Baby travel feeding set
10 handy travel feeding products
Compact chair harness
This handy compact seat means your baby can be sitting securely at any table. When you're finished, simply fold it up in its matching bag and away you go.
My Little Seat (in Coco Snow), £26.99, available at Baby Gorgeous.
Head to our guide for more advice on buying a travel highchair, booster seat, chair harness or clamp-on seat. We've also reviewed booster and travel feeding seats and found the best travel highchairs and booster seats around.
Babies R Us
Travel-ready feeding bowl and spoon
Great for weaning babies or toddlers, this container can store yummy food for meals on the go. It even has a fold-down spoon, which can be stored in the bowl itself to save space.
Pink feeding bowl and spoon, £3.99, Babies 'R' Us.
Brother Max bibs
Mess-minimising bibs
How to minimise the mess your baby or toddler makes when munching his food can be a concern when away from home. This fab bib catches any food that doesn't quite make your child's mouth.
Brother Max 3 Combi bibs, £8, available at Debenhams Extra.
mOmma cup
Non-spill spouted cup
Keeping drinks from spilling all over a relative's home or cafe table is no easy feat, which is why this cup is a great item to have on your travels. The curved handles ensure it's easy to grip and the rounded bottom means it won't just topple over with the slightest knock.
Tomy mOmma Non-Spill cup, £1.93, available at Amazon.
Tommee Tippee bottle warmer
Travel bottle warmer
Perfect for warming feeds on the go, this package keeps boiling water hot so it can be poured into the bottle holder to heat the bottle inside.
Tommee Tippee Close to Nature travel bottle warmer, £7, available at John Lewis.
Mothercare Five a Day cutlery set
Cutlery storage
Keeping cutlery clean and in one place on your travels can be difficult, which is why this cutlery storage container is perfect to avoid knives, forks and spoons from going missing.
5-A-Day Farm cutlery travel case, £3.49, Mothercare.
Nuby snack catchers
Snack catchers
Store little snacks, like fruit and nibbles, in these genius snack catchers. The lid is designed for the food to be kept in tight (so no spills) but it's easy to break through to grab the snacks when required.
Nuby Snack Catchers, £3.49 each, available at Boots.
Skip Hip Bento boxes
Road-ready bottle warmer
Perfect for families going on long car journeys, this nifty gadget allows you to heat up your baby's bottle through an insulated bottle warmer, charged by your vehicle. Simply plug it into your car cigarette lighter. The bottle cover stretches to fit any bottle.
Sunshine Kids Warm 'n' Go, £8.99, available at Baby Shop.
Sunshine Kids electronic bottle insulator
Handy stay-cool snack boxes
Keep food items fresh and cool on the go within these fab boxes. They're the perfect size for snacks for little ones, and the set of six come with a mega handy insulated bag, too.
Skip Hop Bento Meal boxes, £16.99 for set, available at Kiddicare.
Travel steriliser
If you need to sterilise your baby's bottles at home, then you need to sterilise them when travelling. This travel option sterilises one bottle at a time, and can be used as a microwave steam steriliser or for cold water sterilisation.
More like this
Tommee Tippee Single bottle travel steriliser, £10.20 including 260ml bottle, available at Argos.
Head to our full review of the Tommee Tippee Single bottle travel steriliser to see how it performs. Our buyer's guide to sterilisers will also help you decide what type could work best for your needs.
The 15 Best Baby Utensils: Which Ones Do Babies Need?
Updated on 8 August 2022 • 12 minute read
Do Babies Need Baby Utensils?
Babies have softer, more sensitive gums and small mouths. So, it makes sense to get them baby utensils that are designed to fit their mouths and keep their gums safe.
Baby spoons, forks, cups, plates, and bowls should be safe and free from toxic chemicals, including BPA (bisphenol-A), BPS (bisphenol-S), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), heavy metals (lead, cadmium, etc.), and phthalates.
Do Babies Need Special Spoons?
Yes. Big, stainless steel spoons might be too big and hard for their small mouths and sensitive gums.
Many baby spoons have a protective shield that prevents your little one from choking due to pushing the utensil too deep into their mouths.
