6 of the best baby food feeders for weaning 2024
WHAT IS A BABY FOOD FEEDER?
These are self-feeding devices for babies where the food is placed in either a mesh net or a silicone teat with several holes and the baby sucks or chews on it to release a small amount of food at a time. They are also sometimes called baby nibblers.
WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS?
The main reason they are used is to avoid choking as only very small pieces of food can enter the baby’s mouth.
Frozen fruit, ice cubes or even frozen breast milk can also be placed in the feeder to soothe the gums of teething babies.
The concern about them is that the baby will not have the full experience of eating and learn to move food around their mouths, chew and become accustomed to different textures. So they are best for occasional rather than regular use and not for babies older than 12 months.
You should also be careful of using them solely for fruit as babies should experience a good balance of sweet and savoury food. And they are not recommended for settling a bored or upset baby as this may create an unhealthy relationship with food.
Some users complain that the baby feeders get stained easily and are hard to clean, especially the mesh ones. It’s easier to tackle them straight after use by putting them under a running tap and using a bottle brush.
It’s important to throw away any leftovers as bacteria from the baby’s mouth will have entered the food and may quickly multiply.
What features should you look out for?
If you want to increase the lifespan of the mesh ones, get a feeder with a replaceable net. Some come with spares, while others have nets you can buy separately.
The silicone feeders usually come with a variety of teat sizes so that they are suitable for both a six month-year-old and an older baby.
A lid for travel and storage may be useful.
Check to see if they can be sterilised. This is especially important with the silicone ones where bacteria could get trapped in the holes. But also for any feeder if you are using it with frozen breast milk for a baby under six months.
WHICH ARE THE BEST BABY FOOD FEEDERS TO BUY?
This list has been narrowed down to the very best with thorough research and the following considered:
Consumer reviews
Best-seller lists
Recommendations from industry experts
Award-winning products
Personal experience and the products loved by other parents.
The list is updated annually. It was last updated on 6 February 2024.
If you buy through a link, we may earn a small affiliate commission. 5% of profits are donated to UK Baby Banks to help parents in need of essentials.
1. TOMMEE TIPPEE TEETHE ‘N’ FEED FRESH FOOD FEEDER
A mesh baby food feeder that can be used from 4 months old.
It has a handle that is easy to grip.
There is a snap-on lid for travel and storage.
Comes with two extra mesh bags.
Suitable for ‘fruit, whole foods, cooked vegetables and meats’.
2. NUBY NIBBLER
A mesh feeder for babies six months and older.
The net is detachable for cleaning and replacement. Spare nets are available to buy.
Comes with a hygiene lid.
Suitable for a variety of fruits and vegetables.
BPA-free
3. MUNCHKIN FRESH FOOD FEEDER
A mesh feeder that can be used from six months old.
The mesh is coloured to reduce the appearance of staining. It is not replaceable and you cannot take it off to clean.
Can be used with fruit and vegetables.
It has an easy-to-grip handle.
There is no lid or cap to keep it covered for storage or travel.
BPA-free
4. Haakaa Baby Food Feeder
This has a feeder on one end and a teether on the other end.
The teether is made from 100% food-grade silicone and has raised areas to massage a baby’s gums.
The feeder is silicone with small holes.
The handle is in one piece to make it easier to clean.
All parts are dishwasher-safe and they can be boiled or steam sterilised.
Available in different colours.
5. CLEVAMAMA CLEVAFEED
A silicone baby food feeder for babies six months and older.
Suitable for fruit, vegetables and cooked meals.
It has an easy-to-grip handle.
The teat is dishwasher and steriliser safe.
BPA-free
6. NUBY GARDEN FRESH FRUITSICLES
A slightly different kind of feeder. These are ice lolly moulds designed for making frozen fruit purée lollies for children as young as 6 months. They are also suitable for frozen breast milk.
There are four moulds with easy-to-grip handles and a freezer tray.
The handles have an area to catch any drips.
Dishwasher, microwave and freezer safe.
BPA-free.
