essential lists
The best buys for weaning out and about
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Weaning on the go can seem like a logistical nightmare, but there are some great products available to make it much easier (but no less messy unfortunately!).
The basics you need are ready-prepared pots of food, a wipeable bib, a cup and a TON of wipes.
Some restaurants and cafés will heat food for you, but because of health and safety concerns, others don’t, so for longer trips out a food flask or thermal bag to keep contents hot or cold is a great idea.
Need more help with feeding your child? Read our guide to some more clever weaning gadgets, here.
1. Munchkin Snack Catcher
*Designed to prevent spillages, perfect for chunks of fruit, veg or cereal
*Soft plastic opening won't trap little hands
*Easy-to-grip handle for little ones learning to feed themelves - great for baby-led weaning
*BPA-free, dishwasher and microwave safe and suitable from 9 months
The perfect home for all your on-the-go snacks, with a handle that your toddler can easily grasp. The segmented top means they can help themselves without the contents falling out! This is a must-have for teaching tots how to feed themselves, without making too much mess.
2. Bumbo Multi Seat
*Size: 34 x 37 x 26cm
*Suitable for babies up to 15kg (3 or 4 years old)
*3-in-1 - can be used as a floor or booster feeding seat
*Includes 3-point harness and adjustable straps which attach to most standard four-legged chairs
This flexible seat can be used in a multitude of ways – on the floor or strapped to a restaurant chair as a booster – hence the name! It's packed full of great features, too, such as a removable foam insert for added comfort, a manoeuvrable tray and removable straps. The bottom of the seat comes apart and has a built-in storage compartment for all the detachable bits, so you won't lose them! Genius...
3. Vital Baby Nourish Power Suction Bowl
*Clever bowl with lids and spoon
*Suction cup on bottom – sticks firmly to surfaces to prevent spillages and mess
*Spoon facilitates self-feeding
Designed to stick firmly onto surfaces thanks to the suction on the bottom, this travel bowl has a snug-fitting lid to keep contents secure and comes with a handy spoon, too. It can be used in the microwave (just make sure to remove the suction base first!) for added convenience when travelling.
4. Travel Baby Cutlery Set
*Adorable ladybird design
*Dishwasher safe, BPA- and phthalate-free, age 12 months plus
*Comes with travel case
*Fork has a bowl shape to contain food more easily
This useful set comes in a plastic box, so is ideal to keep in your changing bag for feeding time. Plus, lining the knife, fork and spoon up in order creates a cute ladybird image – perfect for your child's learning and development.
5. Washable Comfi Neck Baby Bib
*Catches crumbs and food in clever pocket
*Soft plastic is easy to wipe down, clean under a tap or put in the dishwasher
*Suitable for children 6 months plus
*Keep a spare in your changing bag
This bib features a large scoop to catch dropped food and protect clothes – perfect for messy little ones learning to feed themselves. It's ideal for taking on the go due to its wipe-clean plastic finish, and it comes in a range of bright, pretty colours. The soft popper fastening helps prevent injury and is easy to take on and off without spilling any captured crumbs!
6. Munchkin Miracle 360ᵒ Cup
*Suitable for tots over 6 months
*Dentist recommended - keeps tongue in natural position
*207ml, BPA-free and top-shelf dishwasher safe
The non-spout sippy cup shape is recommended by dentists as it keeps the tongue in its natural position. It's easy to clean and perfect for teaching your little one how to drink from a normal cup. The 360 degree miracle cup can be knocked over, dropped and turned upside down – and the contents won't ever spill. Result!
7. Unscented Eco Flushable Wipes (12-pack)
*Flushable and biodegradable – a must for when you're on the go
*Unscented and free from parabens, silicone, phenoxyrthanol and chlorine, so they won't harm sensitive skin
*Each pack contains 42 extra thick wipes
These wipes are made of harvested, unbleached wood pulp, moistened with purified water and best of all, safe to flush away after use. We'd recommend keeping a pack in your changing bag at all times, especially during those early weaning months!
8. Stainless Steel Thermal Baby Food Flask, £35.99
*Stainless steel baby food flask with 2 separate compartments inside
*Suitable for babies over 4 months old – and adults too!
*Keeps food hot or cold for 8 hours
*Measures 12.5 x 12.5 x 27.5 cm
This high-quality stainless steel thermos flask is perfect for weaning your baby – it comes with two compartments so you can bring two portions of food on trips out, and is also ideal for storing a bottle. A feeding spoon and nylon carrying bag are included too, making it easy to transport. Perfect for family days out!
9. Lunch Bag
*Insulated cool bag with refreezable ice pack to keep contents cooler for longer
*Front pocket and adjustable shoulder strap
*Measures 19 x 14.5 x 17.5 cm
*Quick-release clip attaches to most prams and buggies
Roomy cool bag, with a removable ice pack to keep contents very cold, plus a handy shoulder strap for carrying around. All you need for a day trip out with your toddler – just pop some containers of pre-prepared weaning food in and you're good to go whatever the weather. We also love that this bag can be attached to your pram – one less thing to worry about carrying!
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