A Tasty Preview

1. 1

   Keep the steps before solid-food meals in the same order so the sequence becomes familiar.

2. 2

   Your baby cannot help prepare yet, but they can watch and participate in the routine.

3. 3

   Place your baby in the high chair, put on the bib, bring out the spoon, and set down the food. When everything is ready, say, “Ready. Time to eat.”

4. 4

   After repeating the routine over time, watch your baby closely before each meal. They may begin to anticipate the next step.

5. 5

   Your baby might look toward the spoon when the bib appears or make an eager sound when you pick up the bowl.

6. 6

   These visible responses can show that a familiar cue is bringing the coming meal to mind.

What to notice

• Looks for the bib, spoon, or food as the meal routine begins Memory
• Reaches for a piece of food and brings it toward their mouth Fine Motor

Tips

• Use the same short phrase, such as “Time to eat,” with the same order of actions to make the mealtime cues easier to recognize.

Developmental benefits

• Cognitive: Experiencing the same short sequence before meals gives your baby repeated opportunities to remember familiar cues and anticipate what comes next.