Introducing solids is a major milestone in your baby’s development—and with it often comes a lot of mess. While a bit of food splatter is part of the learning process, there are plenty of ways to make mealtimes easier, cleaner, and more enjoyable for both you and your little one. Here are our top tips for mess-free meals:
1. Use a Silicone Bib with a Catch Pocket
A soft, waterproof bib made from food-grade silicone is easy to clean and comfortable for babies to wear. Look for designs with a deep pocket that catches stray food and dribbles. This reduces outfit changes and cuts down on clean-up.
2. Invest in Suction-Based Tableware
Plates and bowls with suction bases help keep food on the table—not the floor. This is especially useful for toddlers who love to tip or toss their dishes. A divided silicone plate can also help encourage self-feeding with less mess.
3. Choose the Right High Chair
A good high chair should be stable, easy to clean, and feature a tray with a slight lip to prevent spills from spreading. Removable trays or seat cushions are also helpful for quick clean-ups.
4. Lay Down a Splash Mat
Place a wipeable mat or drop cloth under the high chair to catch any food that falls. It protects your flooring and makes post-meal clean-up much faster.
5. Stick to Easy-to-Clean Foods During Practice
While exploring different textures is important, opt for less messy foods when introducing new utensils or letting your baby self-feed. Think banana slices, scrambled eggs, or steamed veggie sticks.
6. Encourage Participation, Not Perfection
Mealtime is a learning opportunity. Encourage your baby to explore and engage with their food, even if it gets messy. With the right gear and setup, you can support this development while keeping the mess manageable.
Ready to simplify your routine? Explore BabyCoo’s collection of Silicone Bibs and Feeding Essentials to help make every mealtime a little easier.
