The benefits of using silicone kitchenware for your baby
As parents, we aim to give our little ones the very best, especially when it comes to their meals. Silicone kitchenware offers a host of benefits that make it perfect for preparing and serving baby food. Here’s why you should consider adding silicone products to your routine:
Safe and non-toxic
Silicone is a non-toxic material free from harmful chemicals like BPA, PVC, and phthalates. This ensures your baby’s food is uncontaminated and safe. Unlike some plastics that can leach chemicals, silicone remains stable and secure. Our silicone meal prep tools meet the highest safety standards, providing peace of mind about your baby’s health.
Durable and long-lasting
Silicone can withstand extreme temperatures, making it suitable for the freezer, microwave, and dishwasher. This durability ensures products like the PureePops Freezer Tray last for years, saving you money and reducing waste. Its flexibility means it won’t crack or break easily, offering a cost-effective choice compared to materials that need frequent replacement.
Easy to clean
Silicone kitchenware is incredibly easy to clean. The non-stick surface ensures food residues wash away effortlessly, either by hand or in the dishwasher. For busy parents, this convenience saves valuable time and reduces the hassle associated with meal preparation and cleanup. Plus, silicone doesn’t stain or retain odours, keeping your kitchenware fresh and hygienic with minimal effort.
Flexible and functional
Silicone kitchenware is incredibly versatile. The PureePops Freezer Tray, for example, can be used for more than just freezing purees. It’s perfect for baking muffins, freezing breast milk, or organising small items like Legos or craft supplies. This versatility means you get more value and functionality from each product, making it an indispensable tool in your kitchen.
Eco-Friendly
Choosing silicone is a step toward sustainability. Unlike plastic, which can leach chemicals and degrade over time, silicone remains stable and safe. Unlike wood, silicone doesn’t absorb moisture or harbour bacteria, making it a cleaner and more hygienic option. Its durability means less frequent replacements compared to plastic and wood, reducing waste and environmental impact. By choosing silicone products, you’re making a sustainable choice that benefits both the environment and your household.
Gentle on baby’s gums
For teething babies, silicone kitchenware can be particularly soothing. The soft, flexible material is gentle on your baby’s gums, making it an excellent option for spoons and teethers. Kiddo Kitchen’s silicone utensils are specifically designed to provide comfort and safety for your baby during this critical development stage. The softness of silicone helps ease the discomfort of teething, making mealtime a more pleasant experience for your baby.
Incorporating silicone kitchenware into your meal prep routine offers numerous benefits for both you and your baby. From ensuring safety and durability to providing ease of use and environmental friendliness, silicone products are a wise investment. Explore our range of silicone kitchenware and transform your mealtime experience into something enjoyable and stress-free.
The 3 baby food stages
Baby food is typically introduced in three stages to meet the nutritional needs of infants as they grow. It’s important to note that these stages are general guidelines, and individual babies may progress through them at different rates.
Stage 1 (around 4-6 months)
Purees and single-ingredient foods are introduced at this stage, focusing on smooth textures.
Foods to offer during Stage 1
- Iron-fortified single-grain baby cereal: Such as rice cereal.
- Pureed fruits: Like apples, pears, or bananas.
- Pureed vegetables: Examples include sweet potatoes, carrots, or peas.
- Mashed avocado: A nutrient-rich option with healthy fats.
- Pureed meat: Start with iron-rich meats like chicken or turkey.
- Yogurt: Opt for plain, full-fat yogurt without added sugars.
Stage 2 (around 7-8 months)
Textures become a bit chunkier, and a variety of flavours and combinations are introduced.
Foods to offer during Stage 2
- Iron-fortified oatmeal: A different whole-grain option.
- Mashed berries: Such as blueberries or strawberries.
- Steamed and diced vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, or zucchini.
- Lentil puree: A good source of iron and protein.
- Diced tofu: Provides a vegetarian source of iron.
- Hard-boiled egg yolk: Ensure it’s well-cooked and finely mashed.
Stage 3 (around 9-12 months)
Baby is ready for more textures and a wider variety of foods, moving closer to family meals.
Foods to offer during Stage 1
- Quinoa: Cooked and slightly mashed for added texture.
- Diced and cooked meat: Offer small, soft pieces of beef or lamb.
- Cottage cheese: A good source of protein and calcium.
- Whole grain toast strips: Easy for little hands to hold.
- Chopped cooked spinach: High in iron and other essential nutrients.
- Pasta with tomato sauce: Ensure the pasta is well-cooked and cut into small pieces.
Remember to introduce one new food at a time to monitor for allergies, and always consult with your paediatrician before introducing solid foods to your baby. Iron-rich foods are crucial for proper infant development, as iron stores from birth start to diminish around 6 months of age.
Consultation with a Paediatrician or Dietitian
We’re parents, just like you, passionate about sharing our experiences. But we also understand the importance of personalised guidance. We strongly encourage you to always consult with a paediatrician or a registered dietitian to tailor your baby’s diet to their individual needs. Here’s to merry mealtimes and nourishing our babies, one spoonful at a time!