Our Top 15 Picks For The Best Baby Feeding Utensils
Best Baby Plates
- Loulou Lollipop Silicone Suction Snack Plate ($20) – Silicone plate with cute animal prints and shapes
- EZPZ Mini Mat ($22.49) – All-in-one silicone plate and placemat
- Ahimsa Balanced Bites Stainless Steel Plates in Rainbow ($46 for two plates) – Pediatrician-designed, stainless steel plate with a lifetime warranty
Best Baby Bowls
- Munchkin Stay Put Suction Bowls ($9.
39 for a pack of three) – Budget-friendly baby bowl with a large suction base
- SKIP HOP Easy-Grab Bowls ($10.20 for a pack of two) – Unique comfort-grip handle and measurement markings in the bowl
Best Baby Utensil Sets
- Nuby Garden Fresh Mash N’ Feed ($7.99) – Entire set lets you prepare, store, and feed from the same bowl
- Avanchy Baby Bamboo Stay Put Suction Bowl + Spoon ($19.99) – Eco-friendly organic bamboo and silicone utensil set
- UpwardBaby Feeding Supplies For Toddlers ($29.97) – Complete feeding set that promotes BLW (baby-led weaning)
- BABYBJÖRN Baby Feeding Set ($29.99) – Elegant feeding set with plate design that helps make scooping easier
Best Baby Spoons
- NumNum Pre-Spoon GOOtensils ($13 for two pre-spoons) – Dual-stage, flat-head pre-spoon set that doubles as teethers
- Bumkins Silicone Chewtensils ($15.
95 for spoon and fork) – Training spoon with thick handles
- Munchkin Gentle Scoop Silicone Trainer Spoon ($5.79 for two spoons) – Budget-friendly training spoons with choke guards that double as a spoon rest
- Dr. Brown’s Silicone Starter Spoon ($4.99 for one spoon) – Cute turtle-designed spoon that doubles as a teether
- SKIP HOP Easy-Fold Travel Spoons ($8.99 for two spoons) – Travel-friendly spoons with built-in cases
Best Cups
- EZPZ Tiny Cup ($11.49) – Soft silicone, topple-resistant baby cup
Continue reading to learn more about these baby utensils.
Loulou Lollipop Silicone Suction Snack Plate
(source: louloulollipop.com)
Price
- $20
What Makes It Special
- Silicone plate with cute animal prints and shapes
- Available in these differently colored designs: lion (rust), rhinoceros (gray), alligator (green), elephant (blue), and bunny (peach)
- Suction base that sticks to most high chairs and tables to prevent spills and slippages
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe (top rack only)
- Freezer safe
- Microwave safe
Key Features
- Material: Soft silicone
- Product Safety: Free from toxic chemicals such as lead, cadmium, PVC, and phthalates
- Certifications: ASTM 917 (American Society for Testing and Materials) safety regulations and CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) standards
- Warranty: Three months
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some designs have lots of nooks and crannies that might eventually collect grime and food residues if not properly cleaned.
EZPZ Mini Mat
(source: ezpzfun.com)
Price
- $22.49
What Makes It Special
- All-in-one plate and placemat
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-porous surface that can help inhibit bacterial growth
- Smile design to help promote a positive mealtime experience
- Available in different colors: sage, blue, coral, gray, lime, blush, pewter, and aqua
- Features three compartments for different food types to encourage a well-balanced meal
- Fits most highchair trays
- Suction base to keep it in place and prevent tipping or slipping
- Stable base promotes self-feeding (such as in BLW) and develops fine motor skills
- Portable, compact, lightweight design
- Comes with a reusable bag that makes it easier to simply put the product in your diaper bag for dining out or traveling
- Dishwasher safe
- Microwave and oven safe (up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit)
- The brand claims that this product doesn’t wear, fade, or corrode.
Key Features
- Material: 100% food-grade silicone
- Product Safety: Free from toxic chemicals such as BPA, BPS, PVC, and phthalates
- Certifications: Silicone materials are 3rd-party quality tested (FDA approved and CPSC certified)
- Warranty: Three months (limited warranty)
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- The placemat base might be too large for some high chairs.
