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Bibado Ltd is one of only 148 organisations nationally to be recognised with aprestigious King’s Award for Enterprise. Announced today (Friday 21 April 2023), Bibado has been recognised for its excellence in innovation.
The Bibado Coverall was initially conceived to solve a problem that all parents face when they embark on their weaning journey; how to give growing mealtime adventurers the freedom to enjoy their food exploration without limits, while containing the mess.
Bibado was founded by real parents searching for a solution for messy mealtimes. When we started weaning, we tried countless bib styles and brands, but nothing came close when it concerned keeping our kids covered and our weaning woes under control.
We were convinced there had to be a better way to save time on the mammoth post-meal clean-up. So, we created the bib we knew parents needed, and it’s now the number one choice for weaning families.
Commenting on the receipt of the King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation, a spokesperson for Bibado said:
“Mealtime mess is one of the biggest barriers to successful weaning. Children learn from the behaviour parents model at the dinner table and highchair, so if parents are anxious and nervous about the mess, babies and toddlers will pick up on this”.
“We’ve worked closely with Paediatric Occupational Therapists and Nutritionists in our product development and we know that it’s really important for babies to explore as many different food types and textures by the time they’re around 10-12 months old. Our products genuinely support babies and parents in their taste adventures, preventing picky eating and helping to nurture safe and independent little eaters".
"It’s particularly special to receive the award in the year of the King’s Coronation”.
]]>It’s easy in the early days of parenthood to overlook the importance of lesser-known milestones, like the development of oral motor skills. After all, feeding, changing and adjusting to new sleep patterns are the tasks that dominate your every waking moment. However, an early understanding of the value of a full-mouth workout for your little one will pay huge dividends when it comes to weaning (which, let’s face it, will be upon you before you know it!)
Let’s start by looking at oral motor skills and why they are vital in weaning, speech, and early years development.
What are oral motor skills & why are they so vital?
The term ‘Oral Motor Skills’ generally refers to the use of the lips, tongue, cheeks, jaws, and hard and soft palates in vital functions like swallowing and speech. These oral motor skills develop in utero and continue for the first years of a child’s life. What you do in the early months of your little one’s mouth muscle development can make a positive and lasting difference. Here are just some of the areas oral motor skills impact:
Feeding and Nutrition: Proper development of mouth muscles is essential for breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, and transitioning to solid foods. Strong mouth muscles help babies effectively suck, swallow, and chew, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrition for healthy growth and development.
Speech and Language Development: Mouth muscles, including the tongue and lips, play a significant role in speech and language development. Babies start exploring and exercising these muscles from a very young age, which is crucial for later articulation and communication skills.
Facial Development: The development of mouth muscles is closely linked to facial development. Strong oral muscles help shape the face and contribute to the development of the palate and jaw, which can impact a child's facial features and dental health.
Mouth Movement: Oral motor skills encompass a range of movements and coordination within the mouth, such as sucking, blowing, and tongue movements. These skills are essential for various activities like drinking from a straw, blowing bubbles, and later, more complex tasks like articulating speech sounds.
Swallowing and Digestion: Well-developed mouth muscles ensure proper swallowing, preventing issues like choking or aspiration. Efficient swallowing also supports digestion and overall gastrointestinal health in babies.
Picky Eating and Food Acceptance: Babies with strong and coordinated mouth muscles are more likely to explore a variety of textures and flavours in their food, leading to a more adventurous palate. Underdeveloped mouth muscles may lead to feeding difficulties and picky eating habits. In fact, occupational therapists rank underdeveloped mouth muscles as the main cause of picky eating! (read our blog on this here)
Facial Expressions and Social Interaction: Mouth muscles are involved in forming facial expressions, which are crucial for non-verbal communication and social interaction. Smiling, frowning, and other facial expressions help babies engage with caregivers and express their needs and emotions.
Self-Comfort and Soothing: Babies often use their mouths to self-soothe by sucking on pacifiers or their thumbs. Developing oral motor skills is important for these soothing behaviours and can impact a baby's self-regulating ability.
So, how does a teether help?
Now we know why oral motor skills are so important, it’s time to make the link between them and the role of teethers. Most experts agree that you can and should be introducing oral toys as early as the first month of your baby’s life. Not only do they help them self-soothe, but they will also get them working on their jaw development right away. At around 4-5 months, it is completely normal to see babies putting anything and everything into their mouths. This should be safely encouraged and is a vital step in their development. If they’re already accustomed to a baby-safe silicone teether, they’ll be reaching for this in place of the remote control, your hair or other hazardous household items.
Alisha Grogan, Paediatric Occupational Therapist and friend of Bibado, advocates having teethers everywhere. She goes on to say, “Oral exploration is everything for babies. As soon as they start showing an interest in putting things in their mouths, you must arm them with a good teether with lots of surfaces to explore.” She suggests keeping one amongst their toys, in the changing bag, by the highchair - practically anywhere your curious baby will be. Read more here
What makes Dawn The Dinosaur different from other teethers?
Ok, so there are plenty of teethers out there, and some really well-known cute ones, too, so what makes Dawn so special? A note of caution. Where developmental teethers are concerned, function wins over style every time. Luckily, Dawn is adorable and loved by babies, too, but her features have been conceived with the help of experts and she's dentist-approved. Every single texture, bump and design element is intentional and intended to give little mouths a full muscle workout to help unlock the secrets to biting and chewing. Think of it like a gym circuit for the mouth without the hefty monthly subscription.
The diagram below shows the key features, but we’ll take you through a quick tour and explain what each area is designed to do.
Ring Design - first up, Dawn is based on a traditional ring design with a slight curve, which means it’s easier for little hands to pick up when she’s placed down. This helps nurture independence and important coordination and motor skills. She can be picked up easily with one hand or two, but the ring encourages a two-handed grip, a precursor to other developmental weaning tools in the range, like the Bibado Dippit spoon-and-dipper-in-one.
Bumpy feet - The raised texture on Dawn’s feet is ideal for sensory exploration and designed to build rotary chewing skills - that’s the circular motion of chewing rather than just up and down munching. This feature has been designed to reach the back of the mouth where your molars lead the way with rotary chewing and also supports oral mapping - the process by which you learn where objects are in your mouth - crucial for moving food around to chew and swallow effectively.
Dipper tail - Dawn’s tail shares the same ridged, honey-dipper design as our award-winning Dippit multi-stage weaning spoon. In Dawn, it’s intended to work on tongue lateralisation - to you and me, that’s the crucial side-to-side tongue movements that play a key role in helping to move food around the mouth. The dipper tail is also perfect for really getting to work on those back molars, and your little one will love biting down on it. The fact these two weaning tools share this key feature is very deliberate. Dawn is all about prepping little mouths for feeding success, whereas Dippit is the follow-on mealtime product designed to help transition those worked-out mouths to independent feeding and taste exploration.
Dawn’s domed head - a prominent domed nose and head helps to practice what is known as the oral seal, effectively kissing and pursing of the lips. This is the precursor to sucking with a straw and is vital for safe swallowing
Dawn’s Leaf - Perfectly formed for nibbling and biting, baby can explore the leaf’s indentations with their tongue and practice sealing their lips around the edges. Practising a lip seal is important for strengthening the mouth and instrumental in lip closure to keep food in the mouth.
All of Dawn’s features have been designed to allow babies to intuitively use them effectively. But don’t worry if your little one is nibbling the tail at the front of their mouth or exploring the bumpy feet with their tongue - any exploration is good exploration and a valuable learning and development experience!
So there you have it! A mouth muscle workout is the new tummy time and something here at Bibado, we’re keen to make sure all new parents know about. Being proactive in healthy mouth muscle development is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your growing child. It will contribute to their overall well-being, encompassing feeding and nutrition, as well as speech, facial development, social interaction, and various aspects of motor skills. It will also help to give you greater confidence in weaning because the earlier and more you help them strengthen their mouth muscles, the more effectively, and safer they’ll wean, making the process more magical and enjoyable for you both! Check out the award-winning Dawn The Dinosaur now - and don’t forget, at just £9.95, she’s the perfect newborn or baby shower gift, too.
