To start feeding your baby solid food, today manufacturers of baby products recommend using a nibbler. What is it for?
Many mothers, from the stories of their grandmothers, know the tradition of using solid food when feeding crumbs during the first months of life. In the past, pieces of fruits, vegetables, bread soaked in milk were wrapped in clean gauze or calico fabric - this was given to the child, who began to suck the treat with pleasure. Modern industry offers an analogue of grandma’s trick. With the help of a nibbler, hard pieces of foot or vegetables will become a wonderful treat for the baby.
Which nibbler is better? Nibbler photo
First of all, this children's product gives parents peace of mind. You can stop worrying about your baby choking. As for the invention itself.
The nibbler mesh is quite strong and difficult to chew or tear, but at the same time it can be easily washed, rinsed and washed (note that this must be done after each use).
If you find a tear or a pulled thread on the mesh of the device, throw it away without regret. It is possible to find replacement mesh containers on sale and change them as needed.
What is it and why
A nibbler is a device with a handle and a silicone nozzle or a weaning net in which you can put food and give it to your baby.
The previous generation of mothers and grandmothers gave their children small pieces of food wrapped in gauze. Now children receive them through nibbler. Thanks to the safe design, the baby can eat any fruit or biscuit without the risk of choking, thus introducing solid foods.
The baby uses his teeth and gums to squeeze out food, turning it into a safe paste.
Nibbler nipple for complementary feeding
We have already talked about analogues of nibbler in the times of our grandmothers.
Of course, they were invented with their own hands from improvised means, using gauze, cloth or bandages. They did it something like this: they put a pre-chewed product into a piece of bandage, tied it and gave it to the child.
The essence of introducing solid complementary foods in the modern world has remained the same, but the means for this have been improved and acquired many modifications.
Nibblers differ not only in the shape of the holder, but also in the materials from which the containers for inserting products are made.
The shape of the handle can be varied. Most often, the choice falls on the classic ring shape. It is comfortable for the baby to hold and has a rubberized part or a textured surface. Also, thanks to the ring, it is convenient to attach the nibbler to a baby’s crib or stroller. The straight handle of the device contributes to a stronger development of the child’s grasping reflex.
A big advantage in choosing a device is the presence of a protective cap. It will prevent contamination of the mesh and the product inserted into the nibbler if it falls.
The material from which the nibbler mesh container is made is high-quality nylon. However, you can also find silicone nibblers on sale.
These are hypo-allergenic materials, they are odorless and tasteless, and easy to process. Nylon mesh wears out and darkens, but can be easily replaced.
The same cannot be said about silicone parts; they are quite difficult to find on sale, so a complete replacement of the device will be required. Let's make an easy comparison.
| Advantages | Silicone | Nylon |
| Saving the form | + | — |
| Easy handling after use | + | + |
| Use as a teether for gums | + | + |
| Container capacity for viscous ingredients | + | — |
| Possibility of partial replacement of nibbler (container) parts | — | + |
But let’s not forget that despite the wishes and preferences of the parents, the baby should like the nibbler. Otherwise, purchasing it will not be worthwhile and the child will simply not pick it up.
Pros of use
Some parents consider the nibbler to be a useless thing. After all, you can feed your baby with a spoon.
Such a product is not mandatory in the care of the baby and its development. But for busy mothers, this device will be indispensable. The Nibbler will allow a woman to free her hands and do her business while the baby eats. In addition, such a product teaches independence from an early age.
Another advantage of using a nibbler is that fruits and vegetables can be offered not only boiled and pureed, but also fresh. This is more beneficial for the child.
Nibbler helps with teething. It massages the gums and relieves itching in the area of future incisors. Offering chilled fruit in the feeder is especially helpful in relieving the baby's condition.
Other advantages of using a nibbler include the following:
- You can feed the baby while walking outside or traveling;
- Thanks to the feeder, it’s easy to expand your baby’s diet. You can put in it those fruits and vegetables that are difficult to give in pieces (for example, hard pineapple, fibrous orange);
- low cost and availability in many children's stores. You can buy a good nibbler today for 250-600 rubles;
- bright design that attracts the child and makes the process of eating more interesting and enjoyable.
At what age, at how many months, should Nibbler be used?
Be sure to pay attention to the recommendations for use, ask for help from a consultant and ask to show you the mesh size. If it is not large and has an oblong shape (it does not matter if it is a nylon or silicone nibbler), then it is intended for young children up to 8, maximum 12 months.
