Pace of feeding and risk of choking
How long and how fast to feed a baby? Allow the baby to decide how fast she wants to be fed. Stop feeding once the baby shows signs of disinterest in eating like crying, pushing away the bowl or spoon, turning the face or even spitting. The most important caution that needs to be taken while feeding babies is prevention of choking. Babies and young children can bite a larger portion of food or stuff mouths with foods that can lead to choking. Some measures can prevent such incidents. Babies and young children must eat under the supervision of adults. That is why meals times must always be family time. If the baby starts choking, the adult will notice immediately and help her. Also, one can monitor stuffing of food, biting a huge chunk of food, etc. Finger foods must be cut into small pieces, say less that 6 mm. Babies must be taught to take smaller bites of foods and chew properly.