- Some parents complain about this product retaining the scent and taste of dishwashing soap.
Ahimsa Purposeful Plates
(source: ahimsahome.com)
Price
- Two plates – $46
- Four plates – $86
- Eight plates – $160
What Makes It Special
- Pediatrician-designed plate
- Non-porous and inert to help prevent the growth of bacteria and other pathogens
- Unbreakable
- 9-inch stainless steel plates that your child can use as they grow
- Universal plate design for everyone in the family
- Available in three different colors: classic, rainbow, and iridescent blue
- Dishwasher safe
- Lifetime warranty
Key Features
- Material: Stainless steel
- Product Safety: Free from PVC, BPA (and all bisphenols), phthalates, melamine, and lead
- Warranty: Lifetime
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Unlike the other baby plates on our list, this doesn’t have a suction base.
Munchkin Stay Put Suction Bowls
(source: munchkin.com)
Price
- Pack of three – $9.39
What Makes It Special
- Budget-friendly baby bowl
- Suction base keeps it in place on your baby’s high chair tray
- Large suction base, nearly as wide as the bowl for stability
- Comes in a pack of three differently sized, differently colored bowls: purple, green, and blue
- Microwave safe
- Dishwasher safe (top rack only)
Key Features
- Material: BPA-free plastic
- Product Safety: Free from BPA and phthalates
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some parents complain about the base’s poor suction capacity.
SKIP HOP Easy-Grab Bowls
(source: skiphop.
com)
Price
- Pack of two – $10.20
What Makes It Special
- Set includes two bowls and two lids
- Ergonomic and unique comfort-grip handle for parents to hold the bowl during feeding easily
- Space-saving stackable design
- Available in combinations of teal and gray or coral and gray
- Features standard and metric measurement markings for estimating the amount of food your baby eats
- Microwave safe but don’t microwave with the lid on
- Freezer safe
- Dishwasher safe (top rack only)
- Can match or coordinate with other SKIP HOP baby utensils
Key Features
- Material: BPA-free plastic
- Product Safety: Free from BPA and phthalates
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some parents complain about food residue easily getting stuck inside the bowl.
Nuby Garden Fresh Mash N’ Feed Set
(source: amazon.com)
Price
- Set with food masher, bowl, and spoon – $7.99
What Makes It Special
- Includes a food masher, bowl with lid, and spoon so that you can prepare, mash, store, and feed from the same bowl
- Textured bowl interior to help with efficient mashed purée preparation
- Non-slip base
- Available in different combinations: white and blue, red and green, white and green, orange and green, or teal and green
- Microwave sterilization safe
- Dishwasher safe (top rack only)
Key Features
- Material: BPA-free plastic
- Product Safety: Free from BPA
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some parents complain that the food masher and textured bowl are difficult to clean and are prone to getting food residues stuck to the holes or ridges.
Avanchy Baby Bamboo Stay Put Suction Bowl + Spoon
(source: avanchy.com)
Price
- $19.99
What Makes It Special
- Plastic-free baby utensil set
- Hypoallergenic and non-toxic
- Organic bamboo handle with a silicone tip for the spoon
- Organic bamboo with a silicone suction ring for the bowl
- Removable non-slip silicone ring for interchanging with stainless-steel Avanchy baby bowls
- Ergonomically designed handle
- Transition-friendly silicone spoon that’s gentle on your baby’s mouth and gums
- Suitable for baby-led weaning, infant feeding, or toddler self-feeding
- Fits most high chair trays
Key Features
- Material: Eco-friendly organic bamboo and silicone
- Product Safety: Free from BPA, BPS, lead, and phthalates
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Handwashing only; not dishwasher safe
- Some parents complain that the bamboo bowl is prone to cracking and the ring base doesn’t have good suction strength.
