How to Embrace the Mess

Tips from our experts on how to embrace the mess that may come with doing baby-led weaning.

Baby-led weaning can be FUN but it can also be MESSY! Have a plan for making clean-up easier, such as bibs that double as “food catchers,” a large mat underneath your highchair as needed, and a good vacuum (or dog;). It might feel tempting to do so, but hold off on wiping your baby’s face and hands until the end of the meal. You might even consider taking your baby to the sink and letting them rinse their hands and face there afterward.

DURING MEAL TIME

• Bibs: Invest in several ‘catch-all’ bibs or full-body bibs to help your baby stay clean. 
• Let Baby Play: as tempting as it is, it’s best to hold off wiping baby’s face and hands until the end of a meal. You want them to explore and play with their food as they eat it. 
• Protect your Floors: Lay a large towel or spill mat underneath the high chair to help keep your floors clean. 

CLEAN UP

• Towels at the Ready: Have paper towels, microfiber towels, or wipes handy to clean up the high chair and floor.
• Clean Baby at Sink: One way to clean up your baby is that you can take them directly to the sink to have them help wash their hands and face. Simply hold them over the sink and have a gentle stream of warm water to run their hands through. 
• Wash Baby’s Hands in a Bowl: You can also try bringing over a small bowl of warm water to your baby and place it on their highchair for them to carefully play in while also washing their hands.