Can YOU tell what these toddlers are thinking? Scientists reveal what 7 common gestures at the dinner table really mean - so, can you decode them?

For parents of toddlers, mealtimes can be difficult enough.

A moment of pure delight can quickly turn into a furrowed brow or spoonful of puree being unceremoniously spat out.

But experts said parents shouldn't worry if their baby frowns, plays or even sticks their tongue out while they eat – as they could actually be positive signs.

It comes as new research reveals that nearly half of UK parents struggle to interpret their baby's mealtime cues.

As a result, what should be a joyful bonding experience regularly turns into a stressful guessing game.

A similar proportion also said their mealtimes would be more enjoyable if they could better understand what their babies are trying to communicate with them.

Food company Heinz has joined with Dr Angharad Rudkin, a clinical child psychologist, to uncover the hidden meaning behind babies' reactions.

Read on to see if you can guess what their expressions mean - and find out what the experts say at the bottom of the story. 

'Babies are natural communicators,' Dr Rudkin said. 'From their first smiles to their most exaggerated frowns, they are constantly sharing how they feel – we just need to learn how to listen'.

She said that while adults often associate frowning with dislike, for babies it's more about experiencing something new.

'A furrowed brow often signals that they're processing a new flavour or texture – not rejecting it outright,' she explained.

'Keep offering that food with encouragement and patience.'

Lip-smacking is another sign of approval, as babies 'want to explore every taste and texture with their entire mouth, from their lips to their gums and tongue,' Dr Rudkin said.

Sticking out their tongue is also a playful sign of curiosity, while spitting out food is not always a bad sign.

'Spitting out food might seem like rejection, but it's often part of how babies explore new textures and sensations,' she said.

'Sometimes, they'll even put the food back in their mouths and play around with their hands, and as messy as that might seem to us adults, these are all good signs, so embrace the mess.

'And dribbling happens when we have an abundance of saliva in our mouths, and that is usually because we're really enjoying a taste.'

Signs that a baby might not be enjoying their food include clenched fists or flailing arms, as these are usually signs of discomfort or tension.

Parents can help reassure their young children by making eye contact, Dr Rudkin added, and being 'attentive, present, enthusiastic and supportive during these moments gives them the confidence to explore'.

Almudena Rein, Head of Heinz First Foods, said: 'What might seem like food rejection, such as frowning or spitting, is often a sign of curiosity or exploration.

'By recognising these signals, parents can respond with confidence, creating positive and enjoyable mealtime experiences for both them and their little ones.'