UpwardBaby BLW Feeding Supplies For Toddlers
(source: upwardbaby.com)
Price
- Complete baby utensil set – $29.97
What Makes It Special
- Baby utensil set that comes with a silicone suction bowl, three food-catcher bibs, an anti-spill cup, and three shallow spoons
- Unbreakable silicone cup
- Waterproof bibs with pouches for catching crumbs, spills, and messes
- Safety spoons have anti-choking cross-handle shields and fat handles to fit your baby’s hand
- Soft silicone teething spoons
- Dishwasher safe
- Microwave safe
- Freezer safe
- The brand claims that its silicone products won’t stain.
Key Features
- Material: 100% safe silicone
- Product Safety: Free from BPA, lead, and phthalates
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some parents complain that the bib doesn’t stay in place due to faulty buttons and has pouches that don’t stay open to catch messes.
BABYBJÖRN Baby Feeding Set
(source: babybjorn.com)
Price
- Set with plate, toddler fork and spoon, and cup – $29.99
What Makes It Special
- Stylish set that includes a plate, spoon, fork, and cup
- Sturdy plate with a trefoil design that can make scooping food easier for your baby
- Easy-to-grip spoon to fit your baby’s little hands
- Stable cup with a large base to avoid tipping over
- Grip-friendly cup
- Plate also has an anti-slip strip at the base
- Available in different colors: powder pink, powder green, powder yellow, and powder blue
- Smooth and easy to clean
- Dishwasher safe
Key Features
- Material: BPA-free, certified food-safe plastic – ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) for the inner plate; PP (polypropylene) and TPE (thermoplastic elastomers) for the rim, baby cup, fork, and spoon
- Product Safety: Free from BPA, PVC, and other toxic substances
Product Recall
- None
Although BabySwede LLC recalled BABYBJÖRN feeding spoons due to choking risks in December 2016, the recall involved a different spoon design from those used in this feeding set.
(1)
Cons
- Pricier than other feeding sets on our list
- Some parents complain that the plate is prone to scratching.
NumNum Pre-Spoon GOOtensils
(source: amazon.com)
Price
- Set of two pre-spoons (different stages) – $13
What Makes It Special
- Dual-stage set
- Textured surface that doubles as a teether to soothe your baby’s gums
- Thick handle for a secure fit in little hands
- Flat head design
- Stage One pre-spoon lets your baby grab just enough food with the dimples
- Stage Two pre-spoon captures and holds food in the channels
- Dishwasher safe
Key Features
- Material: Premium food-grade silicone with nylon
- Product Safety: Free from PVC, BPA, or phthalates
- Certification: Meets US and EU (European Union) safety standards
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some customers complain that the upper (head) part can separate from the rest of the spoon.
- Babies can’t use Stage Two for foods with a thinner consistency.
- They might be prone to discoloration.
Bumkins Silicone Chewtensils
(source: bumkins.com)
Price
- Toddler fork and spoon set – $15.95
What Makes It Special
- Training spoon with thick handles for easy gripping by tiny hands
- Spoon doubles as teether with teething nubs on the back
- Different colors and designs are available: light blue, dark blue, jade green, fuchsia pink, baby pink, and marble gray
- Ideal for self-feeding and baby-led weaning
- Dishwasher safe (top rack only)
Key Features
- Material: Silicone
- Product Safety: Free from BPA, BPS, PVC, phthalates, cadmium, and lead
- Certification: CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008) compliant
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- They can be pricey.
- Some parents complain about the toddler fork being too soft to pick up any food as intended.
Munchkin Gentle Scoop Silicone Trainer Spoon
(source: amazon.com)
Price
- Two spoons – $5.79
What Makes It Special
- Budget-friendly spoons
- Training spoons with choke guards (double as a spoon rest)
- Soft silicone material that’s gentle on your baby’s mouth and gums
- Available in sets with two colors: pink and purple or light blue and light green
- Ideal for self-feeding and baby-led weaning
- Dishwasher safe
Key Features
- Material: Food-grade silicone
- Product Safety: Free from BPA
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some parents complain that the clear plastic material can stain easily.
