23 Things That'll Make Mealtime With Toddlers A Little Easier
Let’s just come right out and say it: Mealtime with a toddler is stressful. Sometimes it can feel more like a battleground, especially when there’s food flying to the floor. But it doesn’t have to be that way. You can navigate dinner ― and lunch and breakfast ― with a few tools.
A suction silicone placemat will ensure your kid can’t throw their plate on the floor, and a diaper bag that transforms into a booster seat will make dining out a breeze. These and 21 other items will transform the way you feed your kiddo. Bon appétit!
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A spiffy three-stage silicone cup
Promising review: "This cup is fantastic for my toddler. I love that the straw is built in. It’s super easy to clean. The material is great, easy to hold, and my toddler is able to grip onto it well. We have had a couple of drops and the liquid did not spill. I also love the neutral colors. I will be buying more products!" — Jordana
Get it from Amazon for $17.99 (available in three colors).
A pair of chopsticks for beginners
Promising review: "My 2-year-old loves these! I wasn’t sure if she would be able to use them right away, but she figured them out pretty quickly! She now asks for her shark when it’s dinnertime. Definitely a great purchase at a great price!" — Shelby Reyes
Get them from Amazon for $7.57+ (available in three styles).
A silicone placemat
Promising review: "This is top-notch. These placemats are exceptional both in terms of design and functionality. I have three very young kids and have tried out quite a few versions, and these are by far my favorite. I bought one for every family member and it was so worth it. The simple, clean design is very appealing and the Montessori idea of enabling young kids to help with setting the table independently works great. And choosing silicone as the material is just genius — it looks great, cleans up super easy, and stays on the table nicely. And if someone were to knead it, or fold it, it bounces right back into its original shape. In addition, I had a specific request regarding handling, and the seller couldn’t have been more thorough, thoughtful, and friendly. It truly was a pleasure doing business with this shop. Thank you!" — Art23
Get it from Kids House UK on Etsy for $23.20.
A pair of snap bibs
This Black-owned company is based in Dallas. These bibs are made with 100% cotton muslin fabric. Be sure to wash these in cold water on the gentle cycle and only use chlorine-free bleach. Tumble dry on low.
Get them from Little Muffincakes for $10 (originally $15).
A "taco truck"
Promising review: "This was larger than expected. It washes well in the dishwasher. My grandkids love to have their food served this way." — Terrie, Charleston-SC
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
Or a cat version
Promising review: "I was hesitant that the cleaning would be a hassle but this is super easy to scrub. It makes dinner easy and more interesting for the kids during quarantine." — Amie
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
A travel cooler
Promising review: "This is the perfect lunch bag to take on a picnic or road trip. It is big and roomy and can hold items for the whole family. I can pack all of my kids' snacks in one bag. The design is sleek and looks nice." — Adam
Get it from Amazon for $19.99+ (available in two colors and two sizes).
A food tray
Promising review: "Unbelievable!!! I'm sooo extremely thrilled with these plates. My granddaughter is four and she's been a very, very picky eater since she was two. We've tried every trick in the book to get her to eat her veggies (something other than chicken nuggets, spaghetti, mac and cheese). This plate changed that — now she asks for second helpings of broccoli!! I was so thrilled I ordered all varieties of these plates." — Lisa Sernick
Get it from Amazon for $15.30+ (available in six styles).
Or a construction zone plate
Promising review: "My toddler is really into construction vehicles and when I served his breakfast in here he was so excited and couldn't wait to eat by himself. Great quality too! I'm very happy with my purchase. My 30-month-old toddler likes to eat now!" — Ks
Get it from Amazon for $24.99 (available in seven colors).
A five-pack of clear stove knob covers
Promising review: "My son was reaching for the knobs as soon as he was able to walk and talk enough. These covers did the trick by making it impossible for my 13-month-old to turn the knob without opening it." — Spartacus
Get it from Amazon for $12.95.
A pair of silicone trainer utensils
Promising review: "I am completely in love! These are good quality and I love the color." — Paola Linares
Get it from Chlomi Baby on Etsy for $9 (available in four colors).
A six-pack of reusable sandwich bags
Promising review: "I really like these. They are perfect to keep my diaper bag more organized and keep messy items contained. They open and close easily but with a good hold. Tested to hold water perfectly. The stand open design is very useful and will protect items well. The presentation was nice too and would make a good gift." — Mrs.Krahn
Get them from Amazon for $8.99.
