When to stop cutting food in to bite size pieces?

Question

my daughter does well eating everything i give to her but i always cut most things in to smaller pieces. how old is your child and do you cut food up?/when did you stop cuttting bigger items in to bite size pieces?

Answer 1

I never did.  My son did better when I didn't cut his food up.  If it was too small, he had a hard time swallowing it.  

I gave him food in sizes that he could pick it up with his fork and take a bite of it, or hold it with his hand and take a bite.

Answer 2

my sister hasnt cut up my nieces food ever

well she didnt start gving her food until she had teeth but still.

my niece just knows to take small bits i guess i mean my sister gives her cookies and chicken nuggets and more that i cant think of and shes fine!

Answer 3

I think it really depends on the child. Also it depends on how much you enable them. I know some parents who cut things up for their children that are 5. I think that is crazy but that is just my opinion. I trully think it depends on the food. I stopped chopping up hot dogs and simple foods at about age 2. He would go to take a bite of hot dog and if he was going to take too big a bite I would tell him to try a smaller bite and I would show him how with my own hot dog. They imitate well haha. My son just turned 4 and I still cut up his chicken and pork, but as far as a cheeseburger, hot dog and veggies, he learned how big of a bite to take. Sit your child down and show her on simple softer foods, how big of bites to take and tell him/her how much of a big boy/girl they are. It will be a fun  learning experience. Some foods are obvious for cutting but most can be bitten and chewed just fine.

Answer 4

When she has the strength to bite the pieces on her own, she is good enough.  Pretty much just give her something to bite down on and see how she does.

Answer 5

adults do this, so NEVER.

Answer 6

It depends on the food, as my daughters are 4, and I still cut up somethings, like things they can not cut up themselves.  But most things I don't cut up, and haven't been since they were maybe 3.

Answer 7

If she's already doing well with all the foods you give her then try not cutting it up and see how she does with it...

I'll bet you'd be surprised at how well she does ; P

-Father of 2 (6yrs & 16mnths)

Answer 8

I stopped when they started. Too-large bites can choke even an older child or adult. It requires patient teaching, but they can do it by age four.