Dr. Brown’s Silicone Starter Spoon
(source: drbrownsbaby.com)
Price
- One piece – $4.99
- Two pieces – $7.99 (price on Amazon)
What Makes It Special
- Cute turtle design
- Soft, shallow spoon bowl
- Doubles as a teether
- Textured arms can massage your baby’s sore gums
- Ring shape makes it easy for little hands to hold
- Dishwasher safe (top rack)
- Sterilizer safe
- Microwave safe
- Freezer safe
Key Features
- Material: 100% silicone material
- Product Safety: BPA-free
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some parents complain that the unique design makes it difficult for babies to use as a spoon.
- The handle is also heavier than the head, making it easier to fall over or out of your baby’s food bowl.
SKIP HOP Easy-Fold Travel Spoons
(source: amazon.com)
Price
- Two spoons – $8.99 (price on Amazon)
What Makes It Special
- Travel-friendly spoons with built-in cases
- Stay-clean folding design
- Can coordinate with other SKIP HOP baby utensils
- Dishwasher-safe (top rack only)
Key Features
- Material: BPA-free plastic
- Product Safety: Free from BPA and phthalates
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Although you can sterilize with baby bottles, they can’t be put in a microwave sterilizer.
EZPZ Tiny Cup
(source: ezpzfun.
com)
Price
- $11.49
What Makes It Special
- Hypoallergenic
- Soft silicone protects your baby’s gums and developing teeth
- Designed to fit your baby’s mouth and hands
- Helps promote self-feeding and fine motor skills
- Safe for use with cold, warm or hot foods and liquids (SAFETY WARNING: make sure to check that your baby’s food isn’t too hot by testing them on your inner wrist)
- Non-slip silicone grip
- Interior angle provides an even flow for safe drinking
- Weighted base with tactile bumps to provide topple resistance
- The brand claims that this product doesn’t wear.
- Dishwasher safe
Key Features
- Material: Silicone
- Product Safety: Free from BPA, BPS, PVC, and phthalates
Product Recall
- None
Cons
- Some parents complain that their cups have a terrible smell, which allegedly doesn’t come off with repeated washing.
Summary & Recommendations
You can choose any of the baby utensils above, depending on your needs. Here are our recommendations:
Best Baby Plates
Choose Loulou Lollipop Silicone Suction Snack Plate ($20) if:
- You prefer a silicone plate with cute animal prints and shapes
Choose: EZPZ Mini Mat ($22.49) if:
- You want an all-in-one silicone plate and placemat
Choose Ahimsa Balanced Bites Stainless Steel Plates in Rainbow ($46 for two plates) if:
- You prefer a pediatrician-designed, stainless steel plate with a lifetime warranty
Best Baby Bowls
Choose Munchkin Stay Put Suction Bowls ($9.39 for a pack of three) if:
- You want a budget-friendly baby bowl with a large suction base
Choose SKIP HOP Easy-Grab Bowls ($10.
20 for a pack of two) if:
- You want one with a unique comfort-grip handle
- You prefer to have measurement markings in the bowl
Best Baby Utensil Sets
Choose Nuby Garden Fresh Mash N’ Feed ($7.99) if:
- You want an entire set that lets you prepare, store, and feed from the same bowl
Choose Avanchy Baby Bamboo Stay Put Suction Bowl + Spoon ($19.99) if:
- You prefer an eco-friendly organic bamboo and silicone utensil set
Choose UpwardBaby Feeding Supplies For Toddlers ($29.97) if:
- You prefer a complete feeding set that promotes BLW (baby-led weaning)
Choose BABYBJÖRN Baby Feeding Set ($29.99) if:
- You want an elegant feeding set with a plate design that helps make scooping easier
Best Baby Spoons
Choose NumNum Pre-Spoon GOOtensils ($13 for two pre-spoons) if:
- You need a dual-stage, flat-head pre-spoon set that doubles as teethers
Choose Bumkins Silicone Chewtensils ($15.
95 for spoon and fork) if:
- You want a training spoon with thick handles
Choose Munchkin Gentle Scoop Silicone Trainer Spoon ($5.79 for two spoons) if:
- You prefer budget-friendly training spoons with choke guards
Choose Dr. Brown’s Silicone Starter Spoon ($4.99 for one spoon) if:
- You like the cute turtle-designed spoon that doubles as a teether
Choose SKIP HOP Easy-Fold Travel Spoons ($8.99 for two spoons) if:
- You need travel-friendly spoons with built-in cases
Best Cups
Choose EZPZ Tiny Cup ($11.49) if:
- You need a soft silicone, topple-resistant baby cup
Some of the sets above also have baby-friendly cups.
