How long did i take to get over the REALLY messy spoon feeding stage??

[nicand2]

My DS is 22 months old and whilst he feeds himself finger foods really well I've never taken the plunge and concentrated on getting him to spoon feed himself.

I've got another baby due in 3 weeks so I thought now was a good time to start.

He has got the idea and will put the spoon in his bowl and then his mouth but I'm still hovering with another spoon and usually end up taking over which I know I have to stop for him to learn. The only problem is the food ends up everywhere. I know this is usual but was just wondering how long it took before this got better (obviously i expect some mess - toddlers privilege!!)

ds has been feeding himself with his fingers since he was under a year old - only reasonably solid food, no yoghurt or soup obv.

he is 23mo now and has been able to spoon-feed himself yoghurt for the last couple of months.

I wouldn't stress about the spoon-feeding, just give him food he can eat with his hands (however messy that is ).

just give him the spoon and let him get on with it, then throw him in the bath straight afterwards. i only help occasionally now bit i really had to steel myself a few months ago just to let ds teach himself, he still does a bit of finger feeding now (2.7)