What kind of dishes is needed for a six month old baby. Dishes for the baby. In the area of ​​special attention

Hygiene products and household items should be strictly individual, especially when it comes to younger family members. A competent pediatrician will say that you need not just a personal small spoon made of cupronickel or copper, but a device specially designed for a child.

Such dishes, the first in life, are ideally designed for feeding a baby: they are convenient, safe, and adapted to the needs of children. Saucers, forks, cups, sippy cups with images of animals, fairytale and cartoon characters will help make the feeding process playful.

“Eat the porridge, and Mickey Mouse will appear at the bottom,” say many mothers, wanting to feed the baby, and this technique works. According to child psychologists, individual household items contribute to personal development and the formation of self-confidence. What utensils to buy for feeding, what set will meet all the requirements, which company is best: Avent or Pigeon? This is not a complete list of questions young parents are asked.

Silicone spoon

In the first months of life, this piece of kitchen utensils is indispensable. But it is not used for its intended purpose. Feeding milk porridge and rich broths with a spoon is carried out at a more conscious age. For babies, spoons are necessary for ingestion of liquid dosage forms, drinking.

If you give a baby to drink using a bottle, then in the future the baby will have difficulty sucking on the mother's breast (nipple confusion syndrome). Complementary feeding cutlery, even made of precious metals for example, silver is not suitable for a small child's mouth. There is a high likelihood of injury to the oral mucosa from the sharp edges of the spoon.

Plate

At the age of six months, the children's service begins to be replenished with new items. The grown-up kid's menu ceases to be reduced to breast milk and milk mixtures. There are more options for complementary foods every day. At such a tender age, the body is saturated with miniature portions. Gradually, the volume of the dishes increases. For older children, a deep bowl and a flat dish are required in order to observe the main rule of a full meal: first, second and compote.

Plastic

It is better to buy a plastic product for complementary foods. Plastic is considered an unsafe material that releases harmful substances when heated. But high-quality raw materials used in the manufacture of children's products meet all safety requirements. It is worth giving preference to well-known brands, for example, Philips Avent or Pigeon. The production of goods of these companies is strictly controlled and does not do without scientific research and laboratory tests. The decision to buy their products will not be wrong.

Ceramics, metal

Porcelain, glass, ceramics are fragile materials that are not suitable for placing on a children's table. An awkward kid who has not learned to control his body will beat the plates with enviable consistency. Shards from smashed dishes pose a danger to all family members.

And how many times can a child get burned due to the high thermal conductivity of metal bowls? It is allowed to pour steaming soups into food grade plastic, and the edges of the plate will remain cold.

Stability of the first plate

If you do not want to arrange a general cleaning after each meal, then pay attention to the stability of the dishes. Plates with a regular bottom, as well as those equipped with suction cups, are not suitable. The former are too mobile, and the latter are firmly attached to the table surface. The child will definitely try to move the hated vegetable stew or cottage cheese casserole away. But it is unlikely that it will be possible to correctly calculate the force; the efforts made will turn into the fact that the contents will be on the floor.

The best option is to buy a product with a rubberized bottom. The dish will not slip off the table, but it will not stick as if glued. A properly selected plate will delight the little gourmet. A child with great pleasure will join the society of clean plates to the delight of loving mothers and compassionate grandmothers.

Fork

It occupies a leading position in the list of kitchen edged weapons, but only when it comes to a metal trident used by adults. Children's forks are not much more dangerous than spoons. The ability to pick up pieces of food with forks indicates that the skill of eating is mastered to perfection. Buy a plug is offered to older children.

• Is developing and fine motor skills hands;
• Feeding is made easier thanks to the ergonomic handle;
• The special bend of the product prevents it from slipping out of an inept children's palm.

Sippy cup

A sippy cup will help speed up the development of drinking skills. Such dishes are indispensable during walks. Difficult-to-remove stains from cherry juice or tea are no longer a threat to clothes and things. The main advantage is that the content is reliably protected from spillage.

Manufacturers release great amount models: with and without lids, with hard and rubberized spouts, and even with double walls, which keep the drink warm. Each drinking mug is designed for its own purposes, so it is worth buying at least a couple of options.

A cup

Grown up and stronger boys and girls no longer need drinkers that are safe in all respects. At a conscious age, cups appear on the feeding table. One of the stages of growing up is considered passed if the child is invited to drink from the mug, and he copes with the task without problems.

But the movements of the baby are not yet so sharpened that he could hold the cup and at the same time not become the culprit of emergencies in the kitchen. Better to buy a cup with two holders. In this case, the mug should not be heavy and cumbersome.

