Question: when does eating become more of a chore than a pleasure? Answer: when you're feeding a baby or toddler [1]. Luckily, there's a hack for that, starting with the following 20 new products that are designed to make meal time with a little one a lot less stressful. Whether you're looking for the perfect bottle [2], trying to find something to trick a picky toddler [3] into trying something new, or just attempting to protect your floors from the constant spills, these feeding innovations are must-sees. From a machine that makes bottle prep as easy as making your morning coffee [4] to a spoon that will help your infant get ready for your next Summer picnic [5], these new finds are all about making feeding time easy and fun.
Boon Squirt Spoon
The Boon Squirt Spoon [7] ($8) gets rid of those baby food jars and pouches, packing everything into a single utensil for easy, one-handed feedings. The easy-to-squeeze bulb handle holds three ounces of food.
Baby Brezza Formula Pro
The Baby Brezza Formula Pro [8] ($179) is the easiest way ever to make bottles, letting you prepare an air-bubble-free bottle with the push of a button. The machine stores water and formula in airtight compartments, then measures and mixes them to the perfect temperature (about 98 degrees) in any bottle you choose. You choose the amount of formula you want to make, from two to 10 ounces, press start, and your baby's next meal is ready just seconds later.
Ezpz Care Bears Mat
Ezpz's dishwasher-safe Care Bears Mat [9] ($22) suctions to the table and promotes self-feeding and food variety with separate compartments (hint: the nose is perfect for dips!).
Como Tomo Silicone Bottles
Como Tomo's Silicone Bottles [10] ($23 for a two-pack) are created to closely mimic natural breastfeeding. Nonleaking dual air vents are designed to prevent colic, a wide-neck design makes for easy cleaning, and hygienic silicone material eliminates worry about toxic chemicals.
Kinzingo Toddler Spoons
Kinzingo's Toddler Spoons [11] ($13 for a two-pack) encourage self-feeding with a curved handle that fits a toddler's hand perfectly.
Munchkin Latch Trainer Sippy Cup
Munchkin's spill-proof, dishwasher-safe Latch Trainer Sippy Cup [12] ($8) is designed for babies ages 4 months and up. A flexible anti-colic valve aids in the transition from bottle to cup, while the handles are perfectly positioned for little hands.
Boon Snug Snack Cup
The Boon Snug Snack Cup [13] ($9) comes with two stackable containers and two handy silicone lids that turn most containers into spill-proof snack fortresses.
Gerber Freshfood Mash and Serve Bowl
Gerber's Freshfood Mash and Serve Bowl [14] ($6) makes it easy to mash up food for your baby. The dishwasher-safe plastic bowl features plastic ribs for easy mashing, and the masher has an easy-to-grip handle.
WOW Cup
The WOW Cup [15] ($8) has an innovative drinking valve that provides an easy drinking function for little mouths (ages 6 months and up). A travel lid keeps the drinking surface clean during storage, and the cup is dishwasher safe.
Haakaa Noodle Spoon
Tiny spaghetti and ramen fans need the Haakaa Noodle Spoon [16] ($9). The uniquely designed spoon, made from silicone and ergonomically shaped, is designed to assist children in scooping noodles onto their spoon, encourageing them to self-feed.
Avanchy Stainless Steel Baby Bowl
The Avanchy Stainless Steel Baby Bowl [17] ($25) has a silicone suction ring and lid that easily stick to any flat surface to prevent spills. The insulated double-wall stainless steel design won't transfer heat, keeping things cold or warm longer.
Nanobebe Breast Milk Bottles
Nanobebe's Breast Milk Bottles [18] ($23 for a three-pack) have a geometric design created to improve the process of bottle-feeding breast milk. Each bottle is designed to help preserve milk's nutritional value and give baby a better feeding experience.
Innobaby Silicone Suction Divided Plate
The Innobaby Silicone Suction Divided Plate [19] ($19) has an adorable chicken design that suctions directly to the table. Even better, the 100 percent silicone plate is dishwasher, freezer, microwave, and oven safe (up to 400 degrees).
Avanchy Bamboo Feeding Plate, Bowl, and Spoon
Avanchy's Bamboo feeding accessories include a Plate and Spoon Combo [20] ($25), Bowl and Spoon Set [21] ($20), Training Forks [22] ($20 for a five-pack), Toddler Spoons [23] ($20 for a five-pack), and Infant Spoons [24] ($20 for a five-pack). The bowl and plate easily attach to any flat surface and have a quick-release tab at the bottom for easy removal. The BPA-free utensils are soft for happier feedings.
Dr. Brown's Milestones Cheers360 Transition Cup
Dr. Brown's Milestones Cheers360 Transition Cup [25] ($6) is made from BPA-free plastic. It has a 360-degree design that lets babies 6 months and up drink from any edge, a sip-and-see clear silicone valve that lets them see what's inside without spilling, and integrated handles for easy holding.
Babymoov Duo Meal Station
The Babymoov Duo Meal Station [26] ($160) is designed to create healthy, balanced meals easily. The machine has two steamer baskets and a three-speed blender, created for maximum preservation of nutrients, vitamins, and flavours. Heat and sterilise bottles, steam and blend foods, and defrost liquids or solids.
Twistshake Click Mat, Plate, and Lid Set
Twistshake's dishwasher-safe Click Mat, Plate, and Lid Set [27] ($40) makes feeding toddlers easier and neater. An innovative click-on design connects the plate to the slip-resistant silicone mat, and a lid keeps food contained between meals and makes the plate stackable for storage.
Munchkin Miracle Stainless Steel 360 Sippy Cup
The Munchkin Miracle Sippy Cup [28] ($15) is even better now that it comes in stainless steel, keeping drinks cool for up to 15 hours.
Stainless Steel Mixing Balls
Make formula mixing a lot easier by incorporating these Stainless Steel Mixing Balls [29] ($4 for a six-pack). Made of antibacterial, rust-resistant stainless steel, they help formula dissolve more totally and quickly.
Bumkins Silicone Grip Toddler Dish
Bumkins' Silicone Grip Toddler Dish [30] ($17) is made from soft silicone and features a strong suction base that secures to any surface.