Trish (Health visitor)
What would you say he normally does if he doesn't like something or prefers one thing over another?
Mum
Whichever he doesn't want to eat, it can't be in front of him, so it goes on the floor.
Cristina (SLT)
When babies learn to express their dislike, by maybe turning away or pushing away an object to show you that they don't want it, this is an important stage in their development.
Straight in!
Obviously by this stage now he'll be starting to let you know when there's things that he really likes and there's things that he doesn't like so much.
Oh Daniel. What's this Daniel?
Trish
So, is this one of his favourites? He loves this yeah.Oh yes, this goes down well!
Cristina
When your baby smells and taste foods, signals are sent to the frontal lobe of the brain through connections called cranial nerves at the bottom of the brain. It's no surprise that some tastes take a bit more getting used to than others but sometimes also your baby can surprise you with the things that they love.
Mum
If we gave him something quite plain he wouldn't eat it, so like pasta with just some tomatoes and stuff through it, wouldn't take it, but our pasta we've made for ourselves with garlic and herbs things like that.
Trish
Aw brilliant. It was all about the flavour.
Cristina
It's really good to keep trying different tastes and flavours with your baby. And it's not just food, baby's brain is processing lots of new information from their senses like smells, tastes, touch. Sometimes they'll really like these new sensations and sometimes not so much. Either way, it's really important that they're beginning to express their likes and dislikes with you.
Trish
So when he doesn't like something you'll know about it!
When your baby starts eating solid foods, it's a great chance to learn all about their likes and dislikes - and of course, they'll have ways of showing you!
When they start to show preferences for certain things is a major stepping stone in their development.
Remember to thoroughly clean any surface before your baby eats off it - to avoid doubt, use a plate or bowl.
Image caption, When babies learn to express their dislike, by maybe turning away or pushing away an object to show you that they don't want it, this is an important stage in their development.
1 of 3
