10 ways to help your kid stop throwing food

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. 

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Why do babies and toddlers throw food on the floor?

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.

Exploring cause and effect 

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.

Not hungry or done with the meal

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. 

Seeking attention 

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!

Too much food on their plate

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. 

Don’t like the food 

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. 

They’re frustrated

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. 

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

Many babies are simply testing cause and effect when they throw or drop food as they start solids or . 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. 

Toddlers throwing food on the floor: 1 to 3 years

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. 

10 tips to get babies and toddlers to stop throwing food

1. Start with less food

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. 

2. Remain calm 

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. 

3. Use a “no thank you” bowl

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.

4. Mark a place for cups and utensils 

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.  

5. Teach your kiddo to say “all done”

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 or if they can talk, teach them the phrase “all done.” 

6. Let them leave the table 

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. 

7. Make sure they are hungry 

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. 

8. Adjust the size, shape, or texture of the food 

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. 

9. Use positive language 

Words can be powerful when it comes to kids. 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.” 

10. Sit together during mealtime

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. 

Takeaway

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.