For children older than one year, the holes in the mesh are larger and the mesh itself has a larger size and larger holes.
All this should be indicated in the recommendations on the packaging, however, it is worth asking your consultant once again. Be extremely careful in your choice. You should not buy products from companies or Chinese manufacturers you are not familiar with, pay attention to the quality and price of the product. The health of your baby depends on this.
Useful tips
Many mothers began to actively purchase silicone nibblers, but from how many months is it recommended to use it? Parents should discuss this issue with their pediatrician. But every mother can offer her child a device when she considers that he already needs to master the skills of independent chewing. The most commonly used scheme is:
- If the baby was bottle-fed with formula , then you can offer him a new product from 4 months;
- If the baby was breastfed, it is recommended to do this from 6 months, which coincides with the child’s first complementary feeding.
- Where can I buy? Today, the accessory can be purchased in almost any children's goods store, pharmacy or online store.
- How to choose? This is an individual question, because the child may not accept the new gadget. It’s better to go to the store with your baby so that he can choose the model he likes. The color should be moderately bright so as not to irritate the baby.
- What to put in the device? It is recommended to put foods that the baby is already accustomed to - apples, bananas, pears, berries, softened cookies. Then new flavors are gradually added. Some devices are even suitable for meat.
How to use the baby nibbler?
It's quite simple:
After purchase, at home, open the package and prepare the device:
• Each component must be washed using baby soap (special products or solutions should not be used for this) • Rinse all parts under running water to eliminate detergent residues • Then rinse the nibbler in boiled clean water The device is ready for use
Place the chopped vegetables or fruits in the mesh and secure it to the handle using a fixing ring.
• After this, the nibbler can be given to the baby and he, holding the device in his hands, will be able to chew on the offered product.
After everything is eaten and the bag is empty, the parents take the nibbler and wash it.
• Disassemble the device • Process all parts (as described above) • Dry and store in the same way as baby bottles or nipples
It should be noted that nibbler is not entertainment, but a feeding process and you should not leave the child unattended. Juice released from the product or your own saliva can cause your baby to choke. Do not allow your child to use it as a toy or entertainment, otherwise the child will use it for these purposes.
Rating of the best nibblers
Let's see what models of nibblers parents choose.
Bunny Twist, ROXY-KIDS
Nibbler with handles in the shape of bunny ears. Equipped with a food pushing mechanism. A durable silicone mesh is suitable for massaging baby's gums. The product holds its shape well and is easy to clean. The nibbler cap protects the mesh from contamination. You can take it on the road or for a walk.
Price: from 330 rubles.
"Zhuy'KA", Lubby
Suitable for fruits, berries, children's cookies. It has a fabric mesh that is easy to change when worn. There is a ring for hanging, as well as a protective cap. Several colors are available for sale.
Price: from 280 rubles.
Silicone Nibbler, “World of Childhood”
The container is made of silicone and does not contain bisphenol A. If necessary, it can be washed or replaced. Suitable for fresh fruits and meat. Lightweight and compact. The embossed ring will not slip out of the child’s hand; you can also hang the nibbler from it.
Price: from 210 rubles.
"Extra Zhuy'KA", Lubby
The nibbler looks unusual due to its bright handle and original shape. Several colors available. Includes replaceable silicone and nylon mesh. The service life of a nylon container is 45 days, and a silicone container is 90 days. Easy to clean and change.
Price: from 300 rubles.
Nibbler with nylon mesh, “World of Childhood”
A simple and convenient nibbler has a ring with which you can hang it on a stroller and carry it with you everywhere. Several colors: orange, yellow, green or pink. The mesh is made of nylon. The cap will protect the product from contamination and damage.
Price: from 200 rubles.
Nibbler with polyester mesh, ROXY-KIDS
The product consists of an ergonomic handle holder, mesh and cap. The package includes the nibbler itself and 2 additional polyester nets. In reviews, parents note that children like mesh nets more than silicone containers.
Price: from 350 rubles.
Twist 2.0, Happy Baby
This model is not similar to the previous ones from our rating of nibblers. Please note that there is no mesh in it, but only one hole. The model is suitable for feeding a baby purees or porridge, and essentially resembles a bottle nipple, only larger. An interesting alternative to spoon feeding.
The product has a ring for hanging and a silicone container. Dishwasher safe. Does not contain bisphenol A. Container may be slightly stained due to bright berry puree.
Price: from 460 rubles.
