According to a recent study by Statista, over 42% of parents invest in specialised equipment to simplify their baby’s mealtime routine. Mealtime can often be a source of stress, particularly during the early stages of introducing solid foods. Having the right accessories and staying organised can make all the difference. But what are the must-have items for feeding your little one? Here are five essential tools to help make your daily routine easier.
Baby Bibs
A bib is a must-have to protect your baby’s clothes from food stains and spills. It’s an essential part of any baby feeding toolkit. Nowadays, a variety of bibs are available. Long-sleeved bibs are among the most recommended options, as they provide full coverage for your baby’s upper body.
Other practical options include silicone bibs with built-in crumb catchers. These catch any bits of food or liquids your little one might spill, making them incredibly convenient. These modern bibs are also easy to clean—just rinse them under running water or toss them in the washing machine. They are reusable and eco-friendly.
Pro Tip for Outings: Always carry at least two bibs in your nappy bag for quick replacements when needed.
Compact Bottle Warmer
A baby bottle is an essential item from birth up until your child turns 2 or 3 years old. To complement this, a bottle warmer is a practical device for quickly and easily heating your baby’s milk. In under 10 minutes, the milk will be at the perfect temperature.
This tool is ideal for daily routines and saves you the hassle of heating water on the stove. For parents on the go, the compact bottle warmer by Hello Hippo is especially handy.
Pro Tip for Feeding: Always check the milk’s temperature before giving it to your baby. After warming, place a few drops on the inside of your wrist to ensure it’s lukewarm—not too hot or too cold—avoiding discomfort or burns to your baby’s tongue.
Adjustable High Chair
A high chair is a fantastic accessory to provide your baby with their own dedicated mealtime space. It’s recommended to use a high chair as soon as your baby can sit up unaided. Choosing an adjustable model ensures the chair grows with your child, providing comfort throughout their development.
During family meals, you can easily position your baby’s high chair next to you at the table. According to a UNICEF study, over 63% of children who join family meals develop healthy eating habits faster.
Pro Tip for Comfort: Always adjust the seat height and ensure the tray is at the right distance, level, and stability. This will make it easier for your baby to learn to feed themselves while staying comfortable.
Airtight Containers and Baby Food Pots
The early days of introducing solid foods can be overwhelming for many parents. Proper meal planning can help reduce stress. Investing in airtight containers and baby food pots is a great way to safely and hygienically store your baby’s meals.
These containers are perfect for preparing fruits and vegetables in advance. Opt for 160 ml baby food pots with measurement markings to portion purées and compotes accurately.
Organisation Tip: Label the containers with the preparation date and contents, so you know which meals to use first throughout the week.
Microwave-safe and freezer-friendly baby food pots are highly recommended.
Smart Kettle
Most baby meals require hot water, whether for preparing formula or cereals from around 8 months of age. A smart kettle is an indispensable piece of baby equipment. This innovative device makes parenting routines much easier by quickly boiling water.
The latest models offer additional features, such as sterilising bottles and pacifiers. Some even have a function to keep water warm for several hours.
Pro Tip: Use the “keep warm” feature during busy days or nights. It ensures that water is always ready for your baby’s next feed or meal preparation, saving you time and hassle.
These five essential items can make a world of difference in simplifying your baby’s mealtimes, leaving you with more time to focus on the joys of parenthood.