Requirements for children's dishes

The choice of bowls, saucers, glasses, cutlery is striking in its variety. The appearance of a product is a matter of taste. It doesn't matter how a set of dishes looks like, the main thing is that it meets the following requirements.

Safe materials

A worthy replacement for high-quality food plastic has not yet been invented. Before buying, check the presence of a special mark informing that the product is not afraid high temperatures. A cheap fake can be recognized by its characteristic smell. If the aroma that the kit exudes is comparable in sensation to the emissions of the chemical industry, then this is a reason to refuse to buy. In 90% of cases, this is a clandestine copy made in China.

Reliable seller

A set of feeding utensils should be purchased from pharmacies or specialty stores. Before you buy, you need to inquire about quality certificates. This will protect you from buying fake Chinese products. Philips Avent and Pigeon are reliable manufacturers that have gained prestige in the baby products market.

Lack of marriage

A small chip or crack will compromise the integrity of the product. A damaged topcoat does not prevent harmful substances from entering the food. If the splinter ends up in the esophagus, then mechanical injury cannot be avoided.

Design

Flowers, peas and patterns are even applied to ordinary enamel pots. Toddlers have a weakness for colorful pictures. Such design of products favorably distinguishes children's dishes from mother's and father's dinner sets. Children are opponents of platitudes, they will like the original set. The most important thing is that the image does not wash off after the first contact with the dishwasher.

Simplicity of design

Ease of operation and simplicity of design are one of the most important purchase criteria. Some sippy cups are equipped with multiple parts that make cleaning difficult. It is difficult for mothers to remove pollution from hard-to-reach places. You need to pay attention to the simplest models.

Caring for kitchen products for children

Without proper care, dishes pose a potential threat to the child's body, which has not formed protective functions. Feeding from an unclean dish can turn food poisoning... Compliance with the following recommendations will protect the baby from health problems:

1. Aggressive detergents leave a film that is difficult to remove. You need to buy a special dish gel or use an ordinary one baking soda, which copes well with ingrained plaque;
2. The child is the sole owner of his cups and spoons. Moms and dads should not eat from the baby's dishes, since there are many pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity of an adult, to which the child's body is vulnerable;
3. The dishes should be dried either naturally or with disposable paper towels;
4. Periodically disinfect the set of dishes with boiling water;
5. Children's set of dishes should be stored separately from common ladles, kettles and pans. If it is not possible to select a personal locker, then it is enough to buy a separate towel and wrap plates and cups in it.

The best manufacturing companies

Dutch Philips Avent

1. Avent kits are developed under the supervision of leading nutritionists and specialists in the field of child psychology;
2. Each set by Avent has an original design;
3. The unusual design of the dishes will interest the baby, turning the feeding process into an unforgettable pleasure;
4. The size and shape of Avent cookware is designed according to the physiological needs of children;
5. The plates are equipped with wide edges, and the non-slip base of all items in the set will protect against overturning and spilling;
6. Avent cutlery fits a miniature palm, matte finish prevent from slipping;
7. Avent kits are dishwasher safe;
8. Avent produces brochures with recipes developed in collaboration with nutritionists;
9. Pediatricians prefer Avent.

Japanese Pigeon

Pigeon Corporation has been pleasing consumers with its quality for more than a dozen years. The main vector of Pigeon's activity is aimed at the production of products for the care of newborns. Pigeon also specializes in the production of products for expectant mothers. Environmental friendliness of materials, high production culture, thoughtfulness of details have made Pigeon one of the most popular companies.

Pigeon's scientific research has led to the creation of peristaltic silicone teats that can be used to feed babies. With Pigeon products, the transition from breastfeeding to self-feeding will be smooth and gradual. The dishes are allowed to be heated in the microwave.

German NUK

The company specializes in products for newborns, providing optimal support at every stage of growth and development. The company produces pacifiers that are similar in shape to the mother's breast, which is ideal for the tiny size of the baby's mouth. Moms speak positively of self-feeding training products. Each set is made by the Germans using exclusively high-quality materials that are safe for a fragile child's body.

How to choose the right dishes, taking into account the specifics of the children's kitchen?

Stainless steel

For cooking, a child is usually recommended to use stainless steel pots: food is cooked quickly in them and slowly cools down, microorganisms multiply slightly on the walls of such pans, since their surface is sufficiently smooth and does not contain pores in which microbes could linger. In addition, these dishes are lightweight, durable, easy to clean with any detergent and are not subject to corrosion. Small pots (about 0.5 l capacity) with a glass lid and an air outlet are especially convenient.

