When it comes to feeding a baby, there are a lot of options available. One of the most common choices is between using a bottle or a feeder with spoon. While bottles may seem like the more convenient option, there are several reasons why a feeder with spoon should be preferred. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of using a feeder with spoon over a bottle.
Promotes Proper Oral Development
One of the most important benefits of using a feeder with spoon is that it promotes proper oral development. When a baby drinks from a bottle, the liquid flows quickly and easily into their mouth, bypassing the tongue and not requiring much effort from the mouth muscles. This can result in the underdevelopment of oral muscles, leading to issues with speech and swallowing down the line. In contrast, using a feeder with spoon requires the baby to use their tongue and mouth muscles to draw the food off the spoon and into their mouth. This helps to promote proper oral development and can lead to better speech and swallowing abilities later on.
Prevents Overfeeding
Another benefit of using a feeder with spoon is that it can help to prevent overfeeding. When using a bottle, it can be difficult to gauge how much the baby has consumed, as the liquid can flow quickly and easily. This can lead to overfeeding, which can contribute to obesity and other health problems. On the other hand, when using a feeder with spoon, the parent can control the amount of food that is given to the baby more easily. This can help to prevent overfeeding and ensure that the baby is consuming an appropriate amount of food for their age and size.
Encourages Independence and Self-Feeding Skills
As the baby grows and develops, they will eventually need to learn how to feed themselves. Using a feeder with spoon can help to encourage independence and self-feeding skills. When a baby is fed from a bottle, they have little control over the amount of milk they receive and the pace at which they consume it. In contrast, when using a feeder with spoon, the baby has more control over the process. They can learn to take food off the spoon and feed themselves, which can help to develop their motor skills and encourage self-sufficiency.
More Variety in Foods
Using a feeder with spoon also allows for more variety in the types of foods that can be offered to the baby. While bottles are typically used for milk or formula, a feeder with spoon can be used for a variety of pureed or mashed foods. This can help to introduce the baby to a range of tastes and textures, which can be important for developing their taste preferences and reducing the likelihood of picky eating later on.
Less Risk of Ear Infections
Finally, using a feeder with spoon can help to reduce the risk of ear infections. When a baby drinks from a bottle, the liquid can flow into their mouth and down their throat, which can lead to fluid buildup in the middle ear. This can increase the risk of ear infections, which can be painful and can lead to hearing problems if left untreated. In contrast, using a feeder with spoon can help to reduce the amount of liquid that enters the mouth and throat, which can help to lower the risk of ear infections.
While bottles may seem like the more convenient option for feeding a baby, there are several reasons why a feeder with spoon should be preferred. Using a feeder with spoon promotes proper oral development, helps to prevent overfeeding, encourages independence and self-feeding skills, allows for more variety in foods, and can reduce the risk of ear infections. By choosing a feeder with spoon over a bottle, parents can help to promote their baby's health and development.