]]>Feed, Clean, Change, Repeat!
First, let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of those early monstrous mealtimes. Forget explosive nappies. If you thought that was bad, the incessant feed, clean, change, repeat cycle is next level when you consider the post-meal clean-up, endless washing machine cycles and their penchant for wearing, not eating, the lovingly prepared food. And that’s without food refusal, plate-tossing, and the ability to discern between gagging and choking.
Making Parents’ Lives Easier
Yes, those early days were very testing, so we set about creating a catch-all, cover-everything cloak that would minimise the mess and make cleaning up quicker and easier. Essentially, at this point, the focus was all on the parent. How could we make mealtimes more enjoyable and less daunting for them? How could we help them win back much-needed time and make their lives easier? The goal was to calm their nerves and reduce stress and anxiety. Even if we helped move them just out of that red zone, we knew we were onto something. After all, we were right in the thick of it ourselves at this point and frequently hovering between simmer and boiling point
The Eureka Moment!
In no time at all, it was evident that we’d hit the goal of making parents’ lives easier. The signature ‘well’ of the Coverall - (the expanse of fabric that forms a pouch between the highchair and the baby) caught almost all of the spills and dropped food, containing the mess in one easy-to-handle place. Lifting a clean baby out of the highchair after their meal was a positive revelation, but we weren’t really prepared for what we observed next.
As our fight and flight levels dropped and we became more present in our weaning adventures, we started to notice more profound, long-term benefits of the Coverall. Our children were becoming so much more engaged in their mealtimes and were getting seriously stuck into the food on their plates and highchair trays. We were more relaxed and we were looking forward to, not dreading, mealtimes.
We’d removed a vital and potentially harmful barrier and enabled parents to come to the dining table with a more relaxed and positive approach.
Lizzie & The Giant Peach
The discoveries came thick and fast. We witnessed first-hand our children’s delight in handling and exploring new foods and textures, and this willed us to become more adventurous in our food prep and the meals we put in front of them. Pre-Coverall, we ditched foods like peaches and committed them to a no-go zone that Julia Roberts would label ‘Slippery Little Suckers’. If you’ve ever peeled the skin of a peach and handed it whole to a developing toddler, you’ll know exactly what we mean! We watched with frustration as our eldest, Lizzie, struggled to negotiate the grasp required for her favourite food, constantly dropping it on the floor where it would gather muck and fluff, rendering it not fit for consumption. And then there would be the struggle and tears as we tried to explain that there was no more peach!
We tried the giant peach again, this time with the Coverall, and the results were staggering. Lizzie continued to drop the slippery peach, but because the Coverall caught it each time, it was within easy reach, and she could practise retrieving it herself. Right before our eyes, we watched her as her motor development and cognitive skills were put to the test. We could almost see the cogs turning as she began to problem-solve in her mission to get the peach from her tray to her mouth. Her curiosity was ignited. The Coverall had given Lizzie the confidence and ability to engage in an intense period of trial and error. In the space of just a couple of days, she was able to pick up the peach one-handed and manage it with ease.
Love Curiosity
It wasn’t just Lizzie’s curiosity that had been piqued. We could see the extent of the Coverall’s developmental benefits and began to speak to paediatric occupational therapists, nutritionists, dieticians and specialists in the early childhood years development space. Our initial experiences were confirmed and reinforced by one research study after another and supported by experts globally.
We began to discover the importance of exposing growing babies to as many different tastes and textures as possible and how our Coverall could support that journey. Did you know that this is particularly important before they are 10-12 months old and that it can really help to avoid picking eating? Read more here
Bibado was on a path to make parents’ lives easier, but we’d also discovered the true magic of our invention and how instrumental it could be in a child’s development. This led to our own love of curiosity and an ethos of developing products that maximise feeding independence and childhood development as much as possible.
A Bib Fit For a King!
Fast forward back to today, we’re proud to have sold more than a million Coverall bibs and supported more than 750,000 families in their weaning journeys. We’ve received the endorsement of a raft of experts, and our awards cabinet is bursting at the seams. We’ve even won the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation. We’re on a mission to bring families back to the table to enjoy mealtimes together and to unite in taste and texture adventures that will set them up for feeding success. With that in mind, we’ll remind you why messy mealtimes are a parenting win and how the Bibado Coverall can help.
Yay for Messy Mealtimes!
Messy mealtimes are a fundamental part of the learning process and essential to development. Research shows that playing with food can help overcome a fear of new flavours and textures and help your little one become more adventurous. In fact, the roadmap on our 50 First Foods Exploration Chart counts an exposure to food as touching, smelling, holding, chewing or swallowing it.
Mess on your little one’s face, hands and even in their hair can help them get familiar with food. Put simply; mess is unavoidable if your mealtime adventurer is going to get the most out of their weaning journey. We can’t remove the mess, but we can help you make the mess more manageable, leaving you stress-free and prepped to enjoy mealtimes and model positive, encouraging behaviour.
Bibado to the Rescue!
Here are just a few of the ways the Coverall Weaning Bib helps transform weaning journeys, keeping parents out of the red zone and kids in the discovery zone!
Calms parents - the way a parent behaves at mealtimes is as essential as the food put in front of the little one. Messy mealtimes can be anxiety-inducing for many parents, but because of the full coverage, the Coverall will ease parents' nerves and let them relax and accept the mess - safe in the knowledge the clean-up is quick and manageable.
Provides a mealtime cue - after a few wears, the Coverall becomes something they associate as part of their feeding routine, helping to set structure and mark out mealtime fun.
Sets little ones free to enjoy mealtimes without limits. Keeps them clean, dry and comfortable so they can focus on exploration and discovery
Deters constant face and hand wiping during mealtimes, which can interrupt discovery and sensitise developing babies.
Protects clothes - minimises and removes the need to change clothes after every mealtime, preserving clothes, saving money and lessening the impact of discarded clothes on landfill.
Catches food - allowing little ones to retrieve it hygienically and try it again after squishing, handling and feeling - all normal parts of the sensory process
Saves time - makes mealtimes more manageable for parents and helps them magic the mess away in no time - saving 30 minutes a day on the clean-up operation.
Supports & enhances development - the combined effects of all of the above support motor development, dexterity, problem-solving and a healthy attitude to feeding.
Thank you for joining us on our trip down memory lane. We hope you’ve enjoyed it. If your Coverall Bib wardrobe needs a refresh, browse our latest designs here, or maybe share your weaning secret weapon with a family who needs it.
With a bounty of baby cutlery on the market, all boasting different nibs and nobs, finding the right choice for your weaning journey can feel much more overwhelming than it needs to! We’re here to give you all the info on our award-winning Dippit™, and how we designed it to transition curious babies from teething to feeding with ease.
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Our unique Dippit™ features a two-handed grip design, allowing parents to guide baby in the right direction whilst supporting independent gripping for a smoother transition.
For your little one’s solo feeding adventures, the two-handed grip with centralised feeding points helps to further develop their hand-eye coordination and aid dexterity.
What we've found to be particularly effective, is loading up the spoon-end, and holding the Dippit in front of your baby's mouth. You'll find they instinctively grab for it with both hands and pop it in their mouth. Once they've got the taste for it, there's no stopping them and they'll be well on their way to independent feeding!
The Dippit™’s textured ‘dipper’ end is designed by experts and loved by parents for a reason! The unique shape promotes oral sensory and mouth muscle development, with a soft chewable texture to ease aching gums.
Babies elbow movements develop before their wrist control, which is why they can struggle to guide a spoon to their mouth without all the food dropping off on the journey. This is why dippers are so great - no wrist control is needed as they work in any orientation, so baby gets to enjoy succeeding at self feeding earlier than they would have with a regular spoon!
With the same soft textured tip as our beloved Dawn The Dinosaur Teether, the familiar feel is designed to transition baby into the wonderful world of weaning with ease as they move from one tool to the next.