Dishes made of so-called "medical" steel are very popular - a mixture of 18% chromium and 10% nickel with iron. It is a non-corrosive alloy with excellent thermal conductivity; it is resistant to not only common detergents, but even acids and alkalis. This dish is harmless, easy to clean, durable, lightweight, and will last a long time. Its significant drawback is only the cost: sets of such dishes are more expensive compared to ordinary "stainless steel".

Enamel dishes

Enamel utensils can be used to cook food for your baby, but they have several disadvantages. Such dishes should be smooth, undamaged enamel, cracks and chips are unacceptable - in this case, you cannot use pots and bowls. The fact is that the enamel protects food from the ingress of particles of heavy metals of the alloy from which the pan was made. In addition, the very particles of enamel on the chips can get into the baby's food. The undoubted advantages of enameled pots are ease of use, ease of cleaning, pleasant appearance as well as cost.

Teflon

Today, dishes with a Teflon non-stick coating are becoming more and more popular. It is undoubtedly convenient: everything is prepared in it quickly, it does not burn. The dishes are suitable for preparing various dishes and are easy to clean. However, such dishes are safe only with careful use - it is impossible to allow the appearance of scratches, chips on its surface, since if the integrity of the coating is violated, toxic substances begin to be released from it. Therefore, for safe cooking in such utensils, special devices are needed - wooden or plastic spoons, spatulas or ladles with or without coating.

Oven dishes

For cooking in the oven, ceramics and glass will become indispensable helpers. They are very comfortable, conduct heat well, keep food hot for a long time, wash well with conventional means, food does not burn in them. The disadvantages of glass and ceramics are their fragility: they can break or crack. Glass saucepans with lids and baking dishes are convenient. You can also use various metal forms, in particular with a non-stick coating. But care for them must be careful so as not to damage the coating.

Caution aluminum!

The child is not allowed to use aluminum utensils for cooking. When cooking food, acidic or alkaline components found in food destroy the top oxide film on the surface of the pan, which causes the metal to pass into the food. In addition, when aluminum pots age, harmful substances are formed in them - aluminates, which accumulate in the human body. Pots made of various aluminum alloys with protective coatings that do not allow food to come into contact with metal are acceptable for cooking.

For cereals and mashed potatoes

Blenders - devices for quickly chopping food and making puree - have become a very convenient device in modern kitchens. There are many models of blenders, for example, in the form of a handle with a special device, a cover and a sharp knife - the so-called hand blender. They can be mashed right in the bowl and are handy for small portions. In addition, there are blenders with a special capacity, where products are pre-loaded. Puree in any of them is prepared in a few seconds, but it is not as convenient to use it for preparing one portion as immersion.

To pre-grind the cereal before preparing porridge for the crumbs, you can use a coffee grinder or blender that has been thoroughly washed from coffee residues and dried.

To rub vegetables and fruits, you will need a plastic or glass grater (but not a metal one, since when food comes into contact with it, vitamins are destroyed) and a plastic fine strainer.
Convenient and high-quality kitchen utensils will allow you to prepare tasty and healthy meals for your baby, while maintaining the taste and composition of the products.

It is necessary to choose dishes for children with special care, because if the baby does not like it, then he will be reluctant to eat. Children's dishes should create a special atmosphere in order to interest the child in the process of eating.

Therefore, so that the child does not be capricious and eat with pleasure, choose for him a cute set of children's dishes with bright and beautiful drawings.

Baby dishes for toddlers

The child must have his own personal dishes. You can’t feed him with "adult" forks and plates, and you can’t use one set of baby dishes for several children. Therefore, make sure that each child has their own "mouth-watering" dishes.

The baby's very first dish is a bottle. The best materials are glass and polypropylene. However, glass bottles break easily, so it is recommended to opt for polypropylene bottles. It should also be free of harmful bisphenol A.

Already at 5-6 months, the baby will need a cup and his own set of baby dishes, including plates and cutlery. In the future, the sippy cup can be easily turned into a cup.

How to choose baby dishes

When choosing children's dishes, pay attention to their quality. It is better to buy it in specialized stores or in a pharmacy, here you can be provided with a quality certificate. Doubtful dishes bought on the market can cause allergies, poisoning and indigestion.

Baby dishes must be done from safe materials. Plates and mugs made of porcelain, earthenware and clay are preferred. For children under one year old, sets made of environmentally friendly, unbreakable clay are suitable. And for older children - porcelain and earthenware sets. These are safe materials that can withstand changes in temperature very well. Porcelain and earthenware plates can be heated in the microwave, they cool down quickly, so the child will not get burned. But they are fragile, so they are suitable for children who know how to eat on their own.