FAQs
When Are Babies Ready To Feed Themselves?
Some babies might be ready to feed themselves at four months through baby-led weaning.
However, first, make sure that your baby shows signs of readiness and that you have your pediatrician’s approval before giving solid foods to babies younger than six months of age.
When Should I Give My Baby Utensils?
When to give your baby utensils depends on their development and interests.
Some babies might be interested in using a spoon at six months old. But you can also continue letting them use their hands for feeding until they develop and improve their fine motor skills.
Which Utensil Is The Best For Your Baby?
Plates and bowls are often the first utensils to use with your baby, especially with baby-led weaning.
Why Should Babies Use A Spoon During Mealtimes?
Mastering the spoon helps reduce messes during mealtime and introduces your baby to proper table manners.
Are Silicone Spoons Better?
Yes. Silicone spoons are hypoallergenic and usually free from toxic chemicals such as BPA, BPS, PVC, phthalates, and heavy metals.
How Do I Introduce A Spoon To My Baby?
The best approach is to teach them by example and let them copy your movements.
When Should My Baby Drink From A Cup?
Babies can begin drinking from a cup held by a caregiver at six months of age. They can gradually learn how to pick up the cup and drink on their own.
How Many Baby Utensils Do I Need?
Two to three baby spoons are ideal for each feeding session, especially if they’re still learning to hold and use one. Once your baby is more adept at feeding themselves, you aren’t likely to need more than one per meal.
Why Do Babies Use Silver Utensils?
Bacteria don’t thrive on silverware. Due to their antibacterial properties, silver utensils are preferred by some parents. (2)
Other Baby Utensil Brands & Products To Try
- Ahimsa Balanced Bites Stainless Steel Plates in Rainbow
- Bumkins Silicone Grip Toddler Dish in Marble
- Yiveko Suction Plates
- Blissbury Silicone Baby Plate
- Green Sprouts Baby Learning Plate Made from Silicone
- Wee Sprout Suction Plates with Lids
- Bella Tunno Get in my Belly Suction Bowl
- Lalo Suction Bowl
- NUK Mash & Serve Bowl with Masher to Prep and Serve Baby Food
- Wild and Stone Baby Bamboo Bowl and Spoon Set
- Avanchy 5-Pack Infant Bamboo Spoons
- Avanchy Stainless Steel Spoons
- Baby K Self-Feeding Bamboo Baby Spoons
- BEABA First Stage Baby Utensil Feeding Spoon Set
- Bella Tunno Wonder Spoons
- Boon SQUIRT Silicone Food Dispensing Spoon in Mint
- Cosy Casa Baby Utensils
- Cute Stone Baby Utensils
- Easyeah Baby Spoon & Fork Set
- EZPZ Tiny Spoons
- Eztotz Self-Feeding Baby Utensils
- First Essentials by NUK Kiddy Cutlery Spoon Set
- Grabease First Self-Feeding Baby Utensils
- Monee Silicone Spoons
- MUNCHKIN Soft-Tip Infant Spoons
- Munchkin White Hot Infant Spoons
- Novos Baby Utensils with Travel Case
- Novos Upgraded Baby Utensils
- Nuk Rest Easy Spoons
- Olababy Training Fork + Spoon Set
- Oxo Tot Fork & Spoon Set
- PrimaStella Silicone Rainbow Chew Spoon
- Re-Play Toddler Feeding Spoon and Fork Set
- Ryan & Rose Spoon and Fork
- Sperric Toddler Utensils Baby Spoons And Forks Set
- Termichy Baby Utensils
- The First Years Take & Toss Infant Spoons (16-pack)
- Tiny Thumbs Silicone Baby Spoons
Other Baby Feeding Essentials
- High chair
- Bibs
- Diaper bag (for bringing baby utensils, infant formula, or baby snacks while on the go)
References
(1) https://www.
cpsc.gov/Recalls/2006/babyswede-llc-recalls-babybjorn-feeding-spoons-due-to-choking-hazard
(2) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27894512/
Organizing bottle feeding | Philips
In the early days, mothers try to keep their baby safe and carefully monitor the cleanliness and sterility of everything that can get into the baby's hands or mouth. This is due to the fact that the child's immune system is almost not formed, and the body is vulnerable to external bacteria. That is why the process of sterilizing children's dishes cannot be neglected.
