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What is a nibbler? How to choose and use a feeding net correctly. What is a nibbler and what is it for? Net for feeding babies with fruits: description, photo. At what age should a nibbler be used to feed a baby? Feeding net

12.06.2024

Nibblers appeared on the market relatively recently and pleased young parents - with this thing it is easier to transfer the child to solid food and at the same time make teething easier. Our grandmothers and great-grandmothers also had a gauze chewing bag, so everything new is well forgotten old. Of course, nibblers and chewers look different, and the convenience of modern devices is incomparably higher.

What is a nibbler

This baby feeding device is a small silicone or nylon container for fruits, vegetables and other products. The names may be different: feeding net, nibbler, nubler, fruittaker, feeder. But they have a common purpose: the baby must learn to chew and massage the gums, and the device protects against pieces of food getting into the throat.

Before using the mesh, you need to get acquainted with its structure and understand what it is.

  • All models are designed the same way - the mesh is screwed to a plastic handle.
  • The kit often includes a cap to protect the mesh from contamination.
  • There are models with a water container to keep complementary foods fresh.
  • The feeder with a handle in the form of a ring can be hung from the stroller and the child can comfortably hold it in his hand.
  • Replacement screens are a desirable addition and are offered by many manufacturers.

When choosing a nibbler, pay attention to the date of manufacture, materials, and age recommendations. Responsible manufacturers always indicate maximum information on the packaging.

Main advantages

Nibbler is a useful thing, it helps the baby adapt to “adult” food, switch to complementary foods and relieves the mother from unnecessary worries.

  • The baby masters chewing skills, receives nutrients and vitamins without the risk of choking on food.
  • Safe silicone is an excellent gum scratcher. Teeth come through easier.
  • The menu can be varied with boiled meat, fruits, berries, vegetables, and bread.
  • The plastic handle is comfortable for the baby to hold, it develops motor skills, and the bright colors attract attention and turn feeding into a game.

Most pediatricians support the use of fruit takers. Opponents believe that meshes are unsafe, since it is difficult to wash out the remains of dietary fiber from small cells, and dangerous bacteria can multiply in them. Any thing can be useful or harmful, in this case it all depends on the mother’s care and the correct choice of model for complementary feeding.

Types of feeding nets

All complementary feeding devices are made of nylon or silicone; both materials do not cause allergies and do not distort the smell and taste of food. You can determine which is better based on the child’s age and aesthetic considerations.

  1. Silicone The option is durable, easy to wash and dry, and does not darken or wear out very quickly. The elastic texture makes teething easier for the baby. True, a child can chew through the silicone, but spare parts are sold separately or included in the kit.
  2. Nylon stronger and softer than silicone, the holes in it are larger and fibers pass through them more easily. The main disadvantage is rapid wear. The material darkens and it is impossible to wash it; after about three months, the mesh should be thrown away and a new one should be bought so that the baby does not damage the oral mucosa.

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At what age and for how long can you give it?

The feeder can be used for quite a long time - from the beginning of complementary feeding to one and a half years. Usually, babies begin to be fed at six months of age; from this time until the baby develops the ability to chew and swallow solid food, the use of a mesh is justified. If the doctor recommends introducing complementary foods earlier, you can shift the time of introduction to silicone or nylon chewing.

The chewing reflex begins to appear at 5-6 months and should be gently stimulated. The mesh is ideal for such training. By the first year of life, several teeth have erupted; the baby simultaneously strives to chew, suck and swallow food, but is not yet able to grind it. For this reason, children often swallow pieces that are too large, and this is dangerous. If by the time the child's first teeth appear, he or she is not eager to chew, this can become a problem.

Feeders for babies up to one year old are oblong and have small holes. Round containers with larger holes are intended for children one year old and older.

How to choose the best nibbler

Fruit takers are produced by many manufacturers, the products differ in price, quality and minor design features. To buy a device with benefit, you need to carefully inspect it before purchasing, check for defects and whether the fastening is secure.

