I was initially going to write a post specifically on the feeding items we are currently using for Lio's toddler stage. However, I realized the amount of things we use for feeding today is a small fraction compared to everything we used early on! So I thought it would be helpful to list out everything we used for feeding starting from day one with breastfeeding, to introducing solids, to early toddler feeding, to today at age 21 months (we plan on using the same exact items through 24 months).
I wrote short reviews, tips, and side notes under each product. And I broke up the post into 4 parts, to make it easy to scroll to the section that applies to you and your little one:
- Breastfeeding: 0-12 Months
- Introducing Solids: 6-12 Months
- Early Stage Toddler: 12-18 Months
- Toddler: 18-24 Months
Breastfeeding: 0-12 Months
To give you a short background on Lio's milk situation as an infant:
I nursed Lio for about 13 1/2 months. I got mastitis early on and turned to pumping to help increase my supply; and I also pumped to introduce a bottle to Lio. When it came to weaning Lio, I wanted to gradually introduce her to whole milk so I started the transition with formula before introducing whole milk.
My sister gave me this one by Milk Snob and I loved it for the newborn phase. It's easy to put on and take off and it doubles as a carseat cover.
These bras are easy to use and soft for everyday wear.
This nursing pillow is soft and sturdy. I used it from day 1 at the hospital.
This 4-pack of burp cloths by Carter's are so soft yet absorbent and the perfect size.
I used this after every feed the first couple of weeks of nursing. It also worked to relieve our baby’s chaffed chin from nursing.
When the organic nipple balm wasn’t enough the Lansinoh Soothies were a LIFESAVER! Even though my baby seemed to have a good latch, after a few days of nursing my nipples hurt bad. These did the overtime job that nipple balm couldn’t do. They are a bit pricey, however, they were totally worth it.
I highly recommend purchasing these if you're planning on breastfeeding. During the newborn phase I used these hot/cold packs before and after every feeding. They saved the day when I had engorgement early on, and I continued to use them to help warm up my milk flow or soothe my hardworking breasts throughout breastfeeding. I keep them in the freezer now for cold packs for Lio's toddler-stage bumps and bruises.
Definitely try to get your pump through your insurance. Otherwise, checkout this Medela breast pump with accessories option.
These bottles attach to your Medela pump so you can pump directly into the bottle.
Side Note: This bottle set includes slow flow nipples for newborns. I also liked to use the slow flow nipples even after the newborn phase so that Lio wouldn't prefer the bottle over me nursing her. i.e., If a bottle flows faster, a baby might get frustrated nursing waiting for your milk letdown.
I used these milk storage bags both for travel and at home. I mostly like that they store and pour easily.
I couldn’t image not having this when I pumped on both sides, as holding the pump parts in place on both sides simultaneously for 10-15 minutes can tire your arms. You may want to purchase 2 so you have a backup on laundry days.
I was immediately dehydrated and thirsty after each time I nursed Lio. This water bottle has a straw, which was great for keeping hydrated while nursing. I still use it daily to keep myself hydrated.
These bottles are made from “100% safe hygienic silicone”, safe to use in boiling water, and have anti-colic holes in the nipple cap.
We used this drying rack and bottle brushes all the time and always packed it with us when we traveled. I love that you can sort of click everything into place and it closes in a compact case that is easy for travel.
I used the travel size drying rack for months before Marcello came home one day with the regular sized drying rack. I'm grateful he took the initiative to buy the regular size because we still use it daily!
Even if you’re a breastfeeding mom, it may be helpful to have some formula on hand as backup. We were sent a free sample variety package from Enfamil that included single serving ready to use bottles like this pack; however our package included nipples to use on the bottles and it looks like the packages I found on Amazon don't include any nipples. So if you go this route, make sure you also purchase a pack of reusable slow flow (for newborns) nipples. We later used organic formula powder by Earth's Best that Lio really liked; and here is the gentle version.
Baby Solids: 6-12 Months
I'm so happy we purchased this set. One of the best things about it is the cookbook it comes with, which gives you a straight-forward guide with timeline on introducing solids to your baby. I had searched all over the internet and had conversations with my pediatrician regarding introducing solids, but the cookbook was the most straight forward of everything I found. And even now that we are well-past the pureed food stage, we use the blender to make single serving smoothies or salad dressing, etc.
This was Marcello's favorite feeding device for Lio. The handle tube opens so you can put pureed food in and just squeeze to dispense food when feeding your little one, as opposed to scooping from a bowl or jar. It was also really great for travel and feeding on the go.
We loved these spoons, they scooped well, Lio could hold them with ease, and the tip was soft on Lio's delicate mouth. Only issue was with needing to wash by hand.
This bowl is the perfect small size for the baby-size pureed food portions. And when Lio started feeding herself, it was easy for her to scoop inside and the suction ring kept the bowl secured to her highchair tray. The suction ring is removable so you can use the bowl without it for non-baby usage or for when your little one is older. Only issue was with needing to wash by hand.
These bibs are well priced, easy to throw in the dishwasher or wipe clean, soft and flexible.
We loved these spoons. They are super easy to clean, the spoon tip is very flexible and soft; and the long handle is especially great if you're scooping from a jar.
