How to stop baby eating with hands

[shenwen]

I have a 18 months old boy and he learned to spoon feed himself when he was about 1 year old. But recently he started to eat with his hands and refused to eat with utensil. When I try to encourage him to eat with spoon/fork, he gets angry and lashes out. Any suggestions?

[carang]

i'd leave him be. it isn't the norm for babies of only 1 year to use utensils. besides, it's good for his fine motor skills, his hand-eye coordination, and it's great for him to experience various textures and sensations.

i would put a spoon down and just leave it there, occasionally with a "oh, look! a spoon!" don't pressure him. leave him to be a baby.

[shenwen]

Thanks Carang. I think you are right. It's just that it takes him so long to eat rice, one at a time. :) But you are right, it's good for him to develop his senses.