Ceramic dishes have thick walls and keep heat well, but they are heavy. Glassware should only be used under adult supervision, as it breaks easily. Although children's dishes made of wood are environmentally friendly, they have a porous structure in which food debris accumulates and microbes are retained. Metal dishes are durable, but they heat up very quickly and cool down for a long time, and the child can burn themselves. Do not use aluminum plates, mugs and cutlery, as this material releases harmful substances over time.

The most versatile and safe is considered to be children's tableware made of food grade plastic. It is lightweight, hygienic, durable and unbreakable. But the food in it cools down very quickly. Increased requirements are imposed on it - heat resistance, there should be no odors. The service life of such dishes is 5 years.

Children's tableware - cutlery

It is better to choose cutlery from silver. This metal is capable of killing germs and giving freshness to water. You can also use stainless steel forks and spoons - they are durable and safe. Cupronickel devices will also go.

Cutlery should not have sharp edges... It is best if the handles of forks and spoons are bent so that it is comfortable for the baby to hold them. The shape of the child's plate should be deep and have rounded edges so that the child can easily reach the food with a spoon. It is very convenient if the plate is divided into sections for different types of food. It is better to choose cups with two handles so that the child can hold it with both hands. It can be difficult for a child to hold the cup with one hand. It is good if the handles have non-slip rubber inserts. The bottom of plates and cups is also often fitted with non-slip rubber pads or suction cups.

And, of course, children's dishes should be beautiful and bright. Colorful pictures on the bottom of a plate or cup will stimulate appetite and encourage your child to eat every last crumb. Today in stores you can find sets of dishes with a wide variety of patterns. Also, kids love chameleon plates, which change color depending on the temperature. You can also find utensils of unusual shape on sale - plane forks, dinosaur mugs, superman spoons, etc.

The need to purchase utensils for the baby arises at the moment when he is gradually transferred from breastfeeding or bottle feeding to regular nutrition. As a rule, this happens by 6-7 months of a child's life: he already knows how to sit and is quite ready to learn how to use his first plates and spoons in his life.

Of course, you can also feed your baby from regular plates. But feeding a baby from breakable dishes is impractical - the baby loves to study such properties of objects as strength, and the easiest way is to throw the object properly. In addition, it is unhygienic to use adult utensils for feeding a child - each family member should still have their own set of utensils. For small children, special dishes are required - after all, they are just learning to use cutlery and can injure themselves, wielding, for example, a sharp fork or breaking a saucer. Children's dishes also perform a pedagogical function: with their help it is easier to teach the baby to eat on their own, because it is so interesting to get to the bottom of the plate yourself and see a funny fairy-tale hero there!

What is needed first of all?

For your little one, first of all buy a deep plate for liquid dishes, a cup with a handle for drinks and a spoon. Ideally, a set of children's dishes is bought, which includes all the necessary appliances at once. The use of a fork is usually taught to a child after he is quite comfortable with the spoon. And such a cutlery as a knife is not allowed for a baby under one year old. Do not even give him a plastic analogue yet.

After 5-6 months, sippy cups can be used as transitional utensils, helping the baby to gradually switch from bottle to cup.

What kind of plates are there?

In addition to the classic type of plates, plates with two or three sections have been created especially for babies. It is convenient to put different dishes in them - they do not mix with each other. In addition, children get the opportunity to eat what they like.

Babies eat slowly, so the food may cool on the plate. To prevent this from happening, plates have been developed that can maintain a given food temperature - with a double or heated bottom, plates equipped with an airtight container into which it is poured hot water for heating food. Chameleon plates and spoons can change color depending on the temperature of the food. For children, this is both entertainment and an incentive to eat faster, until the color has changed.

To prevent the kid from dropping the dishes from the table, some manufacturers supply the plate with a suction cup. For the same purpose, the plates are equipped with a rubber bottom or a ring, which is attached to the base and prevents the plate from sliding on the table surface. In some cases, such a plate is more convenient and easier to use.

What materials and shapes are preferred?

The main thing that you need to pay attention to when choosing dishes for a baby is the material from which it is made, the safety of its use and its shape.

Glass is an environmentally friendly material. However, it breaks easily and can injure a child.

Porcelain is beautiful and heat resistant. Quality porcelain dishes are safe but fragile. Low-quality porcelain may contain melamine, a substance from the formaldehyde category, which, when ingested, causes stomach upset and nervous system.

The most common now are dishes made of special food grade plastic. Such dishes have a lot of advantages: they are light and durable, they do not break. Plastic dishes are hygienic - they are easy to wash and have no pores in which germs and dirt can linger. Minus - food cools quickly in plastic dishes.

