Among the relatively new products in the infant accessory market is a feeding net that resembles a normal pacifier. Recently introduced, this device quickly gained popularity, making it easier for parents to introduce complementary foods to their babies.
Kid with nibbler
What is a feeding net
The idea of a children's accessory is not new. For a long time, smart mothers and grandmothers wrapped small pieces of fruit or bread with gauze, giving the baby the opportunity to chew on new foods without worrying that he might bite off a large piece and choke. Now, a baby-friendly fruit net is being produced by industrial enterprises with improved design and modern materials.
Fixture name
Not all mothers know what the feeding net is called. In fact, she has several names. The most common in Russia is "nibbler". In another way, the accessory is not often called a "fruit taker", this name fully reflects the essence of the device. Its main purpose is to grind pieces of fruit until the baby can swallow them. You can also find the name "feeder" (in English "feeder", feed is translated as "feed").
Design
The complementary feeding nibbler is very simple. It consists of several parts:
- Small mesh or silicone reservoir for holding food pieces;
- The reservoir is attached to the handle with a special lock, sometimes with a twist mechanism, which opens when it is necessary to load the reservoir, and also when it is necessary to free it from food debris and wash it;
Important! The lock is made in such a way that it cannot be opened spontaneously or as a result of the baby's actions.
Silicone nibbler details
- Almost always a lid is included to protect the tank during transport, sometimes a second food container to keep a reserve handy.
The purpose of the nibbler
The device is a cross between a bottle and a pacifier. The main purpose of using a strainer for feeding is to safely introduce your baby to new tastes and textures of food. Additionally, the nibbler is a great alternative to rings and teething toys.
Advantages of the accessory
- The baby is offered a different way of feeding. Moreover, the new product does not need to be mashed, the child will learn to chew it himself and gradually suck it out. Mom and dad will not worry about the baby choking. After passing through the holes in the container, the product does not contain large fragments;
- For a baby, this is the first experience on their own;
- The taste of the child is stimulated. The kid tries various foods, he develops the first food preferences;
- For teething babies, you can place frozen fruits and berries in the complementary feeding pacifier. In addition to massaging the gums, they will have the opportunity to explore a new bright taste, and the cold will reduce the manifestations of pain;
- Psychomotor skills are developed. The baby takes the feeding net and brings it to his mouth. Then it will be habitual for him to act with a spoon;
- The ability to use both at home and for a walk. The protective cover will reliably protect the fruit net for babies from the penetration of harmful bacteria during carrying;
- The handle of the device is usually painted in bright colors, some products are designed in the form of rattles. So the child can also have fun.
Nibbler Rattle
When to start using
The age at which the baby is ready to introduce complementary foods is also the time to start using the nibbler. On average, this device is offered to six-month-old babies.
Important! Each child develops differently, so the timing of starting the nibbler may shift slightly.
There are times when an infant reacts negatively to the first attempt to use a feeder. This does not always mean rejection of the accessory itself. Perhaps he didn't like the product. Then you just need to try adding another fruit later.
Recommendations for choosing a nibbler
In order not to be mistaken when buying a nibbler, you need to pay attention to the fact that:
- The fruit net for babies is easily disassembled for the purpose of filling with food and rinsing, but at the same time, the security system needs to effectively protect against accidental opening of the nibbler by the child;
- The device has an ergonomic handle. The child's hand fits comfortably and tightly
- The holes are large enough to allow shredded food to pass through, but at the same time, their size does not allow relatively large pieces to pass;
Important! The volume of the baby's feeding net should be appropriate for his age; it can be small, round, or larger and elongated.
- There is a protective cover and replaceable food containers;
Replaceable nibbler nets
- The dubious origin of niblers (from unknown companies) can not only disappoint with its quality, but also harm the health of the child due to the use of hazardous materials in the manufacture.
Varieties
On sale you can find many feeders from different companies. Which one to choose is mainly determined by the material of the food tank: nylon mesh or silicone, since the designs are very similar.
Several factors to consider:
- The nylon mesh allows for better contact with food, but it darkens quickly from fruit juice;
- Silicone is a material that babies are used to when using a bottle or pacifier. It is heavier than a nylon strainer for baby feeding, but works more effectively on sore gums when teeth are erupting;
- Mesh feeders in some cases cause rejection in very young children, as it is difficult to get used to the unknown material in the mouth.
- The silicone feeders look like new when washed and sterilized;
- It is easier for a child to extract fruit juice from net nibbles, as they are softer;
- Despite the relative stiffness of silicone, this material is less resistant to the effects of children's teeth; a kit with a reservoir of this type often does not contain spare containers for food.
Important! It should be noted that the silicone used does not contain toxic components (bisphenol A, phthalates) or allergic substances (latex).
Description of some models:
- Cleva Feed from Clevamama. This complementary feeding teat has received the best expert ratings in many countries. Made of high quality BPA free and latex free transparent silicone. It has the shape of a classic nipple, so the baby is familiar with it and does not seem strange. The material of the container is smooth but resistant to chewing. Includes a backup food container and a protective cover;
Nibbler Cleva Feed
- Munchkin. The best nibbler with a net. Made of safe materials and equipped with a comfortable handle. Among the disadvantages, it should be noted that the container is not so easy to wash, since it does not completely separate from the handle;
Nibbler Munchkin
- Nuby. Refers to inexpensive models. The nibbler has one of the best security systems - with a double twist and a lock that children will never open. The fruit container is mesh and is large enough to accommodate large pieces.
Nibbler Nuby
Terms of use of the nibbler
The device is very easy to use, but you need to know some features of use.
Instructions:
- The new feeder must be disassembled into separate parts and washed with special detergents for children. Rinsing with boiled water should be especially thorough. Before giving to the child, you need to pour boiling water over the device;
- To start using the nibbler, you need to open the lock, put a piece of food inside the tank and close it again. Then offer to the child;
The child is given a nibbler
- It is recommended to give the baby a piece of sweet and juicy fruit for the first time in the nibbler, so that he is immediately attracted by a new accessory;
- After use has ended, the device is disassembled again, washed and dried.
Important! If the food container is damaged, install a new one immediately.
Fruit for the nibbler
Any fruits, berries and vegetables are suitable for chewing in the feeder, except those that may cause allergic reactions. The most popular ones are:
- boiled carrots;
- banana;
- pear;
- boiled pumpkin;
- kiwi;
- apricot;
- plum;
- peach;
- boiled potatoes;
- grapes;
- watermelon;
- fresh cucumber with skin removed;
- blackberry;
- raspberries.
Most children quickly get used to the nibler and chew fruit pieces with pleasure. The ease of use and high safety of the device will attract moms who can easily accustom their babies to the taste of new food.
