0mo–11mo10 minMealtimeFamily timeSelf-care
Baby Leads the Feed
A responsive feeding routine where you offers tiny choices and waits for cues so your child can help set the pace and show 'more' or 'all done', supporting calm independence in care routines.
What you'll need
Essentials
- your child's usual feeding items (breast/bottle/cup/spoon as appropriate)
- a cloth or bib
- a comfortable, safely supported feeding position for your child
Nice to have
- a small towel for clean-up
- a quick note on paper or phone to remember what cues worked today
Movement level: false
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneSignals feeding readiness refusalBody· 4mo–6mo· core· Step 1
- MilestoneSupported routine participationMind· 8mo–20mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneGestures wants or needsMind· 10mo–2.3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneOpens mouth for spoon.Body· 0mo–11mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneUses objects functionallyMind· 10mo–15mo· stretch· Step 2
What it practices
- Expresses discomfort, hunger or thirst.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Anticipates food routines with interest.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Opens mouth for spoon.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Responds to and thrives on warm, sensitive physical contactObservable behaviour from Development Matters
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Encourage babies gradually to share control of food and drink.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)