Though gagging is normal and usually nothing to worry about as your baby gets used to new flavours and textures, we always want to prevent a gag from becoming a potentially dangerous choke.
The Dippit™ utilises a wide neck at the base of each end to prevent gagging as much as possible, whilst each feeding end remains small enough to sit in little mouths comfortably.
As dipping feels like a more natural action than the slightly more complicated scoop, we designed the spoon end of the Dippit™ with an easy-to-use deep contoured design to make picking up food easier whilst minimising frustrations.
The lightly de-bossed Bibado ‘B’ indented into the spoon adds further grip to the spoon’s surface, whilst adding a secondary texture to assist in your little one’s sensory experience.
Complete with textured ergonomic handles, the Dippit’s sensory touch points aim to support your little one’s sensory development whilst assisting with easier gripping, less slipping!
The textured indents, whilst adding a fun element of touch exploration to mealtimes, also provide a soothing chomp to aching gums as we make the transition from teething ring to weaning tools.
So, we’ve gone through the transition from teether to Dippit™, but what about the next steps?
Our Dippit™ makes their journey as seamless as ever by familiarising your little one with the textures and actions needed for dual-handed feeding. You’ll see the same spoon design in both, making the transition even smoother.
Now hopefully you're all ready to start dipping, scooping and chewing your way to weaning success! Check out our 2-in-1 Multistage Dippit™, available in our handy-dandy two-pack.
Or perhaps they’re ready for the next step in their weaning journey? Check out our Handi Cutlery here.
We’d love to see you mastering messy mealtime fun with your little one and Dippit™. Make sure you share your progress by tagging us @bibado
Total Tableware: complete weaning solutions
Bibado Bamboo tableware has been designed by our expert team in tandem with baby feeding experts to give your little one the best start to their weaning adventures. It might look stylish, but there’s serious substance behind those unique curves, slopes and clever design details. Let’s explore!
Portion Control: Our bamboo divider plates guide portion sizes, ensuring baby gets a balanced meal without overfeeding. It's easier to gauge how much of each food group or type they consume.
Introducing Variety: Exposure to various foods is vital for nurturing adventurous little eaters and minimising picky eating. Handy compartments encourage a wide variety of food items in one meal, helping babies experience a range of textures, flavours, and nutrients. Need some weaning inspo? Check out our 50 First Foods Exploration Chart.
Shape-shifting design: see that oval shape in the bamboo plate and bowl? That’s no mistake. We’ve deliberately mirrored it across both tableware pieces to aid and optimise a wide range of scooping actions. In the bowl, the unique sloped sides and curves are to support those crucial motor skills, and to make handling porridges, purees and other fluid foods a cinch.
Improved Eating Habits: By exposing your growing child to a variety of foods in distinct sections, they can develop a habit of having a more varied and balanced diet as they grow older.
Food Separation: Some infants and toddlers are particular about their food touching or mixing. Divider plates can help reduce the anxiety or fussiness that might arise from mixed foods.
Minimise Mess: Making mess is an inescapable part of learning and development. That’s why we developed the Coverall Weaning Bib - to keep little ones covered, but to nurture curiosity by setting little ones free to enjoy food without limits. That said, as parents ourselves, we know you’d rather keep plates and bowls on the highchair or table. That’s why they come with medical-grade silicone suction to keep them rooted to the spot and to minimise that famous toddler Olympic event of plate tossing to a minimum.
Teaching Tool: As your little one grows, Bibado Bamboo plates can act as a teaching tool, helping them identify and name different foods, and even learn about nutrition and balanced diets.
Motivation and Fun: The devil is in the detail, so we’ve added beautiful character engravings from our new Coverall designs to the bottom of our plates and bowls.
Ready to give your weaning adventures a touch of Bibado mealtime magic? Browse our range of bamboo tableware now.
At what age can I start open cup drinking with my baby?
Experts suggest the optimum time to get started is when you’re already transitioning to solids - usually around six months plus. Around this time, your baby will need a little extra water at mealtimes in addition to their breast or bottle feed. This helps prevent constipation and will also help them wash down their food.
The same guidelines for readiness for starting solids apply to open cup drinking. Your little one needs to be able to sit up and support their own head, unaided. They should be safely secured into their high chair and sitting upright, not slumped.
How to choose your open cup
There are two key things to look for initially, and that’s the material and the size. These were the most important considerations in the development of the Bibado Sippit™.
A soft or semi-soft rim is optimal, for the simple reason it is kinder to little mouths and developing teeth. Remember, they’re only just getting the hang of motor control, so there is every likelihood your little one will be a little unsteady at first and may bring the cup to their face more quickly or with less accuracy and control initially. A softer material like our baby-safe, medical-grade silicone is more flexible and easier for them to work with.
The Sippit™ has been designed with little hands and mouths in mind. To you and I, the amount of water it holds may seem very minimal. What’s key for the early days and months is quite literally getting to grips with an open cup. That means being small enough to grasp and hold with two hands and small enough to lift and bring to the mouth. At this stage, refining the actions required to drink from an open cup is what’s most important. That’s why these types of cups are often called baby training cups.
Other features to consider (the Sippit™ has all of these!)
Patience - this is key for almost any baby milestone you can think of. Remove any time pressures, and always be sure you are feeling in the zone. Learning new tricks inevitably involves a few tears, the odd tantrum and a few spills and splashes here and there. The latter can be covered by using a 100% waterproof Bibado Coverall Weaning Bib - this will keep them dry and engaged for longer. Soggy babies are very rarely ready for new adventures! Trust your little one to go at their pace, and never try to move fast. If they’re showing signs of restlessness, lack of interest or heading for a wobble. Call it a day and try again at your next mealtime.
Start small - that’s why our Sippit™ has a deliberately small capacity. You wouldn’t want to feel like you were lifting a bucket to your head to drink, so don’t be tempted to fill the open cup to the brim. Let them master small sips at first and get the hang of balance, control, and handling the cup.
Gentle guiding - you can help them guide it gently to their face by cupping your hands over theirs and assisting them as they practise lifting it up to their mouth.
Tilt and touch - once they’ve reached their mouth or if you’ve helped them, gently tilt the cup so that the water touches their lips. You’re looking for them to activate the closure of their lips around the cup rim so you can pause and hold it there for a second or two.
Modelling - our Sippit™ comes in a two-pack, so you can use one to demonstrate the actions at the same time or show them using your cup. Make encouraging sounds like ahh and mmm to indicate that the liquid reached your mouth.
Encourage and nurture - avoid overreacting to spills or dropped cups. It’s all part of the learning curve. Reassure them and minimise stress by making it part of the fun. Incorporate laughter and fun in the process, and try not to show frustration.
Practice makes perfect - look for as many opportunities to practise. Even if they want to handle the cup and get used to the sensation of it without liquid at first, that’s okay, too. Make it a regular part of your mealtime set-up, and it’ll become second nature in no time.
Now you're ready to start helping them sip their way to success! Check out our baby-safe silicone Sippit open training cups here.
We’d love to see you mastering open cups with your little one. Make sure you share your progress by tagging us in your pics @bibado
]]>Halved Kiwi:
As your baby grows and becomes more adept at handling food, you can move on to serving halved kiwis. Peel a ripe kiwi and cut it in half lengthwise. Remove any seeds, as they may pose a choking hazard. Place the halved kiwi on your baby's highchair tray and let them explore the fruit using their hands or offer them a child-friendly spoon. This method allows your little one to practice their self-feeding skills while enjoying the juicy, fibre-rich flesh of the kiwi.
Cubed Kiwi:
When your baby reaches the stage of chewing and managing small, soft pieces of food, cubed kiwi is a wonderful option. Begin by peeling and removing the seeds from a ripe kiwi. Cut the fruit into small, bite-sized cubes, ensuring they are soft and easy to chew. Place the kiwi cubes on your baby's plate or in a shallow bowl, encouraging them to pick up the pieces and feed themselves. Cubed kiwi provides a fun sensory experience and helps develop your baby's fine motor skills.
