0mo–11mo9 minMealtimeFamily timeQuiet time
Favourite + New Taste Pairing
A gentle feeding micro-routine where you pairs a familiar favourite with a tiny taste of something new, follows your child’s cues, and keeps mealtimes calm and positive.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a familiar favourite feed/food for your child (age-appropriate)
- a tiny amount of a new taste or texture (age-appropriate)
- a spoon (or clean finger for tiny tastes), plus a bib/cloth for mess
Nice to have
- a supportive seat or your lap with your child upright
- a small cup of water (if age-appropriate) and an extra cloth
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· Steps 1, 2, 3
- MilestoneOpens mouth for spoon.Body· 0mo–11mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneCalms with caregiver soothingHeart· 0mo–3mo· core· Step 3
- MilestoneAnticipates feeding cueMind· 1mo–6mo· core· Steps 1, 2
- MilestoneGestures wants or needsMind· 10mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneCries to communicate needsMind· 0mo–2mo· stretch· Step 3
What it practices
- Anticipates food routines with interest.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Opens mouth for spoon.Observable behaviour from Development Matters
- Expresses discomfort, hunger or thirst.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
- “Help children to enjoy their food and appreciate healthier choices by combining favourites with new tastes and textures.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)