The quality guarantee will be the reputation of the manufacturer, certificate and medical report. Our stores offer fruit takers from the following brands:

Brand Model description
bright nylon fruit taker with a comfortable handle. The kit includes a cover and a spare mesh.
Nuby This company produces original nylon and silicone nibblers with straight handles. They are sold in specialized departments of children's stores and are relatively expensive, but they are chosen by parents all over the world. The nozzle is attached to the handle with a ring or latch.
Inexpensive models are several times cheaper than Nuby. Mothers like the shaped handle because the nibbler can be tied to a highchair or stroller. There are replaceable mesh filters.
A small container and a fairly large silicone nipple. The lid fits tightly enough so that the baby cannot get dirty with food and open the nibbler.
The cutting-edge development in the world of nibblers. Silicone fruit taker with a twisting mechanism and a piston inside.

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The price of products from unknown manufacturers is encouraging, but there is no confidence in their quality and safety of materials.

Nibblers differ from each other in the shape of the handle, material and type of fastening. Handles can be straight, curved, paired or ring-shaped. In all cases, pay attention to the relief or rubberized part that will be comfortable for the child to hold in the hand.

How to use the device correctly

To figure out how to use a fruit taker, no special training is needed. The rules are very simple:

  1. Remove the mesh from the packaging and separate its elements.
  2. Wash well with baby soap and rinse thoroughly with boiling water. Do not use dishwashing detergents or washing powders.
  3. Dry the container. Now you can put a slice of fruit there.
  4. Attach the container to the handle using a ring.
  5. Give the net to your baby and watch his actions.
  6. At the end of the “session”, disassemble, rinse carefully and remove any remaining food. This can be done using a toothbrush.
  7. Dry unassembled.

Fruit juice stains silicone and nylon. Do not try to remove the pigment with stain remover or similar products, it is better to buy a replacement container.

Do not leave your child unattended to prevent him from choking on saliva or juice.

What products can be placed

Feeders are designed for pieces of food that the child has already tried in pureed form. Food should be appropriate for the child's age.

  • Nylon containers are better suited for hard fruits, fresh and cooked vegetables, bread, cookies. Children also like boiled meat and boiled egg yolks.
  • Silicone meshes are suitable for juicy fruits and berries, for example, bananas, peaches, grapes.

It is better to start with soft products that do not require effort to squeeze out. Solid foods will be beneficial as teeth begin to emerge.

Read the instructions carefully, find out how to properly care for the device and start with vegetables. The first portions of new food should be very small.

We can no longer imagine our modern life without gadgets and devices. Manufacturers of children's accessories also do not shy away from this topic, and every day they present more and more original new products. All this is done in order to make life easier for modern mothers.

Among such devices are unusual nipples, drinking bowls, high chairs and many other accessories. One of them is a silicone nibbler - what kind of device is it, and at what age is it recommended to use it? Let's find out!

Why do you need a nibbler?

If your baby is already old enough to introduce complementary foods, then the nibbler will serve as an excellent helper for you.

  • This accessory is considered a novelty, although its likeness was used by our grandmothers in their time. They were simply called “chewings”. Parents took bread, fruits, vegetables and wrapped them in a piece of cloth or gauze and gave them to the children. This device helped the child learn to chew and adapt to new foods. To get a portion of food, the baby had to squeeze it out, while he made a kind of chewing motion. The food was ground and ended up in the child’s mouth in the form of a puree, so mothers did not worry about the child choking.
  • Today, “chewings” have been significantly improved. They consist of a base in which products are placed, a handle that is adapted to the child’s palms and, in fact, a silicone mesh.
  • The device helps the baby not only learn to chew, but also serves as a kind of .

Overview of complementary feeding devices

  • There are two types of this accessory. When asked which nibbler is better: silicone or with mesh, it is impossible to give a definite answer. This choice depends on the age of the child and his individual characteristics.

  • So, for a baby whose teeth have not yet begun to emerge, it is better to give a nibbler with a mesh. But later It is better to use a silicone device. The mesh may change color with prolonged use due to the interaction of nylon with the acids of the products. But it can be purchased at any children's clothing store and replaced. In the second option, the accessory will last you longer. It is denser, odorless and tasteless.
  • Both devices are easy to clean and convenient to use.