Remember, each baby is unique, and their readiness for various food textures may differ. Always closely supervise your little one during mealtime and consult with your Health Visitor if you have any concerns or questions.
With these three ways to serve kiwi to your weaning baby, you can ensure a nutritious and exciting dining experience. Kiwi's vibrant green flesh, tangy-sweet flavour, and impressive nutrient profile make it a fantastic addition to your baby's expanding palate. So, go ahead and introduce this delightful fruit into your baby's meals, and watch them discover a world of taste sensations!
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Mango Puree:
For our tiny tots who are just beginning their weaning journey, pureed mango is a perfect introduction to this tropical delight. Here's how you can prepare it:
Select a ripe and juicy mango. The mango should give a gentle squeeze and have a pleasant aroma.
Wash the mango thoroughly and peel off the skin.
Cut the mango flesh into small pieces and remove the seed.
Place the mango chunks into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth and creamy.
If the consistency is too thick, you can add a little water or breast milk/formula to achieve the desired texture.
Mango Spears:
As your little one progresses and develops better hand-eye coordination, you can introduce mango spears. This preparation allows them to hold the mango themselves, providing a sensory and self-feeding experience. Here's how you can make it happen:
Choose a ripe mango and wash it thoroughly.
Peel off the skin and cut the mango into long, thin spears. Make sure to leave the seed intact as a natural handle for your baby to hold onto.
Place the mango spears on a clean, baby-friendly plate or tray.
Encourage your little one to explore the mango spears independently and have fun exploring the textures and flavours.
You can also roll the spears in a seed of your choice for easier holding, they also adopt things like cayenne pepper really well to offer a real taste adventure. However, remember to only add a small amount as this can be quite spicy.
Cubed Mango:
Once your baby has developed chewing skills, cubed mangoes can be introduced. Cubes are a great way to encourage self-feeding and promote fine motor skills. Here's how to prepare them:
Select a ripe mango and give it a good wash.
Peel the skin off and carefully cut the mango flesh into small, bite-sized cubes.
Remove any remaining fibres or strings from the mango.
Place the mango cubes on a child-friendly plate or in a small bowl and serve it to your little one.
Watch as your baby enjoys the newfound independence of picking up and chewing on the delicious mango cubes.
Remember, always closely supervise your baby while they are eating and ensure that the mangoes are prepared in a safe and age-appropriate manner. We would also advise consulting your health visitor before introducing any new foods to your baby's diet, especially if there are concerns about allergies or digestive issues.
Mangoes are a fantastic fruit to include in your baby's diet, offering a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and natural sweetness. With these three simple preparations, you can introduce your little one to the wonderful world of mangoes, one delicious bite at a time. Happy weaning and happy mango munching!
]]>Ingredients:
2 ripe plums
Instructions:
Wash the plums thoroughly and remove the pits.
Cut the plums into small, manageable pieces.
Steam the plum pieces until they are soft and tender.
Transfer the steamed plums into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
If needed, add a little water or breast milk/formula to achieve the desired consistency.
Allow the puree to cool and serve it up to your little one with a baby-friendly spoon, our Dippit is perfect for those first tastes.
Whole Plums:
As your baby progresses and becomes more comfortable with solid foods, you can introduce whole plum treats. This helps them explore different textures and enhances their fine motor skills. Here's how you can serve whole plums:
Ingredients:
Ripe plums
Instructions:
Start by washing the plums thoroughly.
Remove the pits, and slice the plums into halves or quarters, depending on the size of the fruit and your baby's chewing abilities.
Offer the plum slices to your baby, allowing them to grasp and explore the fruit. It's perfectly okay if they just suck or gnaw on the plum initially.
Supervise your baby while they enjoy their whole plum treat to ensure safe chewing and prevent choking hazards.
Sliced Plums:
When your little one has mastered the art of chewing and can handle more solid foods, you can introduce sliced plums as a tasty and nutritious snack. Here's a simple way to serve them:
Ingredients:
Ripe plums
Instructions:
Begin by washing the plums thoroughly.
Remove the pits and cut the plums into thin slices or bite-sized pieces.
Place the plum slices on a plate or in a snack container.
Serve the slices to your baby as a finger food snack or alongside their main meal.
Sliced plums are not only delicious but also help develop your baby's hand-eye coordination and self-feeding skills. It's a win-win! You can also bake them into a delicious pastry dish!
Remember, every baby is unique, and their readiness for different textures may vary. Always consult with your health visitor before introducing new foods and follow their guidance on the appropriate time to start introducing plums or any other foods to your baby.
So, there you have it, three fantastic ways to serve plums to your weaning baby. Whether it's pureed, whole, or sliced, these plum preparations are packed with vitamins, fibre, and natural sweetness, making them a fantastic addition to your little one's expanding palate.
Remember to introduce one new food at a time and wait for a few days before introducing another to monitor for any potential allergies or sensitivities.
]]>Pureed Apples
For the youngest eaters who are just starting their weaning journey, pureed apples are a fantastic choice. Start by peeling and coring a ripe apple, then chop it into small pieces. Steam the apple until it becomes soft and tender. Once it's cooked, transfer the apple chunks to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. If needed, you can add a little breast milk, formula, or water to achieve the desired consistency. The pureed apples can be served on their own or mixed with other fruits or baby cereals for added variety.
Steamed Apple
As your baby grows older and becomes more comfortable with textures, steamed apple sticks are a wonderful way to introduce them to finger foods. Peel and cut a ripe apple into long, thin sticks or matchstick shapes. Steam the apple sticks until they are soft but still retain some firmness. The steaming process makes the apple sticks easier for your little one to handle and chew. Be sure to let them cool down before offering them to your baby. These soft and slightly firm apple sticks are excellent for practising fine motor skills and self-feeding.
Sliced Apple
Once your baby has developed better chewing and swallowing abilities, you can move on to sliced apples. Choose a firm apple and wash it thoroughly. Remove the core and slice the apple to an appropriate size for your baby's age and ability. You can serve the apple as they are, or you can lightly steam or bake them for a softer texture. These apple rings provide a crunchy yet manageable texture for your little one to enjoy. Remember to supervise closely during this stage to ensure safe eating.
Remember, every baby is unique, and it's essential to introduce new foods gradually, observing their reactions and adjusting textures as needed. Always consult your health visitor for guidance and follow their recommendations regarding the introduction of solid foods.
Apples are a fantastic fruit to include in your baby's diet due to their natural sweetness, fibre content, and various nutrients. They are not only delicious but also versatile and easy to incorporate into different recipes as your baby grows. So, get creative and have fun experimenting with these three apple-serving options.
]]>Butternut Squash Puree:
Purees are often the go-to option for introducing solids to babies, and butternut squash makes a perfect base for a smooth and creamy puree. To prepare this, start by peeling and removing the seeds from a small butternut squash. Chop it into small cubes and steam or boil until tender. Once cooked, transfer the squash to a blender or food processor and blend until you achieve a smooth consistency. Add some breast milk, formula, or water to adjust the texture if needed. This vibrant puree is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, making it a fantastic choice for your little one's first food adventure!
Soft Butternut Squash Slices:
Introducing soft, finger-friendly food is a great idea. Butternut squash slices are a fantastic option for this stage. Start by peeling the squash and cutting it into long, thin slices. Steam or roast the slices until they become tender and can be easily mashed with little pressure. Once cooled, give them to your baby to hold and explore. These soft and nutritious butternut squash slices are perfect for encouraging self-feeding and developing fine motor skills.
Roasted Butternut Squash:
When your baby becomes more adventurous and ready for chunkier textures, roasted butternut squash cubes are an excellent choice. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel the butternut squash and slice into wedges. Toss the wedgess with a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of mild spices like cinnamon or nutmeg (optional). Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until they turn golden and tender. Let them cool before serving them to your baby. These roasted wedges provide a delightful combination of flavours and a slightly firmer texture, encouraging your little one to explore new tastes and sensations.
Remember, each baby is unique, and their weaning journey may progress at different rates. Always consult with your health visitor about when to introduce specific foods and textures. And don't forget to follow proper food safety guidelines when preparing meals for your little one.