An OXO booster seat
Promising review: "OMG I am obsessed with how easy this is to clean!! I mulled over buying it for a couple of weeks because of the price but it was well worth it! There are no holes for food to get trapped, I repeat, NONE!! Everything empties onto the chair it’s sitting on for the easiest cleaning of any high chair or booster seat! I worried that the holes that contain the straps would catch food but they don’t because it empties out onto the chair. The lift-out seat is genius! The straps also fit a variety of chair sizes, so I feel very safe switching between our barstools to our kitchen chairs with this. I can not recommend this enough! It’s going to be my go-to birthday present for friends and family. You won’t be disappointed with this seat!" — Heather W.
Get it from Amazon for $52+ (available in four colors).
A funny face plate
This business is run by Leslie Mingo, who designs each of her plates to inspire children to have fun while eating food that is nutritious for them. All products are made in the U.S. And if you're looking for cute food inspiration, Dylbug's Instagram is outta-this-world darling!
Get it from Dylbug for $22+ (available in several styles).
A triangular cup
Promising review: "This is a fantastic idea! Both of my children love them, three years and 10 months!" — Janae Roithmayr
Get it from Lollaland on Etsy for $4 (available in seven colors).
A pair of baby food cutters
Promising review: "It’s hard to cut foods very small using knives, so I couldn’t believe I could cut foods very small, evenly using these small plastic scissors. Also it’s very easy to clean. The clear plastic case is included, so I can bring it to anywhere I want to. I’m pretty satisfied with my purchase!" — DD
Get it from Amazon for $9.90.
A set of three nylon kitchen knives
Promising review: "My 2-year-old was desperate to join me in the kitchen and I wanted to be sure she was safe. These knives come in three sizes. They are not sharp to the touch but easily cut through most fruits and vegetables! For denser foods like carrots she needed a bit of assistance, but she was quickly chopping all of the asparagus for dinner!!! We just got these so I can't speak to durability, but for the price these seem like a great value for my little chef!" — Nicholas and Zarya Fogelson
Get it from Amazon for $8.95.
A Bumpkins water-resistant smock
Promising review: "These things are a lifesaver! It took my son a little while to get used to them but he never really minded them much. They completely cover him from his shoulders to his lap and I love that if he drops food into his lap the pocket catches it. I no longer have to worry about him getting food all over himself or his clothes! He’s a messy self-feeder but it’s not a problem anymore thanks to these bibs! I also especially love that I can easily just wipe them down after meals so I only have to wash them once they start looking slightly stained. Then I just throw them in the wash and they come out good as new! I bought three and I’m so glad I did! If your kid is exceptionally messy, I highly recommend these!" — Alicia Briggs
Get it from Amazon for $9.95 (available in 15 styles).
Or an adjustable, silicone pocket bib
Promising review: "We have a newborn in the family so I decided to gift them this bib. It's great because you can wash and reuse it as many times as you want without having to put it in the laundry like traditional bibs. The kids love it!" — Anna
Get it from Amazon for $7.97+ (available in five styles).
A Boon food-dispensing spoon
Promising review: "This product is amazing!!! I now have kids in sports/activities and I am always on the go. I put my baby's food in one of these and take it to go in my diaper bag. It comes with a spoon cover that is hard plastic that covers the hole where the food comes out. The body of the spoon is a soft silicone that you gently squeeze to get the pureed food out. The spoon itself is a hard plastic but we had no issues. It is easy to clean and comes apart in two pieces. Seriously, this is the best gadget ever! This is coming from a mother of four who has probably owned and purchased every gadget out there to make life easier!!" — castgirl
Get it from Amazon for $8.35+ (available in two colors).
A suction silicone placemat
Promising review: "I am completely satisfied with this purchase! The mat itself is heavier than others I have seen and it does not slide around. It is also dishwasher safe which makes my life easier. I like the fact that there is a built in bowl because that also means I'm not cleaning a bowl and plate. The suction prevents the mats from sliding, it does not prevent anyone from peeling it off the table. Yes, my two year old does this occasionally but it isn't the placemat's fault." — Jenn H
Get it from Amazon for $24.99.
A booster seat diaper bag
Get it on sale from Ashley Homestore for $42.99 (originally $84.99).
And finally, a coloring tablecloth
Get it from The Coloring Table on Etsy for $29.99+ (available in three sizes).
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This article originally appeared on HuffPost and has been updated.
