We take a look at the various items, from bowls to training cups, that might assist you in the process of weaning your child.
baby spoon
Bowls for infants
When it comes to feeding your infant, plastic bowls that have high sides and a ‘lip’ or gripper on the edge of the bowl for you to grab are the most handy option. When your child is ready to start feeding themselves, bowls that have lower sides, gently curved edges, and a textured, easy-to-grip rim will assist him or her maintain control while feeding themselves. “High-tech” versions of feeding bowls include those with a compartment in the base where you can put hot water to keep the food warm, heat-sensitive bowls which change colour when the food is cool enough to eat, and bowls with a suction base which helps prevent spillages. Other “high-tech” versions of feeding bowls include bowls that are heat-sensitive and change colour when the food is cool enough to eat. Although they are not required and can make the process of feeding an infant more complicated than it ought to be, some parents find these advances to be helpful.
Spoons for infants
Typical teaspoons have wells that are too deep for infants to reach and get a good mouthful of food. A shallow spoon that is manufactured from plastic that is bendable will make it easier for a young infant to feed, and some newborns enjoy using them as a teething accessory as well. Babies and toddlers who are able to feed themselves will require a longer spoon with a handle that is comfortable to hold. You may buy spoons with additional features, just like you can buy feeding bowls with additional functions. For instance, you can buy spoons shaped like aeroplanes, or, much more practically, you can buy spoons that change colour if the food is too hot for a baby to consume.
Cups for babies Cups for training
If you are using a feeding system, the bottle that you use for your infant may already have a cup spout adapter attached to it. These spouts are gentle and bendable, and using one for the first time can be an educational and beneficial experience. Your child will have an easier time maintaining control of the cup if the handles are designed to be grasped easily. This is especially important when your child is just beginning to use a cup for the first time.
The disadvantage of having handles is that they make it simpler for your child to move the cup about. This isn’t an issue if the cup is leak-proof (see the section below for more information), but it can get messy otherwise. When transitioning from a bottle to a cup for the first time, a small cup that has a spout made of flexible plastic is the best option as a transitional tool. After your child has been accustomed to the idea of drinking from a cup, you have many options available to you in terms of the sort of cup to use. Those that have a basic cover and a spout are the ones that are the easiest to use. Even though they are very popular, you shouldn’t count on this style of cup to totally prevent messes like leaks and spills. As long as it is held upright, everything will be OK; however, as soon as it is tilted to the side, it will begin to leak.
baby Cups that do not leak
Cups that do not leak
Many parents feel more at ease purchasing a cup that is guaranteed not to leak or spill when their child uses it. Typically, they will have a valve that automatically closes after each sip, so preventing any leakage of the beverage. Dentists advocate picking cups that allow liquid to flow freely to avoid prolonged tooth contact with sugary drinks. However, there are growing worries that these leak-proof cups are worse for children’s teeth than other models.
“Cups without lids or “free flow” cups are ideal because they help your infant learn to sip, and they are better for the teeth because the drink is in touch with them for a shorter time,” suggests the Food Standards Agency. “Cups without lids or “free flow” cups are best.” Because using them helps build the muscles at the back of the baby’s mouth, which are the same muscles used for speaking, free-flowing cups are also superior for the development of a child’s speech.
Leak-proof cups have a number of drawbacks, one of which is that the valve on the cup can become worn out over time, in which case you will need to replace the lid. Some of the lids on the cups are quite difficult to remove, making it difficult to refill them or clean them. Additionally, younger toddlers could not get along with them due to the fact that they have to suck fairly hard in order to get the drink out of the container, which might be uncomfortable for them. Even with these shortcomings, leak-proof cups continue to enjoy widespread adoption. If you want to purchase a beaker that does not leak, it is important to ensure that both the beaker and the lid are dishwasher-safe, as not all lids are.
Doidy cups as well as open cups
open cups for babies
It is a good idea to start teaching a young child how to use an open cup as soon as feasible. Some babies can begin with a doidy cup, which is a good starting point. These disposable cups made of plastic feature handles and a slanted side that allows the baby to see the contents of the cup. This makes it much simpler for the infant to get the contents of the cup to their mouth. As a normal part of the learning process, you should anticipate that the contents of the cup may frequently spill all over baby and everything else.
Cups that are portable A “travelling” cup that has a spout that can be lifted up when your child wants to drink and then set back down when he or she is finished is a good compromise option. Your toddler should be able to drink normally by sucking or sipping the liquid.
These typically have lids that screw off, making them simple to dispose of but resistant to falling off even when the cup is dropped on the ground. However, if this kind of cup is shaken around a lot in your luggage or in the car, it’s probable that it won’t be fully leak-proof. Even when the spout is positioned in its down position, it’s still possible for liquid to escape through it.