Best models

  • Nibbler Happy Baby The silicone one looks like a funny toy; it can be purchased in blue, brown-green and white-yellow. It is made of soft and safe silicone, thanks to which it massages the baby's gums while chewing. Some people also use it as a pacifier. The handle is convenient; by twisting it, you can move the food. In addition, it closes tightly, and you can rest assured about the safety of your baby. A special cap will keep the silicone mesh clean even during a walk. Suitable for all types of fresh berries, vegetables and fruits. Country of origin: England. Recommended for use from 6 months.

  • Nibbler Canpol Babies silicone has good reviews from customers and is distinguished by a durable mesh that is very difficult to chew through. The accessory can be purchased in pink, blue and red colors, which will attract the baby's attention. It has a baby-friendly handle. The accessory comes with a lid that will help keep it clean. Country of origin: Poland. Recommended for use from 6 months.

  • Nibbler Boon made of high quality silicone. A retaining ring ensures ease of assembly. The small handle is ideal for a child's hands. Can be purchased in green, pink and blue. Country of origin: America. Recommended for use from 6 months.

  • Nibbler Fruit Frieder with silicone nipple. It has an elongated handle, thanks to which it will be comfortable for the child to hold it in his hand. The base of the nipple is made in the form of an accordion, which makes it more convenient to use. Available in green-brown, yellow-orange and pink. Country of origin: Ukraine. Recommended from 6 months.

How to use a nibbler correctly

After purchasing this new product, the first thing mom should do is read the instructions for using it. It is necessary to disassemble the device and process it. Depending on what material it is made of, you need to use alcohol or hot water.

Then wash each part with laundry soap and rinse with running water.
The selected products must be placed in a silicone container.

It is better to use products that correspond to the introduction of complementary foods according to the baby’s age. Don't experiment. Next, you need to tightly close the device and offer it to the child.

Important! Despite the fact that this device is intended for the baby to use independently, he should not be left alone. He may choke on saliva or juice, especially if he tries new foods.

After use, wash all parts of the product with soap and rinse under running water. Sometimes the use of a brush is required. And the device is ready for use again.

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:

  1. If the baby was bottle-fed with formula, then you can offer him a new product from 4 months;
  2. If the baby was breastfed, then it is recommended to do this from 6 months, which coincides with the first.
  • 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.

Nibbler for complementary feeding - video

You may be interested in learning how to choose an accessory individually for your child, what are the advantages and disadvantages of each of them, and how to properly use and process these new items.

A nibbler is a kind of pacifier through which the baby can taste vegetables, fruits, cookies, and crackers. And most importantly, using it, you will be sure that your baby will not choke. If you have any additional questions about the topic of the article, I invite you to discuss them in the comments.

The new is the well-forgotten old. With regard to a children's gadget called a “feeding net,” this statement is one hundred percent true. The container, which holds pieces of fruit, meat, cookies, vegetables and other products, helps babies get acquainted with the world of adult food safely and conveniently. But does the feeding net always meet the parents’ expectations in everything?

Meet the weaning net, aka nibbler, aka fruittaker

This children's device appears under different names: nibbler, nubler, feeder, feeding net, fruittaker. Manufacturers are positioning it almost as a discovery, but in fact, the device with such pretentious names has a prototype. Even our grandmothers and great-grandmothers at one time fed their children with the help of the so-called. chewing gum - pieces of bread, fruit, etc. wrapped in gauze. The newfangled nibbler works on the same principle.

What is a feeding net? It is a container - a mesh with a rim, tightly fixed to a comfortable handle. The silicone or nylon mesh of the fruit taker is very durable and cannot be torn by a child, which ensures the safety of its use. In addition, it is securely attached to the plastic base.

This gadget may include a cooling container into which water is poured, after which the feeding net is placed in the refrigerator (not in the freezer). Cold keeps food fresh longer. The kit may also include a protective cap that protects the mesh from contamination. It will be convenient, for example, on a walk. Food is placed inside the mesh container and served to the child in this form. This will help him handle solid foods more comfortably and safely.

How to use the nibbler?