]]>Whole Strawberry
Serving whole strawberries will help them develop their pincer grasp and explore different tastes and textures. Start by washing and hulling a few strawberries, then offer them to your baby whole. Make sure the strawberries are ripe and soft to reduce the risk of choking. Supervise your baby closely while they enjoy this fruity adventure.
Sliced Strawberries
As your little one grows and becomes more comfortable with chewing and swallowing, it's time to introduce sliced strawberries. Slicing strawberries makes them easier to handle and promotes self-feeding skills. Begin by washing and hulling the strawberries, then slice them into thin, baby-friendly pieces. Offer the sliced strawberries to your baby, and let them explore and savour the sweetness of this delightful fruit.
Remember, it's essential to closely monitor your baby while they eat strawberries or any other solid food to ensure their safety. Here are a few more tips to keep in mind:
With these three exciting ways to serve strawberries, you'll be adding a burst of flavour and nutrition to your little one's weaning journey. As always, pay attention to your baby's cues and preferences, and have fun exploring the world of food together.
]]>Pureed Raspberries:
For our littlest eaters who are just starting their food adventures, pureed raspberries are a fantastic option. Start by washing a handful of ripe raspberries, removing any stems, and placing them in a blender or food processor. Blend until you achieve a smooth consistency, and voila! You have a luscious, vibrant puree that's perfect for introducing new flavours. You may choose to strain the puree to remove any seeds if desired.
Squashed Raspberries:
Pretty soon it's time to introduce some textures. Squashing raspberries is an excellent way to provide a slightly more substantial experience. Begin by washing a handful of raspberries and placing them on a plate. Use the back of a fork or a small masher to gently squash the raspberries, creating a chunky texture. This allows your little one to experience the taste and texture of raspberries while encouraging their developing chewing skills. Offer the squashed raspberries on a spoon or let your baby explore with their little fingers, embracing the joys of self-feeding.
Whole Raspberries:
When your baby is reaching the one-year mark and becoming more proficient in their eating abilities, it's time to take things up a notch and offer whole raspberries. Ensure the raspberries are thoroughly washed and serve them as is, allowing your little one to explore the fruit in its natural form. Whole raspberries offer a fantastic sensory experience, as they have a delicate texture and the seeds provide a delightful crunch. Encourage your baby to pick up the raspberries and enjoy them independently. Just be prepared for some adorable, raspberry-stained smiles!
Remember, every baby is unique, and their readiness for different textures may vary. Always consult with your health visitor and observe your baby's cues to ensure you're introducing new foods at the appropriate age and stage.
There you have it, three ways to serve raspberries to your weaning baby! Whether you opt for the silky smoothness of puree, the squashed sensations, or the whole raspberry adventure, these tasty treats are sure to be a hit with your little one. So, get ready to embrace the joy of introducing new flavours and textures to your baby's palate.
]]>Cauliflower Puree
Let's kick things off with a classic—cauliflower puree. This silky-smooth goodness is perfect for babies who are new to solids. Start by washing and cutting a small head of cauliflower into florets. Steam the florets until they are soft and easily mashed with a fork. Transfer the cooked cauliflower to a blender or food processor and blend until you achieve a smooth consistency. If needed, add a little breast milk, formula, or water to thin it out. Voila! Creamy cauliflower puree is ready to be served to your little one. Remember to let it cool down before feeding.
Steamed Cauliflower Florets
Steamed cauliflower florets are perfect for this weaning stage. Take some fresh cauliflower and cut it into florets. Steam them until they are tender but not mushy. You can use a steamer basket or simply place them in a microwave-safe dish with a little water and cover it. Once cooked, let them cool down and offer them to your baby as finger food. The soft texture makes it easy for them to grab and chew.
Roasted Cauliflower Bites
When your little one has graduated the finger food stage and is a bit older (12+ months), let's add some exciting flavours with roasted cauliflower bites! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take a small head of cauliflower and cut it into small florets. Toss them in a little olive oil, sprinkle with mild spices if you like, and spread them out on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes or until they turn golden brown and tender - they must be tender. Allow them to cool down, and then watch your baby munch away on these delicious and nutritious roasted cauliflower bites.
Remember, every baby is unique, and it's important to introduce new foods one at a time to watch for any allergic reactions or sensitivities. Also, consult your health visitor regarding the appropriate age to introduce specific foods to your baby.
So, there you have it—a trio of cauliflower delights to keep your little one's taste buds tantalised during the weaning process. From creamy purees to tender florets and crispy bites, cauliflower offers endless possibilities for your baby's culinary adventure. Have fun exploring and enjoy this exciting stage of your baby's development!
]]>Steamed Spinach
Once your baby is ready for more texture, it's time to introduce steamed spinach. Steaming retains the nutrients and vibrant green colour of spinach while making it easier to chew and swallow. Begin by washing the spinach leaves thoroughly. Steam them until they become tender but still retain their bright green colour. Allow the spinach to cool and serve it as a side dish or mixed with other soft foods. Your little one will love the vibrant taste and texture of steamed spinach!
Spinach Pancakes
Who says vegetables can't be fun? Spinach pancakes are a creative and delicious way to incorporate spinach into your baby's meals. Start by washing a bunch of spinach leaves and blanching them in boiling water for a minute. Drain and squeeze out any excess water, then chop the spinach finely. In a bowl, combine the chopped spinach with pancake batter (you can use your favourite pancake recipe or a baby-friendly one). Mix well until the spinach is evenly distributed. Cook the pancakes on a griddle or frying pan, just like you would regular pancakes. Serve them to your little one as a fun and nutritious meal or snack option.
Remember, always closely monitor your baby during mealtime and ensure that the spinach is prepared in a safe and age-appropriate manner. Here are a few more tips to keep in mind:
- Introduce one new food at a time, with a gap of a few days before introducing another, to watch for any signs of allergies or sensitivities.
- Choose fresh and tender spinach leaves for the best taste and nutritional value.
- Consult your GP or health visitor if your baby has any known allergies or sensitivities before introducing spinach.
With these three exciting ways to serve spinach, you'll be adding a burst of nutrients and flavour to your little one's weaning journey. Watch as they explore new tastes and textures while benefiting from the goodness of this leafy green. Enjoy the adventure of introducing new foods together.
]]>Sliced Length ways Parsnip Spears
Once it's time to introduce sliced parsnips. Serve them sliced length ways encourage their self-feeding skills and add an element of fun to mealtime. Begin by washing, peeling, and cutting a parsnip length ways into thin spears. Steam or roast them until tender but still firm. Allow the parsnip spears to cool slightly before offering them to your baby. Watch as they grasp the spears and explore the natural sweetness of this root vegetable.
Bite-Sized Roasted Parsnip Pieces
As your baby grows and becomes more skilled at chewing and swallowing, it's time to take its parsnip adventure to the next level. Roasted parsnip pieces are a delicious and nutritious option. Begin by washing, peeling, and cutting the parsnips into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in a little olive oil and season with mild spices like cinnamon or cumin (optional). Roast the parsnips in the oven until they turn golden and tender. Allow them to cool and serve as finger food for your little one to explore and enjoy.
Remember, it's important to supervise your baby closely during mealtimes and ensure that the parsnips are prepared in a baby-friendly manner. Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind:
- Introduce one new food at a time, with a gap of a few days before introducing another, to watch for any signs of allergies or sensitivities.
- Always choose fresh, firm, and blemish-free parsnips for the best taste and nutritional value.
With these three delightful ways to serve parsnips, you'll be adding a burst of flavour and healthy nutrients to your little one's weaning journey. Remember to follow your baby's cues and preferences, and enjoy the wonderful experience of introducing new foods together.
]]>
Finely Chopped Broccoli:
If you're looking for a middle ground between purees and finger foods, finely chopped broccoli is a fantastic option. Start by steaming or boiling the florets until they are soft and tender. Once cooked, chop them into small, bite-sized pieces that are easy for your baby to handle and chew. To create a nutritious meal, you can mix the finely chopped broccoli with other cooked vegetables, grains, or protein sources like mashed potatoes, rice, or cooked chicken. This way, you'll introduce your little one to different flavours and textures while providing a balanced meal.
