Conquer Mealtime Messes: Your Toolkit for Stress-Free Feeding!

Ah, starting solids. It's an exciting milestone, but let's be honest, it can also be a messy affair! Food flying, purees everywhere, and tiny hands exploring textures – it's all part of the fun (and the cleanup).

But fear not, fellow parents! With the right tools and strategies, you can manage mealtime messes and actually enjoy watching your little one explore new tastes and textures. Here's my go-to toolkit for a (slightly) less chaotic feeding experience:

1. Start with Delicious & Healthy Food:

• Fueling your little one with nutritious and yummy food is the foundation of a positive mealtime experience. I go into this more in other posts but I try to keep the majority of food my children (and myself) eat, organic and if possible Clean Label Project approved.

2. The High Chair Mat is Your Friend:

• Invest in a good high chair mat. This will catch a significant amount of the dropped food, making cleanup a breeze. They should be wide enough to catch food but also easy to fold up, move and wipe down. I love mine from House of Noa.

3. Choose Your High Chair Wisely:

• Opt for a high-quality high chair that's easy to clean. The Stokke Tripp Trapp is what I use for both of my kids. It goes from infant lounger to adult chair. In general it is a popular choice for its durability and wipeable surfaces. It is a design that has stood the test of time, invented in 1972 it is fully adjustable and comes in a variety of natural woods and fun colors!

4. Spoon Variety & Quantity is Key:

• As we discussed in a previous post, babies have preferences! Have a variety of spoons on hand to see what your little one likes best. And you do not want to find yourself at a loss for spoons when your little one keeps depositing them on the floor.

5. Double Bib Defense:

• The double bib method is a game-changer! Use a full-coverage bib like the ones from Bibado or Ikea in combination with a smaller, more absorbent bib from Green Sprouts. This offers maximum protection against spills, splatters, and stained clothes.

6. Dishwasher Caddy for Utensils:

• Keep a designated dishwasher caddy nearby for quickly tossing in messy spoons and forks.

7. Washable Soft Cloth Wipes:

• Ditch the disposable wipes and paper towels and opt for washable, soft, organic cotton cloth wipes like the ones from Esembly. They're gentle on baby's skin and eco-friendly.

8. The Right Washing Powder:

• To keep those bibs and wipes clean and ready for the next meal, use a reliable washing powder like Esembly's. It's tough on stains but gentle on fabrics and baby’s skin.

With this toolkit in hand, you'll be well-equipped to tackle the inevitable mealtime messes. Remember to relax, have fun, and enjoy watching your little one explore the wonderful world of food!

What are your must-have tools for managing mealtime messes? Share your tips in the comments below! 👇