You can get bibs - I think from Target or Myer - that have sleeves and cover the whole front. My MIL gave me some and they are great. No matter how much mess DS makes, it rarely gets on him or his clothes (other than hands, face, and hair!!).

I agree, let him go. A paediatrician and a MCHN advised me to let DS make all the mess he liked as he was not enjoying eating while we were fighting over the spoon. This apparently will put kids off eating and cause problems down the track. It's hard to not stress about mess, but if my DH can do it (albeit sometimes he just shuts his eyes!!), anyone can!!