? This trial-and-error process helps develop problem-solving skills.
Overcoming sensory sensitivities
For some babies, certain textures can be overwhelming or uncomfortable. Messy eating allows them to gradually overcome sensory sensitivities.
By repeatedly touching, feeling, and tasting different types of food, babies become more comfortable with various textures. Over time, this can make them more adventurous eaters and reduce picky eating habits.
Preventing tactile defensiveness
Without exposure to different textures, children can become sensitive to new or unfamiliar sensations over time. If you keep your baby very clean during meals, they might find getting messy and uncomfortable because it’s a new sensation for them.
While tactile defensiveness is not always learned - some children are naturally tactile defensive—constant wiping and keeping them clean can contribute to discomfort. Allowing them to experience different textures helps prevent this sensitivity.
Practical tips for embracing messy eating
While it’s clear that messy eating has numerous benefits, it’s understandable if you’re concerned about the clean-up.
Here are a few practical tips to make the process less stressful:
Use a large bib or smock: Cover your baby with a large bib or a smock to protect their clothes. Some parents even use towels or old T-shirts as makeshift bibs.
Create a messy zone: If possible, set up a designated area where your baby can eat freely without worrying about spills. You could place a plastic mat or newspaper under the highchair to make clean-up easier.
Choose easy-to-clean foods: Start with foods that are easy to wash off, like soft fruits, steamed vegetables, or yoghurt. Avoid foods that might stain, like beets or tomato sauce, until you’re more comfortable with messy meals.
Don’t rush: Give your baby plenty of time to explore their food. Mealtimes can be fun and educational for both you and your.