When choosing a plate, pay attention to its shape. Deep plates with high walls or in the form of a trefoil are preferable - they are more stable and it is easier for the child to eat from them on their own, without dropping food on the table.

Plates can be of different sizes. The size you need is determined not only by age, but also by the baby's appetite - for some, you need larger plates, for others, smaller ones. The main thing is that the plate should fit exactly as much food as the child can eat. This is how the habit of eating everything that you put down is formed.

A spoon for a small child should have a soft bucket so that the baby does not injure the gums. The fork must have rounded, blunt teeth. The handle of the cutlery should be non-slip - ideally with bumps or rubberized inserts.

In the area of ​​special attention:

- children's dishes must be supplied with a quality certificate;

- the packaging must be intact, neatly executed, all inscriptions and seals must be readable;

- good dishes for children are not afraid of washing in the dishwasher and heating in the microwave;

- the dishes should be bright, interesting, with pictures on the bottom to make the child want to eat on his own.

Famous manufacturers

Philips AVENT

Philips AVENT cookware is designed in collaboration with renowned child psychologists and nutritionists, based on the results of years of research on taste and nutritional preferences in young children. The range of cookware covers the entire learning period for independent eating - it helps to form the correct eating habits in the child easily and naturally during the game. Especially for this, the dishes were decorated with bright fairy-tale characters, some of which are painted on the bottom of the plate.

A set of dishes includes plates and cutlery, the shape and size of which is suitable for children from 6 to 18 months. For babies from 6 months old, small plates and baby spoons are suitable to help transition from breastfeeding to soft foods that must be chewed. For children from a year old - a large bowl and a children's plate with partitions for separate placement of dishes, a fork and spoon for children that are easy to hold in hand. They can help you move from soft, chewy foods to chunky foods. And for one and a half year old children - a fork, a deep spoon and a training knife with a rounded edge.

All plates have a non-slip rubber base, dishwasher safe and microwave safe.

Bebe Confort

Interesting models from Bebe Confort - special spoons for baby feeding: "mother's spoon" with a long handle, which facilitates feeding the baby, and a spoon that changes color depending on the temperature of the food.

Another proposal - the plate "I'm already big" - has a non-slip base, a removable rim that helps you scoop food yourself, a hermetically sealed lid. A plate like this is good for travel. Plates-containers are made of transparent material and have removable pictures.

Some models of this famous American company have a very original solution. So the plate with special handles is convenient for mom - it can be held in either hand. NUBY spoons and forks are equipped with anti-slip, contrasting inserts. The series “Fly away! crockery ": a plate from this series is suitable for storing any kind of food, and the tight lid prevents the contents from leaking.

Maman. A set of dishes from a leading Russian manufacturer includes cutlery designed for children of the first year. Two types of kits have been developed: the first stage - for children from 6 months, and the second stage - for children from one year old. Fork and spoon have rounded shapes and are absolutely safe to use, their handles fit perfectly in a child's palm.

A manufacturer from Italy produces sets of high-quality plastic baby dishes for babies from 6 months. The set includes a sippy cup with special handles, a plate and a spoon. The bottom of the plates is non-slip. An interesting proposal from CHICCO - plates with heated bottom. Chicco plastics are dishwasher safe.

"Everything you need to know about children's dishes"

Your baby is growing up, and now it's time to introduce the first complementary foods. Parents often have a question, "what kind of dishes to choose for feeding the crumbs?" and "what is the best way to cook food for a baby?" Today, children's stores offer a very wide range of spoons, cups, plates and accessories for cooking and feeding. But are they all safe, comfortable for you and will the child like? Let's take a closer look at the intricacies of choosing and using children's dishes.

Requirements for children's dishes.

Whatever type of feeding your baby has - breast-feeding or feeding with a mixture, after six months the baby will need the introduction of complementary foods. The body of the baby is significantly different from the body of an adult, therefore, the choice of dishes for him is a responsible matter. The baby's dishes must meet some requirements:

- to be above all safe, without emitting any toxic substances in contact with both cold and hot food,

Be made of non-toxic materials, preferably not breakable,

Be comfortable to use, small in size, comfortable handles,

Wash well and thoroughly after use, withstand sterilization, boiling,

Have a long service life,

To please the child.

To make the transition to an adult table easy and convenient, it is recommended to purchase a special set of dishes for the baby, which will make feeding useful, easy and fun.

What do you need?

Before going to the store, you need to make a rough list of what the child may need for the first complementary foods and later. Something, perhaps, is already in your use, and some will need to be purchased additionally.

