Top 5 essentials for baby’s mealtimes
As a busy mam I was keen to have weaning items that are both easy to use and clean – anything that saves me precious time is a winner in my eyes.
Here are my top 5 essentials for baby’s mealtimes
Ikea Antilop highchair
After months of extensive research and chats with friends we finally settled on the Ikea Antilop highchair. It’s not very big so doesn’t take up lots of room and is super easy to clean.
Ikea Antilop highchair
It doesn’t fold down but we just tuck it into the corner of the kitchen so it’s out of the way. We use it three times a day so I don’t imagine I would want to be putting a highchair up and down.
The tray is wipe clean and can even go in the dishwasher.
We also invested in the blow up cushion insert and two cushion covers which are machine washable. It’s really cheap too so perfect if you’re on a budget.
My mother in law has bought a similar highchair from Asda which has a footrest and we bought her the Ikea cushion insert and cover for when we visit them.
Cleaning up after mealtimes doesn’t take us very long thanks to the Bibado and Ikea high chair – dream team.
Bibado cover all bibs
We invested in two Bibados early on and my goodness am I glad we did. The new improved Bibado design is even better – stronger Velcro and easy wipe clean material.
The first time we tried Elsie with food and just a normal bib she was covered from head to toe – her clothes were completely sodden and ruined thanks to bright orange carrot stains.
Fortunately, our Bibados arrived the next day and since then we’ve had no more ruined clothes!
Elsie in her Bibado
What I love about the Bibado is how easy it is to use and clean, it covers Elsie’s torso and arms, catches any spillages from dripping down her neck and onto her clothes and because of the clever design; it also catches everything that falls into her lap.
The sleeves are cuffed which prevent any spillages down her arms.
After she’s finished eating, we wipe her face and hands and she’s good to go.
We shake off any excess food from the Bibado, give it a wipe and hook it over her highchair so it can dry between meals.
On an evening we simply pop it in a mesh bag (to stop the velcro fastenings catching on other items in the machine) on a 40-degree wash, allow it to dry overnight (unless it’s a sunny day and on the line it goes) and it’s ready for action the next day.
Use code Elsie20 for 20% off Bibado.
Tommee Timmee Essential Free Flow First Cup
From six months old baby’s can have tap water. We tried a few different styles of cup but for us the Tommee Tippee Essential Free Flow First Cup is a winner.
The spout encourages sipping rather than sucking so is ideal for baby’s using a cup for the first time.
Free flow cup and marbellous bowl
Free flow cups are recommended by health professionals and are better for baby’s teeth.
It has small handles which are perfect for little hands. It is also dishwasher, microwave and steriliser safe and is BPA-free. It also has a flip-down, leak-proof spout making it ideal if you’re going out and about.
Easytots dining range
I really think the Easytots Easymat range is a game changer for mealtimes.
The larger matis a perfect fit for the Antilop highchair which means even less cleaning as it pretty much covers the tray completely – you can just lift it off to remove any leftovers and mess.
Easytots larger mat
We’ve found the suction on the mats and the marbellous bowl to be great – just make sure the surface is a little damp first and just press down firmly.
The mats and bowls can go in the oven, microwave and dishwasher and are all really easy to clean.
We use the marbellous bowl mainly for pasta bolgonese. It was stained after I hand washed it but I popped it in the dishwasher and it came out looking brand new.
Clean marbellous bowl
If you’re going out and about the mini mat is perfect as it has a cover and a zip lock case so you can pop into your bag without worrying about the mess.
Elsie with her Easytots mini mat
The Easytots range can be used on the highchair tray or on a table so ideal to use as your child grows or if you’re out and about.
If you use code Ellsie117 with any Easytots order you will receive 15% off.
Muslin and face cloth/baby wipes
Baby’s get messy whatever they’re eating, you’d be surprised just how much of a mess a little one can make.
I like to have a pack of sensitive baby wipes or a face cloth on hand as well as a muslin for wiping Elsie’s hands and face after mealtimes.
You want to make sure you dry your little ones face and hands to stop them from getting spots and sore.
What are your essentials for baby’s mealtimes? Let me know in the comments below.
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