Essential feeding accessories that make mealtime easier, cleaner, and more enjoyable for babies and parents.
Quick Summary
The right feeding accessories can transform chaotic mealtimes into manageable experiences. The ezpz Happy Mat leads our top picks for its innovative suction design that actually stays put on tables.
🏆 Best Suction Plate
ezpz Happy Mat
Actually stays on the table
💰 Best Bib Value
Bumkins Silicone Bib
Easy clean, catches everything
✨ Best Utensils
NumNum Pre-Spoon GOOtensils
Perfect for self-feeding
Essential Feeding Accessories
Plates and Bowls
Look for features that prevent the inevitable throw-and-scatter game:
- Suction base: Stays attached to table or high chair
- Divided sections: Prevents food mixing for picky eaters
- Appropriate size: Not overwhelming for little appetites
- Easy to clean: Dishwasher safe, no crevices
1. ezpz Happy Mat
The Plate That Stays Put
Unlike other suction plates that barely hold, the Happy Mat creates a powerful seal with most surfaces. The integrated placemat design means less cleanup, and the portion control sections help with balanced eating.
Bibs: Your First Line of Defense
Silicone Bibs
- Pros: Easy to wipe clean, catch pocket for food
- Cons: Can be bulky, may feel stiff
- Best for: Messy eaters, self-feeding stage
Fabric Bibs
- Pros: Comfortable, absorb liquids well
- Cons: Need washing, stains permanently
- Best for: Bottle feeding, early solid foods
Disposable Bibs
- Pros: Ultimate convenience, great for travel
- Cons: Environmental impact, ongoing cost
- Best for: Restaurants, travel, grandparents' houses
Baby Utensils and Self-Feeding
Pre-Spoons (6-12 months)
Designed for babies learning to self-feed:
- Short, thick handles for better grip
- Soft materials safe for gums
- Easy to hold and maneuver
- Encourage independent feeding
Training Utensils (12+ months)
- Curved handles for proper grip
- Deeper spoon bowls for better scooping
- Rounded edges for safety
- Adult-like appearance for motivation
High Chair Accessories
Splat Mats
- Protect floors from dropped food
- Waterproof and easy to clean
- Large enough to catch wide tosses
- Foldable for storage
Seat Cushions
- Add comfort to hard high chair seats
- Machine washable covers
- Non-slip backing
- Proper thickness for safety
Travel and On-the-Go Feeding
Portable High Chairs
- Hook-on chairs for restaurant tables
- Fabric travel seats
- Booster seats with straps
- Inflatable options for maximum portability
Food Storage Solutions
- Portion-sized containers
- Leak-proof lids
- Microwave and freezer safe
- Easy-to-open designs
Age-Specific Recommendations
6-9 Months (Starting Solids)
- Silicone bibs with catch pockets
- Pre-spoons for exploration
- Suction bowls for purees
- Soft-tipped spoons for parent feeding
9-18 Months (Self-Feeding)
- Divided plates with suction
- Training forks and spoons
- Straw cups for liquids
- Floor mats for dropped food
18+ Months (Independent Eating)
- Regular-sized plates and bowls
- Adult-like utensils scaled down
- Open cups for drinking practice
- Placemats for table manners
Money-Saving Tips
- Buy multi-packs of basic items like bibs
- Invest in quality suction plates that actually work
- Choose accessories that grow with your child
- Look for dishwasher-safe everything
- Consider second-hand for non-hygiene items
Final Thoughts
The right feeding accessories make mealtime less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone. While babies don't need every gadget on the market, investing in a few quality pieces like the ezpz Happy Mat and good silicone bibs can significantly reduce mealtime chaos and cleanup time.