So, you need two plates- deep and shallow in the form of a saucer, mug, sippy cup, especially if the crumb has previously eaten a mixture from a bottle, which will make it easier to get used to drinking from a cup. You will need 2-3 small spoons for food and one larger for stirring food while cooking. To wash vegetables before cooking, you need a small brush, the same brush can be useful for washing narrow dishes in which your hand can not get through. To rub vegetables and fruits, a plastic or glass grater is required (metal is not suitable, it destroys vitamins) and a plastic fine strainer. A stainless steel knife is required to cut vegetables and fruits. When preparing, you must use measuring cups - plastic or glass.

In addition, you will need pots, one with a capacity of about half a liter for cooking vegetable purees and cereals, a 2-5 liter pan for boiling children's dishes and heating food. A large container with a lid for storing clean dishes and one smaller one for cutlery will be very useful.

Pleasant additions for the cooking and feeding process will be: a thermos to keep food warm if the baby is sleeping or need to go for a walk, a baby food warmer if you decide to use canned food, a blender for making mashed potatoes and soups, a coffee grinder for grinding cereals for cooking porridge.

A bib becomes a very convenient thing in the process of feeding - there are reusable washable and plastic, washable bibs, and there are disposable bibs that are convenient for visiting.

What is the best way to cook?

So that the food for the baby retains the maximum useful properties and vitamins, it must be prepared correctly, using dishes specially designated for this. Pots or small bowls are commonly used, as well as deep bowls or microwave-safe bowls.

For cooking, a child is usually recommended to use stainless steel pots, in which food is cooked quickly, does not deteriorate for a long time and cools slowly, microorganisms multiply insignificantly on the walls of such pans. In addition, these dishes retain their marketable appearance for a long time, they are lightweight, durable, easy to clean with any detergent, and are not subject to corrosion.Small pots with a glass lid and an air outlet are especially convenient.

Utensils made of cast iron are still relevant, although they can rarely be found on sale now. In fact, this particular dish, along with stainless, is the safest. And the food prepared in it is the most useful for the child. Due to the very thick walls, the heat in such dishes is evenly distributed, it is retained for a long time by the walls of the pan, and the dishes are tasty and retain the maximum of their useful properties. If the kid needs to cook a dish that requires a long stewing or long heat treatment - cast iron dishes are ideal for this.

Tableware made of a special alloy, the so-called medical steel, is considered very popular, it is a special mixture of 18% chromium and 10% nickel with iron, an alloy that is very resistant to corrosion, has excellent thermal conductivity properties, is easy to clean, is resistant to not only conventional detergents, but even acids and alkalis. This dish is harmless, it is durable, lightweight, and will last a long time. Its only significant drawback is its cost - sets of such dishes are quite expensive compared to ordinary stainless dishes.

You can use enameled utensils to cook your baby's food, but they have several disadvantages. The dishes should be with even, undamaged enamel, cracks and chips of the enamel are unacceptable - such dishes are unsuitable for use. The fact is that the enamel protects food from the ingress of particles of heavy metals of the alloy from which the pan was made. In addition, the very particles of enamel on the chips can get into the baby's food. The second significant drawback of such dishes is their unsuitability for preparing dairy dishes - milk in such dishes burns to the walls and quickly runs away. The undoubted advantages of enameled pots are sufficient ease of use, ease of cleaning and a pleasant appearance, as well as cost - they are inexpensive.

Previously, aluminum pots were widespread in our kitchens, they are lightweight, warm well and keep heat for a long time. But, for the preparation of food for a child, aluminum utensils are prohibited today. When cooking food, acidic or alkaline components found in food destroy the top oxide film on the surface of the pan, which causes the metal to pass into the food. In addition, with aging of aluminum pots, harmful substances, aluminates, are formed in them, which accumulate in the human body. Pots made of various aluminum alloys with protective coatings that do not allow food to come into contact with metals are acceptable for cooking.

Today, dishes with a Teflon non-stick coating are becoming increasingly popular. It is undoubtedly convenient - everything is cooked in it quickly, does not burn, and is suitable for preparing various dishes. Such dishes are easy to wash, however, they are safe only with careful use - scratches and chips should not be allowed on the surface, since toxic substances begin to be released from the coating if the integrity of the coating is violated. Therefore, for safe cooking in such dishes, special devices are needed - wooden or plastic spoons, spatulas or ladles with or without coating.