Remember, as you embark on this weaning journey, it's important to introduce new foods gradually and keep an eye out for any signs of allergies or digestive issues. Every baby is unique, so it's a good idea to consult with your health visitor before introducing new foods to your little one's diet.
Enjoy your weaning journey and discover the wonderful world of food with your baby.
]]>How to use your 50 First Foods Chart
Pop the poster chart somewhere prominent and close to where you feed little one. This will make it easier to remember to record your progress but will also be a useful prompt for shopping lists and meal planners.
Use the exploration chart at as many mealtimes as you feel comfortable but try to always make sure you have time and space to enjoy your mealtime free from other distractions. This will give you and baby the best chance to explore together with an open mindset
Introduce new foods to your baby using the road map at the top of the poster to guide you. Comment on the colour and the taste. Show them how you eat it, highlighting the different ways to experience it. Emphasise the eating actions and sounds. Smile, make eye contact, laugh, and enjoy the experience. Encourage them but allow them space to explore at their pace. Look for those cues and try to understand what your baby is telling you and how they want to feed or be fed.
Tick or scratch off the box for each food you try together. Remember, it’s an experience that counts so even if they play, hold, or touch the food, you can celebrate and record it. It can take 5 or more attempts for a baby to successfully eat a new food, so be sure to keep going. Don’t worry if it takes longer, all babies are different.
Work your way through the chart in whatever order suits you and baby. Expert advice suggests leaving 3 days between foods marked as allergens. This gives ample time to establish if there is a reaction. For non-allergen foods, go ahead and introduce them as and when you both feel ready.
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Purees are the go-to classic for introducing solid foods to your baby whether they are starting out with BLW or parent-led feeding. Begin by steaming or boiling carrots until they can be easily mashed with a fork. Next, transfer the cooked carrots to a blender or food processor and let the magic happen. Blend until smooth, adding a touch of water, breast milk, or formula to achieve the perfect consistency. Voila! You've created a velvety puree bursting with carrot goodness. Serve small portions of this vibrant puree to your little one and watch them discover a new world of flavour.
Who says carrots have to go solo? Let's jazz things up a bit! Take those carrots and cook them until they reach a delightful softness. Once tender, mash them up and get creative by mixing them with other steamed or cooked fruits or vegetables. The possibilities are endless! Consider mashing carrots with sweet potatoes, peas, or apples for an exciting medley of flavours. Not only does this introduce variety into your baby's diet, but it also helps enhance the taste and nutritional value of their meals. Remember to ensure that all ingredients are soft and appropriately prepared for your baby's age and chewing ability.
As your baby grows, their hand-eye coordination develops, and their pincer grasp emerges. It's the perfect time to introduce carrot sticks! Steam or boil carrot sticks until they become gloriously soft and can be easily mashed between your fingers. Then, cut the carrots into long, thin sticks—just the right size for your little one to hold and gnaw on. Of course, always be present and keep a watchful eye on your baby while they explore this new texture to ensure their safety.
As with any new food, take it slow and pay attention to your baby's reactions. Watch out for any signs of allergies or intolerance's, and don't hesitate to seek guidance from your qualified healthcare professional. They can provide personalised advice on introducing solids, as well as the appropriate texture and consistency of foods for your little one during this exciting weaning stage. There are also lots of helpful articles that can be found on the NHS website.
So there you have it—three fantastic ways to serve carrots during the weaning process. Get creative, have fun, and enjoy this incredible culinary adventure with your baby. Happy weaning!
]]>“Boiled eggs are a perfect early food for babies – a runny boiled egg and bread or toast soldiers has been a favourite for babies through the generations! They work whether you are spoon-feeding your baby or following baby-led weaning. Just make sure your egg has the British Lion mark on when you’re serving your boiled egg runny. If you’re trying baby-led weaning, you can let your baby have a go themselves – chop and mash a lightly boiled egg in a bowl with some bread and butter and baby can feed themselves the eggy bread.”
Remember, every baby is unique, so feel free to adapt these ideas to suit your little one's preferences and needs. As always, it's essential to introduce one new food at a time and watch for any signs of allergies or intolerance's. And of course, never leave your baby unattended during mealtime, especially when they're exploring new foods like eggs.
Have fun experimenting with these three simple ways to serve eggs during your baby's weaning journey. Let your little one explore the different textures, shapes, and tastes while you cheer them on as their biggest foodie fan.
]]>There you have it, fellow parents on the weaning journey—three marvelous ways to introduce the sweet potato to your little one's taste adventure. So, go ahead and let your baby explore the world of sweet potatoes with joy and excitement.
Happy weaning and bon appétit!
]]>Let's start with mashed, try mashing a ripe banana with a fork until it reaches a smooth consistency. Mashed banana opens up a whole new world of possibilities! You can serve it on its own if you are just starting out or as a dip alongside soft-cooked vegetables or whole-grain crackers for older little ones. It adds a naturally sweet flavour that will make those veggies more enticing. Another idea is to spread the mashed banana on toast or use it as a filling for sandwiches. Your little one will be in for a delightful and tasty treat!
Now, let's talk about banana spears. This method is fantastic for babies who prefer holding their food with a closed fist rather than using their pincer grasp. Simply peel a ripe banana and cut it into long, thin spears, or slide your finger down the middle of the banana and let it naturally split into three. These banana spears are easy for your baby to hold onto and gnaw on, encouraging self-feeding and improving their hand-eye coordination.
And finally how about serving bananas with the peel still half on? This is a super fun way to serve whole bananas to little ones. The peel provides extra grip so they are able to improve their hand-eye coordination skills and make sure a lot of the yummy banana makes it into their mouths.
So there you have it, three fantastic ways to serve plain bananas for baby-led weaning. Remember to always choose ripe bananas as they are softer and easier for your little one to manage. Plus, they're naturally sweet, which makes them an instant hit with tiny taste buds. Get ready for some adorable moments and happy munching as your baby explores the wonderful world of solid foods. Enjoy this exciting journey together, and don't forget to have fun along the way!
]]>
1. Avocado Puree or Yoghurt Blend - perfect to 6-9 months
Avocado Puree
Avocado Yoghurt Blend
2. Avocado Slices - from 6-9 months+
Avocado slices are a great finger food to offer to your baby during the weaning phase as they are soft and easy to chew. Here are the steps to serve avocado slices to your baby:
3. Skin-on Avo' Boats - 18-24 months
This way of serving avocado is perfect for older babies and toddlers that have started to master their motor skills and are comfortable using utensils like our 'No-drop' Handi Cutlery.
]]>
Remember, every baby is different and there's no one-size-fits-all approach to weaning. Always choose what's best for you and your baby, and consult with your GP or visit the NHS website for advice.
]]>So what snacks and treats are safe?
Homemade Fruit and Vegetable Snacks: One of the best ways to ensure that your child is getting a healthy and safe Easter treat is by making your own fruit and vegetable snacks. You can create fun shapes and designs using cookie cutters and arrange them in an Easter basket. Some great options include carrot sticks, apple slices, and strawberry hearts.
Soft-Boiled Eggs: Eggs are an Easter staple so why not incorporate them into your mealtime? Soft-boiled eggs are a great option for babies and toddlers. They are rich in protein and vitamins, but they are on the NHS list of known allergens so it’s important to follow the correct advice about how and when to introduce them and what to do if you spot an allergic reaction.
Crisped rice Treats: This breakfast cereal creation is a classic Easter treat that can be made at home with safe ingredients. They are soft and easy for babies and toddlers to eat, but be sure to watch out for choking hazards by cutting them into small pieces. We recommend using a grape cutter or choke checker, both of which are available here.
Chocolate-Dipped Fruit: Chocolate-dipped fruit can be a delicious and healthy Easter treat. Choose fruits like strawberries or bananas, and use dark chocolate for a lower sugar option. Again, be sure to cut the fruit into small pieces to avoid choking hazards.
