Follow these few simple steps and you will have a well-fed baby and a happy mommy:
Now, to begin, this is the easy part—put baby in highchair. Good. Quickly come from nowhere with the bib and fasten securely. Have food ready and begin spooning in mouth. This will catch baby off guard and be good for at least three mouthfuls.
Undoubtedly, you will be, at some point, momentarily distracted by the phone ringing, dog barking, or sibling screaming mid-way spoon to mouth. Baby will make a quick grab for the spoon. Don't beat yourself up about this, it happens to the best of us. The spoon will make its way to the baby's face, this is okay. Don't panic. Smile, and remember to never show fear. Praise her for her effort—something like, "Good job getting food all over your face and up your nose." Say it with enthusiasm. This is important. You want to keep baby on your team.
Chances are you're not likely to get that spoon back anytime soon, as she's busy with it—examining it, waving it around, running it through her hair. Have a back-up spoon ready. Begin shovelling in more food. Again, this should be good for about three spoonfuls.
It's inevitable at this point that baby will realize she's wearing a bib and stop at nothing to get it off. She will yank and pull at it from every direction, with a worried look on her face. Help her with this endeavor. Remember, this is the no tears feeding method. Give her some positive feedback. "Good job wrenching off your bib and throwing it on the floor." Remember, you're a team. The bib is off, but not to worry, because you are in control of this situation. You are calling the shots. As you keep angling food toward the baby's face, the second spoon will be grabbed with a strength truly surprising to you. Don't fight it. Let her have it. This is the no tears method, after all.
At this point, baby has both spoons. No need to panic. Place bowl of food on tray table in front of baby. Baby sees the food in front of her and then, bewildered, looks at you. She wonders if this is a trick. You smile and encourage her to eat. I know this goes against every fibre of your being, but you can do it. Baby will immediately abandon both spoons and dig both hands into the bowl with a delight you've never witnessed before. Food will be simultaneously everywhere in no time flat.
Sit back and relax.
Congratulate yourself on a job well done.
You have in no way jeopardized your authority, and you have successfully set the tone for future feedings with baby.
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