Every meal of the child should be held in accordance with the rules of hygiene, from washing hands and breasts, and ending with the sterilization of accessories necessary for feeding during artificial feeding. In terms of preparation, artificial feeding is always more time-consuming: before each feeding, clean dishes must be sterilized to remove all bacteria from the surface. It takes time to sterilize and dilute the mixture, and the baby can become very hungry and express his impatience by screaming.
Everything that comes into contact with the baby's food or mouth must be sterile clean: from the spoon used to apply formula to the bottle, nipple and breast pump if the baby is fed with expressed milk.
How to sterilize baby dishes
Today, every mother can choose the most convenient way to sterilize bottles.
Time-tested sterilization method used by our mothers, of course boiling . It is better to immediately allocate a separate pan of a suitable volume for boiling bottles and baby supplies, which will continue to be used only for sterilization. The volume of the pan should contain all the accessories, including the breast pump, if you use one.
Boiling time is at least 10 minutes: during this time, all bacteria are destroyed. However, too high temperatures can have a negative effect on the teat, and it quickly becomes unusable.
A more delicate method for children's dishes is to sterilize with a steam sterilizer.
In addition, steam sterilizers are easy to use due to their compact dimensions. They are easy to use: water is poured into a special container, the mode is set and after 6 minutes you have completely sterilized dishes. Modern Philips Avent sterilizers destroy 99.9% of harmful microorganisms.
Interesting mobile versions of steam sterilizers are microwave sterilizers and sterilization bags. They can come in handy on the road if you need to quickly sterilize baby dishes or pacifiers that have fallen on the floor.
Second step: Milk heating and formula dilution
Expressed milk
First of all, the milk must be heated properly. The consistency of milk is such that it separates into fractions, so it must be shaken before use. There are several ways to heat milk.
Water bath
A container of water is heated on the stove, after which a bottle of water is placed in it.
Advantages:
- The most inexpensive way
- Milk is quickly heated by
Disadvantages:
- It is very easy to overheat milk
- is not convenient on trips
- bottles placed in a water bath, they must withstand boiling and do not contain bispenol- A
Hot water
The bottle is placed under the hot water tap or lowered into a container of hot water.
Advantages:
- The method does not require financial costs
- The convenient method for defrosting
Disadvantages
- To bring the mixture to the required temperature, you need a lot of time
BUTS INDIVIDED 9000 BUTY milk is placed in a special heater, after which the heating mode is set. Advantages Disadvantages 9,0003 microwave oven The bottle or container with milk is placed in the microwave oven. Advantages Disadvantages Feeding formula Read the instructions carefully before preparing the formula, which must be followed. The mixture must be fresh: you can not use the leftover mixture from the previous feeding, so prepare a new batch each time. Boil the water and let it cool. Too hot water can dissolve the mixture unevenly, and form lumps, which then clog the nipple. Each package has recommendations for serving size according to the age of the child. Try not to violate the recommendations, do not report the mixture to make the portion more satisfying. Third step: Comfortable nursing position The position for bottle feeding does not differ fundamentally from the position for breastfeeding. When you hold the baby in your arms, make sure that the head is raised so that it will be convenient for him to swallow. If the head is turned to the side or back, it will be difficult for him to swallow, he may choke on food. Pediatricians insist on this position of the child during bottle feeding, because the baby feels the warmth and smell of the mother, establishes close emotional contact with her. For a baby, such psychological contact is vital: he learns to trust his mother. Do not hold the bottle upright during feeding, especially if the opening in the bottle is too large: due to the strong pressure of the liquid, the baby may choke. The correct position of the bottle: at an angle of 30-45 degrees, when the nipple is constantly filled with liquid. When a child begins to eat on his own, he moves on to a new important stage in his life, in which he should have his first own dishes. The question arises: is it worth buying tableware separately or buying a whole set? What material should the dishes be made of, what color, size and shape is it best to choose dishes for a