Bunny-Shaped Crackers: Crackers can be a great option for a fun Easter snack. You can find bunny-shaped crackers or use a cookie cutter to make your own. Many brands also offer carrot puffs which are the perfect Easter treat for your precious little bunnies
Fruit Pouches: Fruit pouches are a convenient and healthy snack option for babies and toddlers. Look for pouches with no added sugars and be mindful of any potential allergens.
Remember, always supervise young children while they are eating and avoid any potential choking hazards.
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Getting started
It’s only natural that you’re nervous and perhaps even a little anxious about gagging and choking. Remember that you’re not alone. Almost every parent will share the same concerns and reservations as they start the process of introducing variety into their baby’s mealtimes. However, it’s important not to let that fear hold you back and to hold on to the promise of an inspiring journey for you both. Research proves that exposing your baby to as many different types of food as possible before they reach 9-10 months of age helps them develop essential muscles and oral motor skills. These, in fact, facilitate safer and more adventurous eating.
Safety first
Whether you’re starting out with puree or finger food, or perhaps a combination of the two, be sure to check the safety basics are in place by referring to this quick checklist of cues that will let you know that baby is ready to get going:
The Texture Timeline
You’ve established that your LO is ready to go, but where do you start, and at what speed do you go? Let’s head to the texture timeline and discover what to expect in each phase.
Phase Zero
Think of this as the warm-up phase. It’s a handy jumping-off point for parents who are perhaps apprehensive, maybe even a little terrified. This is the phase to ease yourself gently into the process. Here you’ll start with extremely thin, puree consistencies – slightly thicker than milk or breastmilk but still very easy to swallow. A good example would be apple sauce. Phase zero is helpful to establish that baby can swallow safely and for getting them used to sitting at mealtimes. It helps them to understand that they can put things in their mouth and introduces them to a small number of flavours. It can also be beneficial to start here for babies with developmental delays or those who perhaps show a tendency for sensory overwhelm. This phase is optional, and some parents do skip it and move straight to phase one but remember always to move at a flow that suits you and your little one.
Phase One
Here you can begin to offer foods that are thicker or creamier in texture or super soft finger foods. Foods might include sweet potato, avocado and banana, but make sure they pass the squish test (pinch between the thumb and index finger to mimic the pressure of baby’s gums. If it squishes easily, it’s safe to give to baby). This can be an excellent time to introduce utensils and encourage them to use their hands more. Try Dippit, our multi-stage weaning spoon and dipper. It’s dual-ended to let your baby explore flavours with the dipper end, then transition to scooping with the deep contoured spoon when they’re ready. If they are interested in reaching out, offer them the cutlery or let them grab for the food themselves. Remember to keep looking out for those cues. If you’re showing them how to eat by demonstrating yourself and they seem disinterested, it may be a cue that they aren’t ready. It doesn’t mean they aren’t ready for solids. It might just suggest that they want to start with a different approach – i.e., try offering them the food rather than them reaching for it.
Phase Two
Things are beginning to get more interesting! Baby is showing more signs of independence, and your confidence is increasing. It’s time to offer foods that are lumpy or minced textures. As a guideline, babies around 8-9 months will ideally have been exposed to this phase. Typical foods might include oatmeal, quartered blueberries, fish cakes, bean burgers and meat patties. These food types still don’t call for heavy chewing or pulling pieces off. It’s more about mashing with the tongue and managing multiple textures and solids.
Phase Three
You’re encouraged by the progress you are both making so it’s time to be more experimental. The good news is that this stage is just an evolution of phase two. In simple terms, we want to introduce more textures and be even more adventurous. Think crispy, crumbly, spongy, grainy, and stringy textures. Some good examples are mushrooms, tofu, pulled chicken, roasted asparagus, rice, quinoa, and couscous. Parents often wonder how quickly they can introduce new foods to their baby. The great news is there aren’t really any hard and fast rules, except when it comes to allergens. Expert advice suggests leaving a gap of three days with allergens. This allows ample time to detect if there is a reaction or allergy. For all other non-allergen foods, be led by your baby and go at a pace that suits you both.
Progression not perfection
When it comes to the texture timeline, progression rather than perfection is the name of the game. This is not a moment for competitive parenting! You might spend just a couple of days or even meals in the earlier phases, zero through to two, but if you need a couple of weeks, that’s fine too. In phases two and three, you might spend a little longer as you build your confidence and simply because there will be more foods to explore. If you spend up to a month here, it’s ok.
Edwena advises going at a pace that suits you and your baby and advocates a permission-based approach based on their readiness and cues. Though the texture timeline is a sequential approach designed to progress your baby, Edwena advocates moving backwards and forwards between phases if needed. The most important thing is not to get too stuck in one stage for too long, as this can lead to developmental delays.
As a rule of thumb, you should be looking to have moved through all phases by the time your baby reaches 10-11 months of age.
How do I know I’m doing it right?
Keep checking in on the cues your baby is giving you and remember to factor in what else is going on in their world. Things like sleep regression, teething or just feeling a little grouchy can make them less open to exploration on occasion. Chalk this up to experience and don’t let minor wobbles derail you. Some days baby will appear more engaged and interested, but don’t get disheartened if there are days when your little one has less enthusiasm or seems to be refusing food more.
Persevere and remember that babies need multiple exposures to foods before they can display a true preference or dislike. Trust yourself and your baby and use the texture timeline in a way that works best for you. As you progress through the timeline, you’ll develop confidence, and your little one will enjoy a world of food exploration that will set them up to be healthy, happy eaters.
If you’ve enjoyed this blog and want to discover more confidence-boosting tips and expert info on the fascinating world of weaning, head to our Family Hub where you’ll find loads more articles, recipes, ideas and inspiration. You might also want to listen in to the full podcast with Edwena here. She shared so much insight and experience, but we couldn’t fit it all in here!
]]>Though parents tend to start thinking about weaning when their baby is between 4-6 months old, you can begin to lay the foundations for successful feeding much earlier. So, before you even consider whether you’re opting for baby-led or parent-led weaning, here are five ways to increase your chances of winning at weaning and give those developmental milestones a super boost. There’s no fancy or expensive equipment required, and the great news is that almost everything good you can do is entirely within your control.
Read on for five fail-safe strategies to equip your little ones with the life-changing skills to give them a head start on their mealtime adventures.
]]>Though parents tend to start thinking about weaning when their baby is between 4-6 months old, you can begin to lay the foundations for successful feeding much earlier. So, before you even consider whether you’re opting for baby-led or parent-led weaning, here are five ways to increase your chances of winning at weaning and give those developmental milestones a super boost. There’s no fancy or expensive equipment required, and the great news is that almost everything good you can do is entirely within your control.
Read on for five fail-safe strategies to equip your little ones with the life-changing skills to give them a head start on their mealtime adventures.
Hands-Up!
Babies start to discover their hands anytime between 6-8 weeks. Once they’ve found them, they’ll spend the next few months reaching for anything and everything in sight. Though it will be a few months before they perfect their grasping and releasing skills, you should do everything you can to encourage them to bring their hands to their mouths. Sounds obvious, right, but it can also be a natural instinct for parents to discourage their little ones from chewing on their hands and fists – especially as we’ve all become so obsessed with hand hygiene post-pandemic.
The motion of getting the hands to the mouth is a seismic milestone. It’s a precursor to bringing food into the midline and up to the mouth, as well as using cutlery, and should be encouraged at every opportunity. That’s why encouraging clapping as part of sing-along time is so important!
Teethers, teethers everywhere and not a tooth in sight!
Forget everything you ever thought you knew about teethers. You aren’t alone if you believe teething toys are solely for little ones with teeth. This is probably one of the biggest misconceptions about this hugely valuable yet relatively inexpensive developmental aid. Yes, they’re good for soothing the pain associated with erupting teeth, but they’re capable of so much more. Having one at the ready from 3 months onwards is one of the savviest parenting decisions you’ll make!