Where it all started
Just two parents, drinking too much coffee, on the verge of being workaholics, staying up late at night, and when the house is finally quiet, they started to create something that is theirs and that will make themselves and their kids proud.
Busy parents – Check! We are both working jobs during the day and working on our online businesses at the same time. For now, our jobs fuel our online businesses, but the aim is to let go of our jobs and just live the life of entrepreneurs.
Crazy-loving kids – Check! We have 2 boys who are keeping us busy. Luca is 4 and Theo was 6 months old when we started thinking about working on a new adventure to create Kiddo Kitchen.
Starting solids – Check! Theo was about to start solid (just before 6 months), and even if he was our second child, it was still confronting starting solids with Theo. It was like we had forgotten everything from my first round, 4 years previously with Luca. And on top of that, we had a lot more on our hands this second time around. We needed to save more time and organise meals for 2 kids. We were certainly more mindful of the mess being created as there seemed to be double the amount to clean up.
With all those ingredients mixed together, it was the recipe that started Kiddo Kitchen. I wanted to find products for us that would simplify the whole process, minimise the mess, and make our lives easier while making sure mealtime was still a great experience for our kids.
Alright, let’s grab a cup of coffee and get started…
Nutrients babies need first up
Hello, amazing parents! At Kiddo Kitchen, we understand the monumental role you play in shaping your little one’s palate and health. One of the most important aspects of this journey is ensuring your baby gets a balanced diet filled with essential nutrients. If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by the task, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive into the essentials and turn this challenge into a delightful adventure!
Why nutrients are essential for babies
Just like us, our babies need a variety of nutrients for their bodies to function properly. But for them, it’s not just about maintenance—it’s about fuelling rapid growth and development. Let’s look at the superhero nutrients that play starring roles in this incredible process.
Iron: the power booster in your baby’s diet
When our little men hit 6 months, we took up the mission of guaranteeing an adequate iron intake. And why is that? This robust mineral propels brain development and generates healthy blood cells. Foods that fit wonderfully into both baby-led weaning and conventional feeding methods are:
- Iron-enriched baby cereals
- Pureed spinach
- Pureed/mashed beans lentils
- Mashed chickpeas
- Quinoa porridge
- Pureed meats – beef, chicken, pork, turkey.
Protein: the growth and development accelerator
Protein is the cornerstone of cells, and for growth, it’s indispensable. We adore incorporating protein via:
- Pureed lean meats like chicken, turkey, or lamb
- Mashed tofu
- Blended cooked lentils
- Pureed fish like salmon or cod
- Scrambled eggs (be sure to fully cook for safety)
Zinc: The silent crusader in cellular growth
Zinc acts as a covert superhero, quietly bolstering cell growth and immune health. Excellent sources of this critical mineral include:
- Pureed meats (especially beef and turkey)
- Mashed lentils
- Whole grain cereals
- Pureed chickpeas
- Pureed pumpkin seeds
Calcium: The masons of bones and teeth
We aspire to see our babies flourish with strength, and calcium is pivotal in this journey. Foods that can help your baby secure a decent calcium intake are:
- Cooked, mashed leafy greens like spinach, kale, lentils
- Yoghurt, mashed cheese bits
- Mashed tofu
- Mashed almonds
- Mashed figs
Vitamin D: the sunshine star for healthy bones
Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, collaborates with calcium to fortify healthy bones. Have a look at:
· Pureed/mashed Salmon
· Mashed Tuna (in small amounts or choose low mercury content)
· Egg Yolks
· Sunshine!
Fats: The brain development catalysts
Healthy fats aren’t just palatable—they’re brain fuel! So let’s welcome them with open arms. Good sources include:
- Mashed avocado
- Pureed salmon
- Flaxseed oil
- Mashed chia seeds
- Mashed walnuts
Fiber: the dietary friend for your baby
When we introduced solids to our two young boys, we discovered that fibre was a trusty ally, helping their little digestive systems adapt to the new foods. Consider mashed fruits like:
- Pears
- Apples
- Prunes
- Peaches
- Berries
Vitamin A: the protector of vision and immunity
Vitamin A is pivotal for vision and immunity and can be found in bright, delicious foods like:
- Mashed sweet potatoes
- Pureed carrots
- Mashed apricots
- Pureed mangoes
- Cooked and mashed squash
Vitamin C: the iron absorption booster
Vitamin C plays an important role in boosting the absorption of iron in our babies. Talk about a tasty benefit! Good sources include:
- Mashed strawberries
- Pureed kiwi
- Mashed oranges
- Pureed bell peppers
- Mashed papaya
Vitamins B6 and B12: the brain function and red blood Cell Producers
Finally, let’s not forget our B vitamin buddies, B6 and B12. Foods rich in these vitamins, vital for brain function and the production of red blood cells, include:
- Mashed banana
- Mashed avocado
- Pureed meats
- Fortified cereals
- Mashed nutritional yeast
As we journey through the thrilling path of acquainting our little ones with the realm of flavours, it’s essential to remember our goal is not just to satisfy their hunger but to nourish their rapidly growing bodies. Persist in exploring, persist in introducing, and sooner than you think, you’ll have a miniature gourmet on your hands!