The operation of this newfangled gadget is very simple.

  1. Before you start using the feeding net and offer it to your baby, the new nibbler needs to be washed. To do this, you need to disassemble it into its component parts and thoroughly wash everything separately with a solution of baby soap. Do not use any other products for children's dishes. After this treatment, the nibbler is rinsed well under running water and rinsed with boiled water.
  2. It's time to put something edible in the fruittaker. Parents are often interested in the age at which they can use a weaning net. This can be done from the time when this very complementary food is introduced into the baby’s menu. Another burning parental question is what can you give your child in a nibbler? You can put everything in the feeding net that is acceptable to give to a child at his age. So, a delicacy can be grated banana, apple, carrot. You can put cookies or a piece of bread there. You can do this safely, because the mesh will prevent crumbs from getting into your baby’s mouth.
  3. Then the net is given to the baby. It is very important to control this process. Fruittaker is a safe device, but if the child is not used to it, he or she may choke on saliva or juice. To prevent this from happening, parents must always be on guard.
  4. When the meal is finished, the feeding net is again disassembled into its component parts and washed thoroughly. How to dry and store nibbler? It is dealt with in the same way as with the rest of the children's dishes.

Which mesh should I choose?

The originals are produced by the Nubi brand. You can buy them in children's stores, in departments for the youngest. This is a rather expensive pleasure, at first glance. But this circumstance did not prevent the products from gaining popularity all over the world, since such products are very reliable.

The original nibbler has cheaper (4-5 times) alternatives, in particular, called “World of Childhood”. The principle of using the product and its functionality are almost the same as the branded original. The "World of Childhood" nets are equipped, according to reviews, with a more convenient - shaped, not solid - handle. This makes it possible to tie her to a high chair, which is convenient when the child begins to show a love of throwing everything. If your child has this habit, then you should pay attention to fruitcakes with round handles. The World of Childhood set includes a replaceable mesh filter.

Parents themselves decide whether to choose a cheaper or more expensive option. The device can be both useful and convenient, and useless in both cases.

Speaking about choosing a net for complementary feeding, it is worth mentioning that you can make it yourself, for example, using tips on the Internet. In this case, the material is gauze, plastic bottles, etc. However, it is worth thinking carefully about whether a person who makes a nibbler himself at home can ensure complete safety of its use. After all, if the gauze breaks or detaches from the handle, it is dangerous for the child. On the other hand, when purchasing an industrial product, even an inexpensive one, you can count on its reliability.

Feeding nets: benefits, advantages

Is nibbler good for feeding a baby? Definitely yes, because he:

  • helps the child learn to chew solid food independently;
  • helps them receive valuable vitamins and other beneficial nutrients without the risk of choking on food;
  • makes the role of the child himself in the feeding process more significant;
  • Serves as an excellent massager during teething and scratches gums. If this process is accompanied by pain (and this happens very often), you can put an ice cube in the feeding net;
  • helps expand the child’s “gastronomic horizons” by replenishing his diet with berries, fruits, vegetables, boiled meat, etc.;
  • makes the feeding process more interesting and attractive. An important role is played by the bright - yellow, orange, green, etc. - color of the nibbler.

Disadvantages of weaning nets: reviews from parents

Everything has a second side to the coin. If the object of attention is a feeding net, reviews from parents will tell you what disadvantages of using this device in practice should be kept in mind.

  • Keeping the feeding net perfectly clean can be challenging, for example, after eating a banana. If after an orange it is enough to rinse the mesh under running water, then for the first one you have to use a brush. In this sense, a replacement mesh is very useful: it is used when the second one goes through the cleaning and drying procedure.
  • The manufacturer claims that the weaning nibbler is ideal for the road or for a walk. In fact, if you put, for example, a peach there and go with your child for a walk or by car, the result may be not only a dirty suit, but also a stroller or car seat.
  • As mentioned above, the fruittaker is recommended to be used from the introduction of complementary foods, that is, from 5-6 months of life, but holding it in a tiny hand can be a little difficult for a baby.
  • After some time of use, the mesh itself darkens from the juices of fruits and berries, which worsens its aesthetic appearance. It is very difficult to remove such pigment, so it is better not to waste energy, but to use the replaceable mesh included in the kit or purchase it separately.