Oral exploration is everything for babies, and a multi-sensory teether can provide serious developmental gains when it comes to strengthening the mouth muscles required for successful feeding. As soon as your little one shows an interest in putting things in their mouth, arm them with a teether. Steer clear of those that major in form over function. Those meaningless squeaks will do zilch for their mouth muscles! Instead, look for a teether with multiple textures and features that will give the mouth a complete workout. Our very own Dawn the Dinosaur™ was created in conjunction with child healthcare experts. She’s been designed to work the four main muscle groups in their mouth – tongue, jaw, lips and cheek.
Sensory & Sensibility
Think of sensory experiences as a prelude to eating – an aperitif, if you like, before the main meal. This could be as simple as letting your little one go barefoot in the grass or sand and encouraging them to explore a wide variety of textures safely. Even before they get started on food, babies will experience texture in the things they touch and the toys and teethers they explore with their gums, tongues and mouths. Widen their horizons to texture long before they sit in a highchair, and they’ll already be predisposed to accept new tastes and textures in the foods they explore.
Have a healthy regard for mess
This one is closely aligned with sensory exploration and very much concerned with your outward response and reaction to mess. Babies learn through play and by exploring. In the early days, that equals a lot of mess. Though that can equal a whole lotta inconvenience in your eyes, the best thing you can do is channel your inner Elsa and ‘let it go’. By all means, organise your store cupboard alphabetically. You even have our full permission to line up your baked beans and tomato soup with the labels facing forwards. Take it from the experts, though; messy hands and faces equal curiosity, which almost always leads to developmental gains. Resist the temptation to be constantly on standby with the wet wipes or flannel. That’s why we invented the Bibado Coverall! It’s there to embrace their curiosity and catch all the spills and spoils so they can immerse themselves in messy play and food discovery without limits. Making a mess is the road to sensory development and the best way to set little mouths up for feeding success.
Channel your inner child
You might be noticing a pattern by this point. All of the strategies interlink and are interdependent in one way or another. Channelling your inner child means getting involved in your child’s curiosity and joining in with the fun. Set your parental stresses aside and try not to focus on the clean-up operation. Model encouraging behaviour yourself and try not to display expressions of distaste or dissatisfaction when your little one makes a mess or explores a texture. This goes for messy play as much as it does food exploration. Take the lead and show them that it’s ok to get acquainted with non-toxic paints, water, safe food types and textures. Showcase delight and make positive noises and facial expressions as you demonstrate handling and experiencing different textures. Avoid pulling things away from them in haste or whipping their hands away from mess – unless, of course, it’s in the interests of safety. Such seemingly innocent acts to us can have a detrimental effect on their willingness to stay curious and explore.
We hope you’ve enjoyed these tips and that they’ve offered insight into the wonderful world of weaning. It’s a magical time in your baby’s developmental journey and one to which you can add value. The work you put in now and how you approach this foundational phase can help minimise picky eating and other developmental delays, so throw yourself in and enjoy the ride.
Remember that all babies develop at different paces, so use this advice as a guideline and trust your instincts as a parent. If you feel like there are any delays in your little one discovering their hands or wanting to put things in their mouth, seek the help of your health practitioner or GP.
]]>Knowing which new textures to add and where to start can feel like a minefield. Know that many have walked the road before you and that there are a host of experts who offer brilliant advice, recipes and tips to support you along the way. One expert Bibado has had the pleasure of working with is Edwena Kennedy, mum of two and a leading paediatric dietician. Edwena uses a signature tool called The Texture Timeline in her baby-led feeding classes. It offers a practical, guided way to ensure that parents move their babies through several distinct phases of food discovery to expand their exposure to a broad spectrum of food types, flavours, and textures. You can read about it in more detail here and also listen to the podcast here.
Wherever you’re at in your weaning journey, Edwena offers some brilliant advice to help you get the most out of your weaning experience. Some of it might feel obvious, but it’s easy to overlook when you’re batch cooking in earnest, working out what tasty treats to serve up, and getting to grips with the demands of a hangry little person.
Here's ten top tips you can start implementing right now. They’ll help create more memorable mealtimes and take the stress out of your weaning adventures.
1. Be present
It’s very tempting for busy parents to multitask during mealtimes. After all, if baby is safely strapped into their highchair, it’s easy to make the most of that extra five minutes here and there. Hands up if you’ve decided to tackle the mounting pile of dishes while your little one tucks into their meal or popped that next load of washing on. It's essential to set an example and demonstrate the importance of taking time out to enjoy a meal. Don't wander off or multitask. Sit down and take part. Observe as they tackle new foods and watch as they learn and grow.
2. Slow mealtimes down
See 1. above! Don’t view each mealtime as a chore or box-ticking exercise. Look at it as another opportunity to take five and join your baby as they explore their plate. Make adequate time for your baby to be able to touch, taste and play with their food. All these steps are just as necessary as physical eating itself.
3. Seek progression, not perfection
We want the best for our children, which sometimes means striving for unrealistic perfection. Give yourself permission to do your best and know that that's good enough. What's important is to make progress at a pace that feels right for you. Keep notes on your phone or in a diary to record what new foods and textures you're introducing to baby. You could even try our 50-First Foods Exploration Chart.
4. Separate milk and mealtimes
If you're still giving milk, it's essential to distinguish between milk and solid feeds. All babies progress at different rates, and some struggle to let go of those soothing milk feeds. Leave enough time, so they don't bypass solids if they know milk is coming 30 mins later.
5. Try to be agenda-free
It's common for parents to approach weaning with military precision and a raft of strategies for every eventuality. Planning isn't bad, but try not to put too much pressure on yourself. You'll get more out of your weaning experience if you learn to go with the flow and let go of preconceived ideas. Like us, babies can be unpredictable, have off days or want to interact with their plate in surprising ways. Take each meal as a unique experience and deal with it in the moment. The emotions and behaviours you demonstrate at mealtimes can go a long way in making your little one feel at ease and confident, so be aware of the vibe you are channelling!
6. Talk to baby
One of the many benefits of being present and giving your undivided attention to mealtimes is the verbal encouragement and commentary you can provide. Face your baby during meals and communicate with them. Highlight the colours on their plate and name the foods they are eating. Make encouraging noises, sounds and expressions and exaggerate your own mouth movements if they are showing an interest in what and how you are eating. Remember, you are their first teacher, and what you do and show can significantly impact their development.
7. The oldest trick in the book
Following on from point 6 above, you can help your little one by modelling eating behaviours and exploring foods outside of mealtimes. Our Interactive Weaning Sound Books use friendly characters to introduce and familiarise little ones with new foods. They use actions and sounds to mimic the mouth movements needed for successful feeding, and help to reinforce positive reactions.
8. Create mealtime adventures
Exploration is the name of the game if you want to get the most out of your weaning adventures together. Encourage your baby to be curious and be prepared to let them make mess & play as they explore their food.
Sensory exploration plays a vital role in the weaning journey, so be sure to incorporate it into at least some of your mealtimes. Foods like spaghetti and jelly can be a great place to start. Combining foods like yoghurt with a dollop of fruit puree can also encourage them to mix with their fingers or a multi-stage weaning spoon like the Dippit. You’ll find lots of inspiration and practical ideas on our Family Hub. Make mealtimes a social event and get the whole family involved.
9. Read the cues
Cues are everything. Try not to be too single-minded in your focus. It's easy to be so set on getting your little one fed or making sure they've had a substantial meal that you forget to watch out for the crucial signs they're giving us. For example, pushing away an offered spoon doesn't necessarily mean they don't want what you're giving them. Maybe they want to explore with their hands instead? Are they yawning and rubbing their eyes? Perhaps they're tired and less open to trying new foods. Be alert to the signs they're giving you, and don't push past them.
10. Let go of responsibility
Your baby knows their body. Don’t be tempted to make them eat more if they are showing signs they have had enough or force them to eat if they’re not interested. Trust them to know how much to eat, just like they did on milk feeds. They knew then when to start and stop, and it's that natural innate ability we want to carry over to mealtimes with solids. Let them lead their way and enjoy the time.
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