Families who eat together tend to control their weight better - and bringing baby to the table in his travel high chair could be an important first step.

Dr David Haslem, chair of the National Obesity Forum, said that sitting together is an "important factor", but stressed that the nutritional value of the food is also important.

"Research does show that if you eat a meal around the table, with the television switched off, a knife and fork, and with the family, eating becomes a social occasion," he remarked.

One way this is could work with a baby is to engage in baby-led weaning.

This process, which can start from around six months, sees tots control how quickly they move from a milk-based diet to solids.

Parents start off by offering babies small portions of foods and allowing them to explore them in their travel high chairs.

Over time, tots learn to feed themselves and stop eating when they are full - something that is not always possible when giving little ones pureed dishes.

Authors Gill Rapley and Tracey Murkett have written a joint book on the subject, titled Baby-led Weaning.

Posted by Michael StevensonADNFCR-3005-ID-19845885-ADNFCR