Colorado: According to a recent study, feeding from the hands of others can cause developmental delays in babies around 5 months of age.
Encouraging infants, who are transitioning to solid foods, to eat with their own hands can be beneficial for their development. It encourages healthy eating habits because children who eat by themselves and sit down with the family can choose a variety of different foods.
Researchers at the University of Colorado enrolled 70 healthy five-month-old infants in the study. The analysis revealed that children who ate their own food were healthier than children who were fed by their mothers.
The team said that soft fruits, steamed vegetables, cheese, and small pieces of meat can be the best foods for babies because they are easy for babies to hold and chew.
The researchers also said that food should be served in sticks about the size of a baby’s fist to avoid food getting stuck in the throat.