Nibbler with silicone mesh, Be2Me
A simple nibbler with a silicone reservoir. Inexpensive and practical model. Several colors available for sale. There is a cap to protect against contamination. The handle is embossed and will not slip out.
Price: from 260 rubles.
“Zhuy'KA Silicone” – Lubby
The innovative rotating mechanism will help your child eat the entire portion. To do this, you need to turn the handle and the contents will move up. The handle holder is comfortable for small fingers and has an unusual shape. The mesh consists of silicone and does not contain harmful substances.
Price: from 300 rubles.
Food Feeder, Kidsme
The special feature of this nibbler is its double relief holder. The baby can grab it with both hands, as most babies love to do. The reservoir is made of safe silicone. There is a cap and a ring for hanging.
Price: from 700 rubles.
Food Squeezer, Kidsme
Nibbler with silicone mesh and puree container. Manufacturers claim that by pressing on the container, the baby trains fine motor skills and hand muscles. Includes nozzles: with several holes and with one. The first is suitable for semi-liquid food, the second for liquid food.
Price: from 900 rubles.
Nibbler - what is it from a security point of view?
The mesh of the device is made of durable nylon, it is very easy to wash and wash (you need to do this after each use), but it is not easy to tear and chew through. As it wears out, you can find replacement mesh containers on sale and replace the old ones with them. The fixation ring fits quite tightly and holds the mesh in place.
Such devices are made of shock-resistant food-grade plastic, so even if the baby throws the nibbler on the floor, it will not break. You can wash the mesh either by hand or in the washing machine or even the dishwasher.
Review of popular models
On the modern market there are nibblers of various types and designs. In a competitive environment, manufacturers try to surprise consumers and come up with new “tricks”. The most popular companies producing feeders:
- Nuby. A fairly well-known American company produces rattle nibblers. This product has a plastic rubberized handle that fits comfortably in a child’s hand. The bag is made of nylon and is quite roomy. Nets for feeding babies with fruits from this particular manufacturer are most often found in pharmacies in Russia. Their advantage is a beautiful design with the ability to choose a device for both a boy and a girl. The main disadvantage is the high cost.
- MamaSense. This English manufacturer produces foottakers with a silicone container that holds its shape perfectly. This device is extremely easy for a child to use. The handle can be fixed on the high chair and is also comfortable to hold in your hand. Due to the fact that the container is small, it fits completely into the child's mouth, which is extremely convenient. Cons: high price and lack of separate attachments.
- "The world of childhood". This is a domestic manufacturer, which is similar to Nuby, but has its own characteristics. Products with a round handle, which has a special hole, can be tied or given to a child’s hand. The price of the products is very affordable, the design is comfortable for the baby and can attract his attention to food.
The need for a nibbler appears when fruit complementary foods are introduced. It is very dangerous to give a piece of apple to a baby with several teeth, as he may bite off a piece. Although children older than six months are able to swallow unpureeed foods, the risk of choking still remains high.
Some babies, even at one year of age, cannot thoroughly chew a piece of product. That is why the recommended age for using the feeder is 6-18 months.
How did you manage without this device?
Many mothers believe that nibblers were invented by our grandmothers and great-grandmothers, who wrapped millet or semolina porridge in a row (cotton, gauze) and fed their children with this sweet pacifier.
And yet, they were not the first. Mentions of linen bags with honey or poppy seeds are found in the history of antiquity. In 1506, the German artist Albrecht Durer depicted the Madonna and Child. The painting “Madonna and Siskin” is kept in the Berlin Art Gallery. See for yourself.
A siskin sits on the baby’s left arm, and with his right arm he hands the bird…a nibbler.
Of course, earlier this attribute of a children's meal was not called that, but from the beginning of the 16th to the mid-20th centuries. It was impossible to do without this device. Then the feeding net disappeared from use.
Current devices attract children with their convenient shape, bright design, and their use is based on the following principles:
- help the child adapt to unfamiliar food;
- help parents introduce solid foods as naturally and safely as possible;
- to form taste preferences and correct bite in the baby.
Instructions for use
After purchasing, the nibbler should be thoroughly disinfected. Some products can be boiled or just doused with boiling water; for this you should study the instructions provided.
Using the nibbler is simple:
- the mesh is filled with products and twisted tightly;
- the child takes the nibbler in his hands and the mesh in his mouth and, chewing, receives food through the holes;
- After each use, the nibbler is disassembled and each part is washed (with dishwashing detergent or detergent for baby supplies).
After use, make sure that the nozzle is intact. It is recommended to change them every 2-3 months.
