Shopping·9 min read

15 Things That Will Make Feeding Your Kids a Whole Lot Easier

Feeding kids
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Amazon
June 27, 2023

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From day one of parenthood, feeding kids is a huge effort. But at every stage, there are also products that can offer a helping hand. Read on for our favorite baby bottles, high chairs, sustainable storage options, on-the-go snack bags, and more. Godspeed.

baby bottles
Target

Baby bottles that are super low-maintenance…

Well, as low-maintenance as it gets when you’re talking about something that needs to be washed 8,291 times a day. These are soft, easy to grip, and extremely easy to clean, with only three parts (plus a lid) per bottle. Oh, and they go in the dishwasher, too. Score. ($59.99, Target)

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Bottle subscription
Babylist

A whole box of bottle options for pickier babies…

Of course, just because a bottle is easy to clean, that doesn’t mean your baby is going to like it. Sometimes babies just know what they want, regardless of how much money you’ve already spent on your best friend’s favorite bottle brand. This assortment lets you try five different brands to see which your baby likes best. ($32.99, Babylist)

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high chair
Nordstrom

A high chair that will look great in your dining room…

This highly adjustable chair works for babies, big kids, and even grown-ups — just change the height of the seat and footrest accordingly. It comes in 15 different colors, and best of all, it looks like a nice piece of furniture…aka it won’t scream “WE HAVE A BABY” to anyone who happens to come over for dinner. (Don’t worry, the actual baby will do that.) Grab the tray, sold separately, or buy the version with a newborn insert if you really want to use this from day one. ($299+, Nordstrom)

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high chair
Amazon

A great high chair for grandma’s house…

If you want a second high chair for frequent travel destinations like grandma’s, or you’re just not in the market for a $250+ high chair, this one does the trick. It has a bigger footprint than the Tripp Trapp, but it also offers four different configurations (the chair part comes off the top and can be used directly on the floor, with the bottom half turning into a little table, for example). It’s also very easy to clean — just wipe down the plastic surfaces and throw the cushion and harness in the washing machine. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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Tiny cup
EZPZ

The cutest “tiny cup” for kids starting solids…

This silicone cup comes in seven different colors, is dishwasher safe, and holds 2 ounces of anything from breast milk to water to purées. Recommended for babies 4 months and up, it’s a great, infant-sized first cup for your little one. ($11.49, ezpz)

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Soft spoon
Target

Spoons for your baby’s first bites (and beyond)…

These dishwasher-safe, soft plastic spoons will come in handy from day one of starting solids. Stock up so you can keep a bunch at home and throw one in your diaper bag for when your little one joins you at brunch. ($3.69, Target)

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Colander
Amazon

A colander attachment for easy pasta-making…

If your sink tends to fill up during the day and you don’t want to make space for a colander on pasta night, this silicone strainer is for you. Just clip it right onto your pot once the pasta’s done cooking, pour out the boiling water, and ta-da…that’s it. Put the strainer in the dishwasher for easy cleanup, too. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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storage containers
Amazon

Food storage made ridiculously easy…

Say hello to your new all-around kitchen heroes. These 24 glass Pyrex containers (with BPA-free plastic lids) are perfect for fridge and freezer storage but also extremely versatile: each dish can also go in the microwave, dishwasher, and oven (sans lid, of course). Who said you can’t have it all? ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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Munchkin plates
Amazon

Basic plates and bowls that won’t let you down…

We’ll tell you a secret: We gave up on bowls and plates with “suction” bottoms a long time ago, because none of them seemed to actually stick. Here’s what we recommend instead: When you’re feeding a baby, just put their food directly on their high chair tray. Then, once you trust them not to throw every bowl or plate in sight, graduate to this Munchkin set that’s perfect for toddler/preschooler meals and snacks. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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Magic Bullet blender
Amazon

An easy blender for smoothies and purées…

Sure, Vitamixes are awesome — but if you’re just dipping your toes in the smoothie waters or don’t need a blender too often, this much cheaper option is a great starting point. Use it to make purées for your baby or smoothies for your older kids (or yourself)...and store leftovers right in the (resealable) cups you used for blending. Easy. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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Lunch box
Amazon

A lunchbox with 46,000+ five-star ratings…

Bentgo lunchboxes are mega-popular for a reason. With five different compartments, latches to stop leaks, an inner tray that’s dishwasher safe, and 30 (!) different color/pattern options, these are a home run. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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reusable bags
Amazon

Reusable storage bags for snacks and leftovers…

It’s pretty simple: instead of going through hundreds of disposable bags a year, use these. They’re made from food-grade silicone and can go in the dishwasher and microwave. Reducing food waste and using less disposable plastic? Win-win. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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Cupcake cups
Amazon

Reusable cupcake cups that aren’t just for baking…

Yes, you could use these to make cupcakes or muffins, but they could also be travel toys, bath toys, houses for tiny Lego people, or a fun way to change up your meal- or snack-time serving options. Fill them with berries, puffs, crackers, cheese, chocolate chips, or whatever else your little snackers enjoy…then run them through the dishwasher and repeat. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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Sprinkles
Amazon

Sprinkles to put on everything in sight…

What makes yogurt for breakfast about 1,000 times more exciting? You guessed it…sprinkles. Really, any sprinkles will do, but these are vegan and made in the USA without artificial dyes, soy, or gluten. So get your sprinkle on and feel great about it. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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Cookbook
Amazon

A new cookbook from one of our favorite Instagram chefs…

Out August 22, this cookbook from @yummytoddlerfood’s Amy Palanjian will share 100 of her best and easiest dinner ideas. Grab one for yourself and one for a friend. ({{dynamicPrice}}, Amazon)

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