So is it worth buying a complementary feeding device and which one?

Every mother should answer this question. No one knows the needs of a child as well as the person closest to him. Nubler received very mixed reviews. For some, it becomes an extra gadget with too much unjustified fuss. For other parents, nibbler gives them a sense of security, safety, and serves as a good help. In any case, it’s worth a try (perhaps starting with a cheaper option): often the child himself relieves parents of doubts by loving the device or, conversely, categorically rejecting it. But it is likely that the baby will like this device, which means that the feeding net will fulfill its mission, turning this process into a more interesting and safe one.

When the baby begins to be given complementary foods, many mothers learn about the existence of such an interesting device called a nibbler. Other names for this item are “feeder”, “baiting net” (since the product is placed in a net), “fruittaker” (since fruit is often given in it).

Purpose

Basically, nibbler is offered to babies to get acquainted with fruit complementary foods.

The baby chews a piece of fruit placed in a net. As a result of chewing, the product turns into a puree, which the baby sucks through the holes in the mesh. This way the baby learns to chew solid complementary foods.

Note that it is convenient to take such a device with you on a walk, offering the baby a delicious fruit snack while riding in a stroller.

Using a fruit taker also helps during teething. While chewing the nibbler mesh, children gently massage their gums, which reduces discomfort from teething. In addition, you can put a chilled product in the mesh, which will give a slight freezing effect and ease the condition of the baby’s gums.

A few words on safety

One of the advantages of nibbler is the safe introduction of solid foods in childhood. By giving the product in a net, parents can rest assured that the baby will not bite off too large a piece of fruit. In addition, the use of a feeder prevents seeds and seeds from getting into the baby's mouth.

It is important to note that the mesh of the device is quite strong, and the plastic elements are shock-resistant. So you don’t have to worry that a nibbler that falls on the floor will crack or a child will tear the mesh with his teeth.

Types of feeding nets

All nibblers are divided into the following two types:

Why is silicone nibbler so popular?

The great demand for silicone devices among young mothers is due to the large number of advantages of such nibblers over mesh ones:

  • They keep their shape better.
  • They do not change color under the influence of fruit juices.
  • Product particles do not get clogged in their holes.
  • Babies love to suck on them.
  • Silicone can be treated with boiling water.

Manufacturers and model overview

Nowadays you can find several types of nibblers on sale, since each manufacturer offers its own variation of the feeder.

Nuby

It was nibblers from Nubi that were the first to appear on the Russian market and are quite common in pharmacies and stores. The advantages of such feeders include their cute design, and the presence of models in pink and blue allows you to choose a suitable nibbler taking into account the gender of the baby.

As for the disadvantages of nibblers of this brand, they include the rather high price of both the nibbler itself and the replaceable attachments for it, which have to be replaced regularly. In addition, many children may be more attracted to the comfortable and bright handle of such a thing than a product in a mesh.

MamaSense

Devices from this English manufacturer are called fruit takers. Their main feature is the material of manufacture, since the container is made of silicone. It holds its shape well, and through a large number of tiny holes, it is very easy for a child to get complementary foods from such a feeder.

The handle is convenient both for gripping with a child's hand and for attaching to a high chair. This silicone item is very easy to clean, and the device dries quite quickly. Thanks to the small volume of the mesh, it almost completely fits into the baby’s mouth, and the contents do not splash during gnawing.

However, such a feeder also has its drawbacks - a rather high price, lack of replaceable attachments (if the container is worn out, you will have to buy a new one), as well as a small volume (complementary foods have to be given in small portions).

"The world of childhood"

The nibblers of this domestic manufacturer are made by analogy with Nuby products, but differ in some design features. The handle of such feeders is round and has a hole, so you can either give it to your baby or tie it to a chair. The cost of such nets for complementary feeding is quite affordable, and the design is convenient for the child and attracts his attention to the container with food.

