Just Playing with Food?

How That Builds Skills in Baby-Led Weaning

Why every squish, smear, and splatter actually matters

Just Playing with Food? How That Builds Skills in Baby-Led Weaning

Prefer to listen?

If your baby spends more time squishing food than eating it…
If dinner ends with more broccoli on the floor than in their mouth…
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is this even working?” — this one’s for you.

Because here’s the truth: what looks like playing is actually practicing.

Baby-led weaning isn’t just about eating. It’s about learning.
And in the beginning, learning is messy, chaotic, and incredibly important.

Let’s talk about why “just playing with food” might be the best thing your baby can do right now — and how to support that exploration without losing your mind (or your grocery budget).

Exploration is the Assignment

Babies learn through their senses — especially their hands and mouths.
That avocado squish?
The yogurt smear?
The poking, prodding, and even tossing?

That’s sensory play. It builds:

  • Fine motor skills

  • Oral-motor coordination

  • Familiarity with texture, temperature, and shape

  • Confidence and comfort with new foods

Just because it’s not going in their mouth doesn’t mean it’s not getting in their brain.

One mom told me she made sweet potato wedges and her baby squished every single one without a bite. She called it a failure.
I called it a win.

Because squishing leads to trying.
And trying leads to eating.
But it starts with play.

Throwing Is Normal — Even Helpful

Around 9 to 12 months, many babies start throwing food.
Before you panic — no, this doesn’t mean they’re not ready.
It means they’re learning about:

  • Gravity

  • Cause and effect

  • Boundaries

  • Your reactions

It’s a science experiment in every toss. And yes, it can be annoying. But it’s also developmentally normal.

You’re allowed to set gentle limits: “Food stays on the tray.”
You’re allowed to end the meal if they’re done.

But you don’t need to worry that you’re “doing it wrong.” Throwing is part of the process.

What your baby is building isn’t just eating skills. It’s a relationship with food.

If we react with stress or urgency, they learn mealtimes are tense.
If we stay curious and calm, they learn food is safe to explore.

Try saying:

  • “Wow, you’re really checking that out.”

  • “Look how curious you are!”

  • “That’s some good squishing!”

Your voice matters just as much as your food prep.

This Is About More Than Food

Let’s Talk About That Phrase: “Food Before One Is Just for Fun”

You’ve probably heard it.
And while it’s partly true, it’s also incomplete.

Yes, breast milk or formula is still baby’s main source of nutrition before age one.
But food isn’t just for fun.

It’s for:

  • Skill-building

  • Allergen exposure

  • Sensory learning

  • Flavor exploration

  • Positive pressure-free experiences

Nine months of that? That’s the magic.
That’s how we build adventurous eaters — not just kids who eat what’s on the plate, but kids who feel confident doing it.

Yes, the Mess Is Real — Let’s Be Smart About It

Groceries aren’t cheap, and I won’t pretend waste isn’t frustrating.

Here are some sanity-saving strategies:

  • Start small: 2–3 pieces of food at a time

  • Catch what you can: silicone mats or splash trays help

  • Reuse creatively: leftover veggies can go into frittatas, pancakes, or toast strips

  • Mix expensive foods (like salmon or avocado) into more stable items

  • Serve what you’re already eating — shared meals are easier and cheaper

Mess is part of the process. But it doesn’t have to wreck your kitchen or your budget.

What Progress Really Looks Like

Progress isn’t always bites eaten.
It’s:

  • A new food touched or squished

  • Less gagging than last week

  • More sitting time at the table

  • Even one new sign of curiosity

Here’s your reminder: messy = magical.

Your baby is doing the work — even if it doesn’t look like much yet.

TL;DR — Here’s What Matters:

✔ Sensory exploration counts

✔ Throwing is normal

✔ Boundaries are okay

✔ Pressure is not needed

✔ Small portions help

✔ Exposure > intake

✔ Play builds skills

✔ You’re doing great

If you want support knowing what to serve, how to cut it, and how to respond to the chaos…

💛 The Baby-Led Weaning Academy Club is your next step.
It’s where I help you turn the mess into meaning — with expert support, weekly workshops, and zero judgment.

🍼 Get on the priority list at babyledweaningacademy.com/club

You're not just surviving mealtimes — you're building something beautiful.
And I’m here to help you every (messy) step of the way.