10 ways to help your kid stop throwing food

Updated Oct 23, 2023
10 Ways to help your kid stop throwing food | Huckleberry

In order to develop proper feeding skills, babies and toddlers need time to explore and play with food — including, at times, throwing it! While it isn’t the most fun part of feeding, it’s totally normal. Keep reading to find out the many reasons why little ones throw food and what to do about it. 


IN THIS ARTICLE:

Why do babies and toddlers throw food on the floor?

Babies throwing food on the floor: ages 6 to 12 months

Toddlers throwing food on the floor: 1 to 3 years

10 tips to get babies and toddlers to stop throwing food

Takeaway

FAQ about throwing food in babies and toddlers


No one ever said feeding babies and toddlers would be anything but a messy experience, but why does so much food end up on the floor? No matter which feeding method you end up choosing, at some point, your little one will experiment with throwing food. While it can be hard to know exactly why they are doing it, here are a handful of common reasons.

Around 8 months, babies begin to understand the concept of cause and effect, and mealtime becomes another opportunity to test their new knowledge. What happens if I push my food off the tray? Will mom or dad pick it back up? Let’s see what happens.

Is your baby or toddler immediately pushing food from their tray or table? They might not be hungry enough to eat. If they start part way through the meal, consider that may be their way of telling you they’re finished eating. 

Sometimes babies and toddlers just want our attention and throwing food is one way to get it. Oftentimes, this behavior gets a reaction from a parent or caregiver and they like that — even if they are being told to stop doing what they are doing!

Many little ones get overwhelmed easily by the amount of food they are served. When they don’t know what to do with it all, they do what they can to clear some space. 

This is more common in toddlers, who are quickly learning how to express their opinions. When toddlers don’t like a certain food, it often becomes their top mission to get it off their plate. 

Eating is hard work for babies and toddlers! When food is difficult to eat because they can’t pick it up, hold on to it or chew it well, they may become frustrated and throw it on the floor. 

Many babies are simply testing cause and effect when they throw or drop food as they start solids or baby-led weaning. They want to know what happens when food falls off the tray! Other reasons babies throw food include being bored, tired, or simply not hungry at mealtime. At this age, dropping food may or may not be intentional. 

To have a toddler is to know they love to test limits — including at mealtime! When a toddler throws food, they often do so intentionally to see just how much they can get away with. Additionally, they may be seeking attention or simply trying to tell you they do not like or want the food being served. 

Offer a small amount of food to start. Babies and toddlers typically find this to be more manageable and it’s easy to give them more if they want it. Plus, if they still push or throw food on the floor, there’s less to clean up. 

Babies and toddlers love to see their parents react — even if it is for something they aren’t supposed to be doing. So do your best not to react and to remain calm. If your kiddo sees they aren’t going to get a big reaction out of you, the behavior of throwing food usually will subside. 

Give opinionated toddlers a place to put the food they don’t want by setting out a “no thank you” bowl. Coach them to put food into the bowl instead of throwing it. Picking up the food and moving it counts as a food exposure, so it’s a win even if they don’t try it.

Food isn’t the only thing toddlers like to throw - sometimes cups and utensils end up on the floor too. Reinforce verbally that they belong on the table and give them a specific place to put them back. Put a sticker or some painter's tape where they should place the cup or utensil when they are done with it.  

Many babies and toddlers start throwing food when they are done with their meals. In order to combat this, consider teaching them another way. Try baby sign language or if they can talk, teach them the phrase “all done.” 

Babies and toddlers do not have very long attention spans and expecting them to sit through a whole meal may be unrealistic. Allow babies and toddlers to get down from the highchair when they are done eating. The longer they sit after they feel like they are done, the more likely they are to start throwing food. 

If your child is not hungry at mealtime, they will often look for something else to do — like throw food! If needed, adjust your feeding schedule to allow them to come to the table hungry. For babies, allow 30 - 60 minutes after breast milk or formula. For toddlers, make sure it’s been 2 - 3 hours since their last meal or snack. 

Double-check the food you are serving to ensure it is appropriate for your baby or toddler’s feeding ability. Eating is a new skill and if it becomes too difficult, they may not want to do it. Make sure the food is the right size and that the texture is soft enough for them to chew. 

Words can be powerful when it comes to kids. Keep things positive when they throw food and tell them what you want them to do as opposed to what you do not want them to do. For example, say “food belongs on the table” instead of “no, don’t throw food.” 

Give your baby or toddler focused attention while you eat together at mealtime. This allows you to intervene and stop throwing it in its tracks. Baby having trouble picking up food? Adjust the size. Toddler doesn’t like a food? Assure them they don’t have to eat it. 

Throwing food can happen for many reasons, but it is a normal part of learning to eat. The good news is it will pass. Do your best to remain calm and maintain a positive mealtime environment.

FAQ about throwing food in babies and toddlers

Q: Is throwing food in toddlers normal?

A:

Yes — it is completely normal behavior, but there are ways to make it less painful (and messy!). Try to remain calm and ignore it, give them small amounts of food at a time, and teach them to say “all done” when they are finished.

Q: My 14 month old baby throws food on the floor. What should I do?

A:

Remain calm and try not to react too much. Gently remind them food belongs on the table. Sit with them and give them your focused attention so you can head off any food-throwing issues.

Q: Should I force my baby to eat food after my baby throws the meal?

A:

It’s never recommended to force your baby to eat even after they throw the meal. Rather, try to figure out why they are throwing food and address the main issue.

Q: At what age do you stop using a highchair?

A:

Most toddlers are ready to graduate from the highchair around 18 - 24 months, but it depends on the child’s development. Some signs it’s time to switch are they are simply getting too big to be comfortable, they fight you when it’s time to get in the chair or they are able to climb out.

Q: How do I get my toddler to stop throwing cups?

A:

Sometimes toddlers throw cups because they don’t know what to do with them after they are done. Other times they throw cups because well, they are a toddler. To deal with the former, show them an exact place to put the cup.

Note: The content on this site is for informational purposes only and should not replace medical advice from your doctor, pediatrician, or medical professional. If you have questions or concerns, you should contact a medical professional.