Child Development
That chaos on the highchair tray is a developmental workout. Between 6 months and two years, mealtimes and messy play quietly build some of your baby's most important skills. Here's what's happening at each stage — and how to keep it safe, low-pressure and fun.
6–12 Months — Start Weaning!
Around six months your baby is ready to meet real food — and this stage is all hands in. Raking, squishing, mouthing and (lots of) dropping is exactly how they learn what food is. Every messy meal builds the pincer grip, hand-eye coordination and confidence to self-feed. Full coverage keeps it fun for baby and easy for you.
12–18 Months — Learning!
Now you've got a determined little self-feeder. They're copying you at the table, having a go with a spoon (chaotically), pointing at what they want and learning that mealtimes are social. Expect strong opinions — and even bigger messes — as independence takes off.
18–24 Months — Walking, Running & Playing!
On the move and into everything. Meals now compete with the urge to run, climb and explore, and messy play — painting, water, sand — becomes a firm favourite. A roomy coverall bib keeps clothes clean through all of it, indoors and out.
Every one of these milestones is practised through messy trial and error — the drops, smears and misses are the reps. Your job is to keep it safe, unhurried and low-pressure. Dress for the mess, catch what falls, and let the learning happen.