Babies are adorable. They come into our lives and change everything, from the way we sleep to how much money we spend on diapers. But one thing that can be frustrating for new parents is when your little one tosses their formula across the room or onto themselves right after a feeding. What gives? In this article, we'll explore some of the reasons why babies throw their formula and what you can do to prevent it.
The Physics of Throwing aka "How Does It Go So Far?"
Before we dive into the psychological reasons behind baby tossing, let's talk about the physics. Babies have surprisingly strong arms, which allows them to throw objects with more force than you might expect. According to an study in Neuroscience Letters, babies as young as six months old are capable of throwing objects up to three feet away!
But that's not all - there are other physical factors at play here too. Babies may be struggling with grip strength issues or hand-eye coordination problems which cause difficulty holding onto something like a bottle or small cup filled with liquid.
Common Reasons Behind Baby Formul-Throwing
Now let's get into why exactly your angelic newborn may just turn around and launch their bottle toward your head:
Overfeeding
"Can I have seconds?" Some infants will drink until they've had enough milk but others could drink continuously/greedily until they feel discomfort often leading to overeating cues such as spitting up/throwing formula back up.
Boredom
As humans continue growing older so does boredom likewise evolving throughout different levels so who says babies don't experience boredom too? As mundane activities (like eating) commence so does attention wandering triggering 'play-time' by launching whatever object within reach
Distracted?
Sometimes electronic devices such televisions could interfere particularly children-friendly ones which tend to squatter for attention, hence stealing the baby's interest (cymbals crashing loudly).
Teething
The teething process is uncomfortable and distressing so it’s natural for babies to want to chew or gnaw on anything around them. A bottle filled with delicious formula might just fit the bill.
Ritual Development
Often associated with bedtime schedules whereby a certain vibration, essence of smell etc. calm down restless babies which they've become accustomed to but failure leads puts your ceiling fans in danger as we know by now.
What Can You Do To Prevent This?
Now that we have some idea why these little ones like turning themselves into mini-pitchers (and often making you regret not investing in a Hazmat suit), let's look at ways you can prevent any future incidents:
Slow Down!
Tiny tummies don't need much milk or formula: As grown-ups sometimes portions are offered out of sympathy or overjoyed emotions however sparing feeding patterns could encourage less habit forming attitudes
Diversify their routine!
Babies appreciate variety too! Changing location ,offers short walks while pushing strollers or simply singing unique tunes greatly boosts wholesome interests discarding boredom-triggering activities
Swap Out Old Bottles And Pacifiers
Replacing worn-out nipples and pacifiers might prove helpful - this ensures ease when latching onto nipple points, thus nullifies desperate gnawing
Playful Interaction / Entertainment
Children tend involuntarily gravitate towards screens electronic devices instead try more organic avenues such puppet shows/comic figures, it may aid growth intellectually however play time should be controlled as exposure leads desensitsation reduced motivation
It Could Be Time For Weaning Them Off The Bottle!
Around ages six months plus this should gradually begin/ as advise from paediatricians suggest approach starting tentative small feedings introducing complementary meals likewise thereafter diminishing reliance on bottle feeds
As previously mentioned children grow bored with the same things quickly and hence, it’s only natural for them to experiment through new experiences.So have foresight to prevent their unintentional olympic throwing tendencies.
In Conclusion
Babies are a joy but could be nerve-wreaking as well when they develop certain destructive habit ,in this case formula-throwing. But understanding why these behaviours manifest is key in preventing them from happening again. So understand the importance of integrating fun bites of meal times within routines,pacifiers & nipple points maintenance - this coupled with wholesome quality time whilst avoiding irksome electronic devices.
Hang tight, parenthood is indeed an extraordinary journey!