Microwave ovens are now widespread. Do not use metal utensils to cook food in them. Here ceramics and glass will become indispensable helpers. They are very comfortable, conduct heat well, keep food hot for a long time and wash well with conventional means, food does not burn in them. The disadvantages of glass and ceramics are their fragility, they can break or crack from a sharp change in temperature, although modern models made of special heat-resistant thick glass, which minimizes the risk. For cooking porridge or vegetables in the microwave, glass pots with lids or ceramic deep bowls are convenient.

Dinner is served…

For a healthy diet, it is important not only in what and how to prepare food for the child, but also in what to feed him, so that the food will only benefit, and the feeding process gives the baby pleasure. The most important thing in children's dishes is the material from which they are made. It must be completely safe. Let's consider the main advantages and disadvantages of materials for children's dishes.

The most popular material in baby dishes isit's plastic , it is considered the safest for children under three to four years old. But, utensils must be made of high quality polymer plastics, which are specially designed for food products. The main polymers are:

Polycarbonate has the Latin designation "OTHER" or "O" on the packaging or the product itself.

Polystyrene has a Latin designation"PS",

Polypropylene has the Latin designation "PP".

All other PETE designations - polyethylene, PVC or PVC - polyvinyl chloride are considered potentially hazardous and should not be used in the food industry, especially in the manufacture of children's tableware.

However, it is necessary to carefully study the labeling, not all types of plastic baby dishes are designed for hot food and use, for example, in a microwave oven. Heat-resistant dishes must have a special mark or indication of the marking "PP", polypropylene, it allows high temperatures. It is unacceptable to use dishes made of "PS" polystyrene for hot foods; when heated, styrene, a toxic substance dangerous for children, is released from it. It is permissible to pour drinks and put cold food into such dishes.

Not always there is a Latin mark on the dishes, then the designations in numbers can be used - polystyrene is indicated by the number 6, and polypropylene by the number 5. In addition, food plastic is usually marked in the form of a fork with a cup or glass.

Separately, it should be noted dishes containing melamine, this is a special component that is used in the production of plastics. In Europe, such dishes are prohibited, according to scientists, this type of plastics can emit an increased content of formaldehyde. But in Russia there is still no official ban on the production and sale of such dishes, there should only be an indication on the label that the dishes are not intended for hot food and long-term storage of food. In addition, during its production, some dyes that are unsafe for a child may be used. Therefore, it is impossible to feed children from such dishes.

In general, plastic dishes are convenient and practical - they are easy to clean, do not break, and harmful microorganisms do not accumulate or multiply on them. Very often, manufacturers use a special thermoplastic in children's dishes, which changes color at different temperatures, which is very convenient. However, there are also disadvantages. This is usually a short service life, from 2 to 5 years. Besides, in plastic plate unless it is a special thermoplastic, food cools down rather quickly, which can become a significant disadvantage in mastering eating habits when the baby is still eating very slowly.

Then it can become convenient for feeding the babyceramic tableware , it keeps food warm for a long time, is easy to handle, easy to clean, does not allow microbes to multiply and is an environmentally friendly product. Modern ceramics can be used in microwave ovens and even in the oven. In addition, it is made quite durable. However, it can still break, and if cracks or chips appear on it, it will not be possible to use it. Thick-walled, heat-resistant transparent and opaqueglassware .

Very often, especially the older generation, gives babieswooden dishes , beautifully painted with Khokhloma or other patterns. However, contrary to popular belief about environmental friendliness and the most suitable material, wood is not the best type of dish for feeding a baby. Due to the presence of natural microscopic holes in the structure, wooden dishes are capable of retaining food debris and many microorganisms; it is extremely difficult to wash them thoroughly. In addition, wood, even varnished, is a rather soft material and when the teeth appear, the crumbs can be damaged, then particles of wood, varnish and paint can get into the child's mouth.

Convenient enough ismetal and enamel dishes ... This is a fairly practical material, the merits of which we spoke about earlier, it will not break or break, it is convenient to take it with you on a visit or on the road. But she has a significant drawback - a mug or plate, if a very hot liquid is poured into it, heats up quickly, and the child can get burned.

How to choose the right cookware?

All children's dishes sold in Russia must have a special sanitary and hygienic and epidemiological conclusion and a certificate of conformity. All copies of these papers must be certified by the Department of State Sanitary and Epidemiological Supervision and have holograms. This document must be presented to you at your request for the entire range of products sold. If they cannot fulfill this requirement, it is better to refuse such a purchase.

