Switching your child's diet from liquids to solid food will be an adventure for the entire family. At this stage, your little one is strengthening his motor skills and hand-eye coordination, so there is likely to be a mess where your toddler eats. Save yourself cleaning time by setting a splash mat under his chair to pick up and rinse off when he is finished. Because your toddler is still learning to handle utensils and may drop them many times, you need to provide him with safe dishes and cutlery.
Mesh Feeder
Mesh feeders are an innovative way to give your toddler fresh food but avoid the risk of her choking. When your child begins to eat solid foods, it is very likely she will want to do everything by herself. This should be encouraged so she can gain a feeling of independence and improve her motor skills. With a mesh feeder, you can give your toddler veggies, fresh fruit and meat that she can chew through the mesh. The device prevents large food particles from going down her throat too quickly. This will teach your child to chew, and the feeder can also work as a teether if you fill it with frozen fruit, suggests One Step Ahead.
Toddler Friendly Utensils
Spoons are the safest utensils for a toddler who is learning how to feed himself, according to the website Baby Zone. You can also purchase toddler-friendly knives and forks made of wood. They are dull and have no sharp edges. The fork can stab food that would otherwise roll off the spoon, but it is not sharp enough to puncture your child's skin. Many toddler friendly utensils are made with plastic, but plastic is not recommended for feeding your child because it may contain traces of a chemical called melamine, notes Healthy Child Healthy World.
Bamboo Bowls
Bowls made of bamboo are natural and contain no harmful chemicals that may leach into your child's food. They are also more convenient than glass bowls and plates, which may break if thrown on the floor or banged hard with a toy. Broken glass or plastic can also cut your child's delicate skin. Bamboo dishware is easy to clean with a damp cloth and soapy water. It is not meant to be used in a microwave or dishwasher.