We loved this bowl set: soft silicone, spoon was great for Lio to feed herself, suction bottom of bowl to help keep in place, and the lid is great because Lio often had food left over and you could just seal the lid on top and store in the refrigerator for later.
This "sippy cup" is appropriate named as the "miracle cup". We ordered a set because of the good reviews (and later ordered even more). And I remember the first time I introduced it to Lio: I actually didn't know where the milk would come out because it doesn't have a spout or obvious opening. But Lio was reaching for it so I thought I'd hand it to her so she could inspect it herself. She immediately put the cup to her mouth and started drinking. So basically the cup is designed for your little one to drink from any point around the ridge (aka the "360" in the name), with the lid designed to allow for drink flow without spillage.
Side Note: Each cup is made of 3 parts: (1) colored top lid seal, (2) white lid with handles, and (3) colored cup; make sure you take each piece apart to wash (aka, if you keep the lid seal connected to the white part it could grow mold).
We loved the Skip Hop Tuo highchair we got for Lio. However, it's convertible design resulted in a product recall. So I looked around for a highchair that was similarly priced and looked similar to Lio's highchair. I like how this highchair looks aesthetically, because you'll probably always have it out in the open of your kitchen area; the tray top is removable for washing (and looks bigger than Lio's highchair which would be my one criticism of the Skip Hop), and the tray has 3 levels of clicking space to adjust as your little one grows.
I was really nervous about food allergies with Lio when we introduced her to solids. Her pediatrician recommended these Bamba snacks for introducing her to peanuts. I also saw Bambas mentioned later in a parents' magazine. Lio has always loved these and was able to feed them to herself early on.
From the company:
- Bamba is a baked snack containing 50% peanuts, enriched in vitamins and iron and free of preservatives and food coloring.
- Due to its uniqueness, soft yet crispy, savory yet sweet.
- Bamba is loved by Israelis of all ages.
- Bamba is the bestselling snack in Israel, accounting for close to a quarter of the snacks market. 90% of Israeli households buy Bamba regularly and every day 1 million bags of Bamba are produced.
- Bamba was first produced in 1964 with a cheese flavor and in 1966 the cheese flavor was replaced in favor of peanut butter the winning flavor that has made Bamba part of Israeli culture.
- A 2008 study concluded that, due to the extensive consumption of Bamba by infants in Israel, peanut allergy is rare. A control group of Jewish children in the UK had ten times higher rates of allergy
I put a lot of effort in to make all of Lio's pureed food from fresh produce. However, even as a full-time mother, it just became too much at times to buy the food, cook it, puree it, and clean everything. So I used these organic food pouches for times I didn't make the food myself - and Lio loved them!
And I highly recommend stocking up on the prune pouches to help with constipation associated with introducing your baby to solids.
Do yourself a favor and buy these right now if you don't already have them. It was admittedly awkward the first time we used it, but then we relied on them for instant pain relief from gas. We used these even before we introduced Lio to solids when she was only nursing, but it's a whole new ballgame once you introduce solids - your baby will be digesting much more variety than milk alone.
Early Stage Toddler: 12-18 Months
These were great for Lio feeding herself. The edges are rounded, the length is short, and the fork is also shaped more like a spoon to allow for some scooping.
We loved these plates for early stage toddler feeding. Super easy to clean because you can just throw into the dishwasher. They are made of soft silicone and have a suction bottom that works well. And they come in the prettiest of colors. :)
We loved these bibs for early stage toddler feeding! The pearled neck strap is soft on your little one's neck, the material is easy to wipe clean or throw into the dishwasher, and the bottom food catcher works really well (they're solid in structure and wide enough to actually catch a lot of dropped food).
One of our favorite feeding items! These work really well to bring snacks with you for travel. We always make sure to have this stocked with cheddar bunnies when we fly somewhere. Your little one will love the independence of feeding herself while avoiding a mess.
Toddler: 18-24 Months
Made from recycled milk jugs, dishwasher safe. I like that the forks and spoons are still somewhat rounded for less poking, but closer to adult utensils and the forks can poke into food.
From the company:
- Made in the USA from FDA approved Recycled Milk Jugs
- BPA, Phthalate, PVC and Melamine FREE
- Tested Dishwasher Safe
- Shipped without retail packaging seen in stores as a sustainability effort to reduce waste
- Includes: 3 Divided Plates, 3 Spoons and 3 Forks
Dishwasher safe, great for snacks - Lio loves these!
Lio's Montessori school wants her to graduate from using a sippy cup, so we found these toddler training cups with lids. The lid has an opening similar to a travel coffee mug, so the drink flows similar to a cup without a lid but still offers a lot of spill protection.
I honestly thought transitioning Lio from her highchair to this table and chair set would be more of a challenge than it has been. She was so excited for the transition and also actually eats in a highchair at restaurants better now (probably because she doesn't feel "forced" to do so at home). She has definitely taken some small spills off the chairs but thankfully it's not a far fall. After meal time we have her bring her plate to the kitchen and hand her a wet wipe or paper towel to clean her table. And she loves when we sit at the table with her.
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xx Lauren
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