However, since nibblers from this manufacturer are not as widespread as American ones, it is more difficult to purchase such a thing. In addition, in the process of chewing the product placed in the bag, the contents not only enter the baby’s mouth, but are also splashed to the sides.

Mir Detstva also produces silicone nibblers, which are more convenient to use.

At what age should it be given?

Most often, the use of a feeder is resorted to when introducing fruit complementary foods. Giving a baby who has just gotten his first teeth a large piece of apple or other product is quite dangerous. Although babies older than 6 months already know how to swallow unchopped foods, the risk of choking on a large piece that is bitten off is quite high.

Sometimes even a one-year-old baby does not yet know how to chew a large piece of any product, so the most common age for using a nibbler is 6-18 months.

Instructions for use

Using the nibbler is quite simple - remove the fastening ring, place a piece of product inside the mesh, close it tightly and give the device to your baby. Remember that the new mesh should be washed thoroughly using a product that is used to wash children's dishes. The use of other detergents is prohibited. The washed nibbler is thoroughly rinsed in boiled water.

After each use, the feeder should also be rinsed well so that no pieces of food remain in the mesh. A toothbrush is often used for this. After rinsing, the disassembled device is left to dry completely, and if the mesh darkens over time, it is replaced with a new one.

What products should I put in the feeder?

Most often, fruits and berries are placed in the feeder, for example, slices of banana, pear or apple. In addition, with the help of such a device, the baby is often offered raw vegetables, as well as boiled vegetables. To eliminate the risk of choking on small pieces and crumbs from crackers, cookies or bread, you can also place such products in the nibbler.

  • Carefully inspect the device from all sides. Pay attention to whether the clasp of the nibbler you are purchasing is secure so that the baby cannot open the device on his own. Make sure there are no defects in the mesh.
  • Select the mesh according to the baby’s age, and also check whether it is possible to replace the nozzles by installing a different size nozzle on the nibbler. For silicone nibblers, the nozzles may differ in width and length.
  • If the nibbler has a cap, this will provide additional ease of use (you can take the thing with you for a walk or on the road).
  • Pay attention to nibblers from a well-known manufacturer and ask the seller to show the quality certificate for the selected nibbler when purchasing. Cheaper analogues from unknown companies may break faster or be made from low-quality materials, so you should not risk the baby’s health.

Is silicone nibbler or mesh better?

To make a choice, you need to consider the following nuances:

  • A nibbler with a mesh holds its shape worse than a silicone one.
  • Pieces of the product given to the child remain in the holes of the mesh nibbler.
  • If you give your baby fruit from a mesh nibbler, their juice will cause the mesh to darken (it will turn grey-brown).
  • The mesh is less hygienic as it is made of nylon, which cannot be boiled.
  • The silicone nozzle is much easier to clean, and if necessary, it can be boiled.
  • Many babies prefer the silicone nozzle of the nibbler, as it is more similar to a pacifier, and sucking on it is more pleasant than bothering the mesh.

Already several centuries ago, mothers came up with a way for their babies to get used to solid food and learn to chew - bread or pieces of fruit soaked in milk were wrapped in clean cotton cloth, then given to the child. Nibbler is now available for sale in children's stores - what is it - a question that many parents ask.

Modern manufacturers of children's products have taken note of an option from the past, releasing a special device that works on the same principle. But young mothers have many questions about what a nibbler is, how to use it correctly, at what age it can be used, what materials it is made of, etc. When used correctly, it becomes an indispensable assistant for parents and a pleasure for kids.

At the beginning of complementary feeding, the child’s menu changes noticeably. It contains purees and juices from vegetables and fruits, and then gradually includes solid food. But some parents prefer to chew it themselves first to prevent the child from choking. This special accessory, which makes feeding and getting used to solid food easier, will help you stop chewing and keep your baby safe. The baby acquires the chewing skills he needs. The main thing is to understand how to use the nibbler.

An effective device during teething that massages the gums, improving blood circulation in them is a nibbler. Komarovsky recommends trying from the beginning of complementary feeding, because This device will help you introduce complementary foods as safely as possible.