All instructions and the composition of the dishes must be indicated on the label or on the dishes themselves in Russian. And for plastic utensils should also beinternational marking in Latin letters. Dishes for a child must have a sealed package, preferably transparent, so that you can see its color and texture. If the plate or mug is too bright, saturated and unnatural in color, you should think about whether your baby needs one. In addition, sniff the purchased product - the sharp chemical smell of the packaging or the dishes themselves should immediately alert you - it is better not to buy such dishes.

What does a baby need?

Let's start by choosing your bowls - you'll need at least two bowls, one flat for grabbing food (pieces of fruit or boiled vegetables) and deep for soups and mashed potatoes. When choosing a plate, you need to pay attention to its size, shape and stability. The volume of the plate must be chosen so that it accommodates such a volume of food that the crumb can overpower at one time, this forms the habit of finishing everything to the end. Usually, children's plates are produced in bright colors, with pictures of animals or heroes on the sides and bottom, which allows you to turn the process of eating into an interesting activity. It is better to have a few plates in stock and change them from time to time so that the baby does not get bored. Along with the usual round plates, there are plates of unusual shapes, up to square ones, with various fixtures.

For the first lures, a plate with a suction cup that attaches to the table or a handle for which you can hold it is suitable. They will not let the plate tip over. To keep food warm for a long time, there are heated plates, inside of which there is a reservoir where hot water is poured to keep food warm. There are plates with a color indicator. When food cools down, they change color, signaling to mom about the time of the beginning of the meal. There are plates with sectors that allow the baby to eat different types food without mixing them together. Some plates have raised edges that are curved inward, which reduces the chance of soup or mashed potatoes spilling out if the child rocks the table.

A convenient addition will be a lid to the plate, in case the crumb has not finished eating or does not want to eat yet. This will allow you not to shift food in order to place it in the refrigerator for several hours.

Now let's talk about drinking. A convenient transition from nipple sucking is a drinking cup, a device in the form of a cup with a lid on it with a spout having a hole or several for the flow of liquid. There are many varieties of sippy cups - with screw caps, replaceable nozzles, valves and tubes. To switch to drinking from a mug, it is usually sufficient to remove the lid. And the cup turns into a small mug. Drinkers usually have removable or non-removable handles that allow the baby to hold it in their hands. The drinking cups are quite convenient, easy to clean, can withstand boiling or boiling water, and are made of unbreakable materials.

For grown-up babies, you will need a mug for drinks. It is designed like a cup with one or two handles, which often have rubber pads that slip less in your hands.The mug usually has bright patterns, and the bottom is often made of rubber or silicone, which prevents the mug from sliding on the table. The first circles should have a small volume, then the baby will spill less on himself if he drops it.

My spoon and fork.

To eat complementary foods and adult food, cutlery is needed - a spoon and a little later a fork. Since ancient times, there has been a tradition of giving "for the first time" silver spoon... This metal has a number of positive properties - it disinfects the oral cavity and, with proper care, has a very long term service. However, if the silver has darkened or there is a film on its surface, you cannot feed the baby with such a spoon. In addition, the edges of the spoon can be hard on the crumbs.

Another option is a stainless steel spoon and fork, and for convenience it sometimes has a curved handle, and the fork comes with rounded teeth. Many manufacturers produce combined devices - metal spoons and forks with a plastic or rubber coating, which do not injure the delicate gums of the crumbs.

Plastic or silicone devices are very convenient and practical. They are hygienic, lightweight, very easy to clean, boil and wash thoroughly. With such a spoon or fork, the baby can try to eat himself, and the mother will not be afraid that he will hurt the gums.

Choose a spoon and fork that is small enough to fit easily into your baby's mouth. If it is a silver spoon, choose a tea or coffee spoon. If you are feeding your baby yourself, the handle of the spoon should be long enough. If the baby eats himself, the handle should be thick enough, nonskid and short, and the spoon should be bent towards the face for his convenience.

We store it correctly.

In order for your baby's food to be tasty, safe and healthy, the dishes must be properly washed and stored. It is recommended to sterilize the baby's dishes until about 6-8 months. Later, rinse it thoroughly and pour over it with boiling water. For washing children's dishes, you must use special detergents, ordinary detergents are not recommended - they do not rinse well from the dishes. It is necessary to have a separate sponge and cloth for baby dishes and store them separately from everything. Once a day, they must be disinfected by pouring boiling water over them or putting them in the microwave at full power in a container of water for 2-3 minutes.

The dishes are washed immediately after a meal, after thoroughly cleaning it from food debris. After washing with detergent the dishes must be thoroughly rinsed under running water, then allowed to drain on a clean towel or dry thoroughly. Baby dish towels should be stored separately and not used for other purposes. Store the dishes separately from those of adults, preferably in a sealed container or cover it with a clean towel.