Losing My Mind!

My 18m old keeps reaching down in her high chair and wiping food down her front and it is driving me nuts. I can’t leave her naked during meals because a) we cloth diaper so she’d just be ruining her diaper covers and b) she knows how to take her diapers off and will pull them off in the middle of a meal 😩 We’ve tried coverall bibs and she just pulls them back and sticks her hands under. I am up to my ears in stained clothes and I don’t know what to do. I’ve considered having a specific set of clothes just for her to eat in, but the thought of changing her clothes 5 times a day for meals makes me cringe. It takes 20 mins AT LEAST to get her dressed most of the time because she runs around and won’t stay still. Anyone have any suggestions for getting her to stop wiping food on herself all the time?!

ETA: I know she’s exploring and learning. I’m asking for ways to help her learn that wiping her food on her belly and pants is not the correct way to eat. She scoops food up and says, “Uh oh, messy messy,” and then reaches down to wipe it in her lap. I’ve tried giving her a cloth to wipe her hands on and it’s not sticking.

When babies are first learning to eat and don’t like something, some people recommend putting a “discard” or “no thanks” plate on their tray where they can put food to discourage them from throwing it on the floor. This is the kind of thing I’m talking about. I’m just wondering if anyone has any tips or tricks to help her learn the right way to do things. I know it might take time for her to learn, I’m just looking for ways I can help her.