Encouraging baby to get messy!

[MumOfBoys16]

We're about to start weaning our little one.. with my 4 year old he'd never play with the puree just sat with his hands up 😂 I'm wondering if this was because we spooned it to him rather than him have a go (he'd hold finger food). He's 4 now and still doesn't like messy hands at dinner times!
So this time round I'm thinking I want to get the baby stuck in with all the messy stuff.. but what's best to use to put the puree in?

Suction bowl, plate..? And is there any advantage to a divided plate? I'll probably put the finger food on the high chair but trying to work out what sort of thing babies can get there hands into (without it flying off the table!).

You could try a suction bowl but at first we just put most things on DD's tray and let her get stuck in. In the second week she ate a roast dinner with low salt gravy

Don't forget to take lots of photos as well

I wouldn’t personally be invested in the messiness. If the baby smears himself with food but doesn’t properly ingest it, it could potentially put him at risk of developing food allergies.

If you have anyone in your family who has any allergies (including mild ones like hay fever) or eczema then it’s worth considering. Messiness is fine but make sure it’s getting eaten properly too