The Responsive Spoon-Feeding Cheat Sheet

Print this out and keep it on the fridge for the early weeks.

Before you begin — the readiness checklist:

• ☐ Baby can hold head upright without support
• ☐ Baby can sit with minimal support
• ☐ Tongue-thrust reflex has diminished
• ☐ Baby shows interest in food and opens mouth when spoon approaches
• ☐ Baby is approximately 6 months (check corrected age if premature)

At each meal:

• ☐ High chair positioned with footrest; baby at 90-degree hip angle
• ☐ Caregiver seated at eye level
• ☐ Screens off; environment reasonably calm
• ☐ Load spoon with pea-sized amount
• ☐ Present spoon at a distance; wait for open mouth
• ☐ Place gently on lower lip or tongue; let baby close lips and draw food in
• ☐ Watch for satiety cues; stop at the first consistent signal

Texture stage check:

• ☐ 6–7 months: Smooth purees only
• ☐ 7–8 months: Introducing soft lumps and mashes
• ☐ 9 months: Minced and soft-chopped foods introduced (do not remain on smooth purees past this point)
• ☐ 10–12 months: Soft table foods and combination feeding

Allergen introduction:

• ☐ Introduce one allergen at a time
• ☐ Offer in the morning at home
• ☐ Observe for 2 hours after introduction
• ☐ If well-tolerated, offer at least twice weekly to maintain tolerance

Emergency reminder — gagging vs. choking:

• Gagging = red face, active sound, movement → stay calm, observe
• Choking = blue/pale face, silence, stillness → call emergency services immediately