Don’t be put off weaning by your baby’s facial expressions says Organix

Are you struggling to master the weaning stage with your baby? You aren’t alone, with research from Organix finding that 55 per cent of mums are being put off trying new flavours by their baby’s facial expressions.

But are we actually misinterpreting what our babies are saying with their crumpled faces?

Clinical Psychotherapist and body language expert, Vivien Sabel says: “Just as we learn to interpret our baby’s signals when they’re sleepy, hungry, happy or windy, we can also read what those eye, brow, mouth, lip and tongue movements say about a new taste too.

“For example, what mums and dads might interpret as a look of shock or disgust, doesn’t necessarily translate as not liking the taste, what’s more likely is that baby is puzzled by the intensity of a new flavour. A surprised expression could be curiosity about the depth of flavour, the chances are they think the flavour is good but it’s very different to what they’ve eaten before – it’s all part of them experiencing and learning new tastes on their weaning journey.”

It can be tough trying out new textures and flavours with young ones, especially with 49 per cent of mums finding it a struggle to maintain their baby’s interest in the food throughout dinner.

To help parents and carers, Organix has been working with Vivien Sabel, to help parents interpret their little one’s facial expressions and what they actually mean:

Look out for all of your baby’s non-verbal cues and expressions, they can support your baby and you through weaning and trying new foods.

Observe your baby’s expression and mirror it back to your baby as a way of saying you understand their communication.

Remember babies do what babies see! They are like sponges and soak up everything you do, if you look like you’re enjoying the food, your baby is likely to copy you.

The more time you spend observing your baby the more you’ll understand what they’re communicating.

It can be challenging to keep offering new foods and coming up with new and inspiring ideas to tempt little ones, but it’s important as those first tastes during weaning help define a child’s future relationship with food. The Organix survey found:

To help inspire parents Organix’ children’s food expert Lucy Thomas has lots of simple, fun activities to help introduce new taste sensations to babies. Here you can see how vlogger Charlie O’Brien put some of them to the test with her son Noah www.youtube.com/user/Organixfood

And if you worry you are not mastering the facial expressions, Organix children’s Food Expert suggests making mealtimes fun:

Finger popping purée: have some fun with Organix fruit pots and explore new tastes and textures at the same time. Dip your fingertips into the pot so they’re covered in the brightly coloured purée (Organix Apple & Blueberry is lovely and bright), then suck the purée off your fingers with a loud popping sound followed by a big smile. Then help your baby do the same – if easier pop a spoonful of purée on their highchair tray for them to dip their fingers in.

Matching pairs: match a finger food with a purée, such as Organix carrot sticks as a dipper with carrot purée, you could try a soft cooked carrot baton too. It’s a great way to offer the same vegetable in lots of different ways for baby to try without masking the real flavour.

Tiny taste explorer: offer your baby small taste experiences throughout the day, to introduce them to new tastes. Try a lick of the lemon slice from your water, a sprinkle of cinnamon on their apple purée, a hint of curry powder in their parsnip mash or a pinch of nutmeg in some Organix banana porridge.

Mirror image: babies are fascinated by their reflection, even though they can’t recognise themselves! Hold a mirror in front of them whilst they’re eating or holding a finger food, it’s a great activity when you’re introducing something new, watch how their expression changes.

To download your free copy of the Organix Little Book of Weaning please visit www.organix.com or follow #realfoodface

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