Consultation with a Paediatrician or Dietitian
We’re parents, just like you, passionate about sharing our experiences. But we also understand the importance of personalised guidance. We strongly encourage you to always consult with a paediatrician or a registered dietitian to tailor your baby’s diet to their individual needs. Here’s to merry mealtimes and nourishing our babies, one spoonful at a time!
Taking baby's first bite: an overview on introducing solids
As parents of two young boys ourselves, we know how memorable, exciting and most likely stressful the journey of introducing solids can be. It’s a grand milestone in your baby’s life and at Kiddo Kitchen, we’re here to hold your hand through it all – let’s jump in!
The importance of solid foods for baby’s growth and development
As your baby matures, their nutritional needs grow too. Essential nutrients like iron and zinc, which are crucial for growth and development, are required in greater quantities. While babies rely on their iron stores from the womb for the first 6 months, complemented by breastmilk or infant formula, these stores diminish over time. By about 6 months, it is recommended that babies need to start consuming solid food.
Remember it’s not just about nutrition. As babies explore the world of solids, they are learning about new tastes and textures, developing their dental and jaw structures, and even honing skills necessary for language development.
Is your baby ready for solid foods? Here’s how to tell
Before you break out the bibs and highchair, it’s essential to make sure your baby is ready for this big step. Don’t worry though – your baby will give you tell-tale signs when they’re ready to start solids:
- They can sit up (somewhat) independently and have good neck control.
- They’ve lost the ‘tongue-thrust’ reflex (If you put something in their mouth, they will stick out their tongue in an effort to remove it). This means your baby can move food from the front of their mouth to the back for swallowing.
- They show curiosity in your food or seem to be eyeing your plate with interest.
- They display chewing motions. You will be sure to notice when they start chewing on random objects.
- They are able to bring toys to their mouth. If they have the capability of bringing toys to their mouth, they can also bring food there with some practice.
The best time to introduce solids to your baby’s diet
The 4-6-month mark is generally recommended for introducing solids, every baby is different so look for the signs. For the optimal time of day to introduce solids, consider a period when your baby is relaxed and not too hungry. Perhaps, mid-mornings or afternoons, after a milk feed, are often ideal. Remember, this is a learning journey full of fun and not solely about nutrition.
First foods to introduce on your baby’s solid food journey
Begin with single-ingredient foods to monitor potential allergies. Some great first foods to introduce include:
- Iron-fortified baby cereals, such as oatmeal, rice, or barley (we started on the 6-month mark)
- Single-ingredient pureed fruits and veggies – avocados, bananas, sweet potatoes, and peas are all excellent starters.
- Single-ingredient soft, easily grasped pieces of fruits and veggies. Ensure they are cut into small pieces or mashed.
- Protein powerhouses like pureed meats, lentils, or tofu.
Solids and serving sizes
In the early stages of introducing solids, start with 1-2 teaspoons of food once a day or 1-2 pieces of soft, easy-grasped fruit or veggies. Remember, the initial goal is to acquaint your baby with the concept of eating, not to fill them up.
Gradually increase the amount based on your baby’s appetite and cues, and as they become more accustomed to the tastes and textures, you can add more food to their plate.
The continuing role of breastmilk and infant formula during solids introduction
Breastmilk or infant formula continues to be a crucial part of your baby’s diet until at least 12 months. As you introduce solids, your baby will start to have more solids and less milk or formula, but the pace can vary.
By about 9 months, most babies have mastered the chewing and swallowing skills to switch from having milk before solids to having milk after solids.
During this transition phase, make sure your baby is getting the right balance of nutrition from both solids and milk or formula. You’ll know your baby is getting the right nutrition if they:
- Have plenty of wet diapers – at least 6-8 wet cloth diapers or 5 heavily wet disposables in 24 hours.
- Appear alert and happy after and between feeds.
- Continue gaining weight appropriately.
Solids should take precedence in your baby’s diet after the 12-month mark, and while infant formula becomes unnecessary, breastfeeding can continue for as long as you and your baby are comfortable.
Some foods to be mindful of when introducing solids
While starting solids is an exciting time, remember to be careful with certain foods:
- Honey: This should be avoided until your baby is at least one year old due to botulism risks.
- Cow’s Milk: This shouldn’t replace breastmilk or formula as a drink until your baby is one year old. However, it can be used in small quantities in cooking.
- Choking hazards: Be mindful of whole nuts, grapes, and popcorn, which pose a choking risk.
The journey into solid foods is a remarkable stage in your baby’s life, marked by novel experiences and milestones. At Kiddo Kitchen, we’re committed to making this transition as seamless and enjoyable as possible for both you and your little explorer. Welcome to the fascinating world of solids!