child? Cookware selection criteria In the photo: Liewood cookware Benefits of set Complete sets of dishes are convenient in everyday life, since mom does not need to “allocate” a separate plate, spoon, mug for feeding. She always has a one-piece set at hand, which belongs exclusively to the child, and cannot be confused with the main dishes in the kitchen. If there is more than one child in the family, it is convenient to purchase several sets at once, so that everyone has their own individual set at their disposal. The child perceives reality in a playful way, so the process of eating for him is a game. Dinnerware with the same style, pattern, or shape can provide a framework for developing a child's imagination and making dinner fun. Choice of cookware based on appearance and functionality In addition to its main and primary task, dishes help parents achieve several more important goals, and one of them is to instill in the child a sense of style and form a good taste, so you need to carefully choose a set for your baby. It is best to focus on calm pastel colors with a simple clear pattern. Too bright colors will only irritate the child's nervous system and distract him from eating. In the photo: Liewood cookware set wheat mix There are various thematic sets with a stylish unusual design and thoughtful functionality. For example, sets where the plate is divided into several sections or cells, each of which can contain individual products. This option will allow the child to independently organize the space, choose products that he likes more and create new combinations. In the photo: Bamboo tableware Love Mae Buying one set does not mean that you need to use it everywhere and always. Some sets are more suitable for home use and daily feeding of the baby, while others will be more appropriate as a hiking option, for outdoor recreation or a picnic. In the photo: Liewood children's dinnerware set, gray-blue The number of items in the set also depends on the age and needs of the baby. If your child is just starting to eat complementary foods, then a plate, spoon and cup will suffice. If the baby is already older, then you can choose a set with more items of various sizes. In the photo: A set of children's bowls Liewood "Cosmos" Advantages of different materials The choice of materials is great. Some parents still prefer to purchase glassware or chinaware, but many are already switching to safer materials for children's tableware, which are much easier to handle and care for. Silicone: Silicone products are absolutely harmless and safe for the child, as they do not contain bisphenol and phthalates. They do not slip on the table and do not break when dropped. Silicone utensils are very easy to clean. It can serve both hot and cold food without fear that it will go bad. It is silicone dishes that are chosen for babies who are beginning to introduce complementary foods and for children 2-3 years old. A set of silicone dishes can be taken with you on the road and on a picnic, as it is very light and takes up little space. From PLA PLA is a food grade plastic that is made from corn starch or sugar cane. PLA dishes can be purchased for the smallest and older children. In terms of properties, this material is almost identical to silicone, but is biodegradable. Like silicone, it does not absorb odors and is odorless itself. Dishes made of PLA do not break, do not slip on the table and in hands. In the photo: A set of children's dishes Liewood "Bear" Bamboo: Bamboo tableware is universal for all ages, but is more suitable for children 6-7 years old. Bamboo cookware is light, durable and eco-friendly. The natural composition of bamboo and wood fibers with the addition of corn starch makes it 100% biodegradable. In the photo: Love Mae "Jungle" plate set Metal: Stainless steel cookware is very practical for any age. Of the options listed above, this is the only material in which you can reheat or cook food in the oven, which is certainly its advantage. Stainless steel cookware is safe and won't break or deteriorate over time. Care of dishes How to take care of baby feeding utensils? There are several general recommendations.
It is necessary to make sure that the container is made of a material that can be heated in a microwave oven. Preheat on low or medium power.
There is a risk that too thick a mixture will cause extreme thirst and dehydration. 
If it is always filled with liquid, then this reduces the chances that the child will swallow air and develop colic. Sets of dishes for children - why are they convenient and how to choose?
Mom does not have to use auxiliary techniques (cartoons, toys, etc.) to attract the attention of the child and feed him. 
If it accidentally falls on the floor, it will not break, so it will serve you for a long time. 