Before purchasing a device, you need to determine for yourself which nibbler is better and what to look for when purchasing. The design is quite simple:

  • a special handle holder, by which the child takes the device;
  • nylon or silicone mesh for feeding babies fruit;
  • a plastic ring to securely secure the structure;
  • cap for storing the device.

Rules for safe use

The device was created for safety so that the baby does not choke while learning to chew. But when applied It is recommended to always be nearby. The following rules must be observed:

  1. You should not give the net as a pacifier or toy.
  2. Before each use, it is necessary to check the integrity of the parts; if wear or damage is detected, they should not be used.
  3. It is important to pay attention to the integrity of the mesh. If it breaks, it needs to be replaced.

Varieties

The types and their main distinctive features can be seen in the table, determining for yourself based on the presented advantages and disadvantages which nibbler is better - silicone or mesh.

Big demand for silicone structures associated with many of their advantages compared to fabric:

  • maintain shape better;
  • color does not change under the influence of fruit juices;
  • food particles do not get clogged in the holes;
  • Children enjoy sucking them and are comfortable combing their gums;
  • These meshes can be treated with boiling water.
Material Advantages Flaws
NYLON
  • strength;
  • ease of use;
  • flexibility.
  • quickly lose their appearance and require replacement of the mesh;
  • may cause irritation in the oral cavity.
SILICONE
  • has no smell, taste, does not absorb odors;
  • easy to clean;
  • can be boiled for disinfection;
  • dries quickly.
  • Over time, the child chews through the silicone mesh;
  • When it wears out you will need to purchase a new one.

Review of models from popular manufacturers

Modern children's stores have devices from different companies. They are all made according to the same principles, but each manufacturer brings something of its own:

  1. Nuby- famous brand. Outwardly, such a nibbler for children resembles a rattle; the handle is made of rubberized plastic, thick, and it is convenient to hold the device. Nylon pouch. But due to the publicity of the brand, its price is the highest, and replacement bags are also expensive.
  2. The world of childhood is a Russian company that produces goods for children. The device from this company has a nylon bag, and it goes on sale under the name “net for complementary feeding.” It has a rounded, comfortable handle that can be tied to a high chair without the risk of your child dropping it on the floor.
  3. MamaSense- an English-made device. It differs in its material - it is a silicone container with a large number of small holes, it holds its shape well. The rounded handle can also be given into the handle or secured to prevent it from falling to the floor.

When to start using

It should be noted that even after the appearance of the first teeth, the baby is not yet able to chew and there is no need to immediately give him pieces. First you need to prepare and teach him so that he doesn’t choke. At the same time, mothers often ask me, at what age can Nibbler be given?

Its use becomes an excellent solution for children from six months to one and a half years. But as soon as the child begins to chew confidently, the device can be abandoned.

In the modern world, parents are very lucky; there are many convenient devices on sale, including such a necessary thing that will help you quickly and safely learn to chew. We often recommend that young mothers purchase such devices. But, under no circumstances should you use it as a toy or. Otherwise, the child will not use it for its intended purpose.

Nylon accessories are good because they have a replaceable mesh. It is recommended to use without replacement for no longer than 2 months. Replacement parts of the design can be purchased at any children's store. Moms don’t have to worry about the materials, since the mesh is made of durable and safe nylon. It is securely attached to a plastic handle.

Before purchasing, you need to carefully inspect the device and check the integrity of the structure on each side. The clasp must be reliable and strong so that the baby cannot open it himself. It is also important that there are no defects or holes in the mesh part made of nylon or silicone.

Subtleties of operation and instructions for use

In order for the use of the mesh to bring only positive emotions to the baby, it is necessary to follow special rules, understanding what a feeding nibbler is:

  1. Immediately after purchasing the product, it should be thoroughly washed and doused with boiling water.
  2. After and before use, all parts must be thoroughly washed and dried.
  3. The best first fillers are peaches and bananas. These delicious fruits will create a positive attitude towards a new thing. After getting used to it, you can introduce other foods into your diet.
  4. To start feeding, just put a pre-prepared piece of product in a mesh and give it to the baby's hand.

What to put

Most often, feeding in this way is used:

  • bananas;
  • apples or pears;
  • vegetables, fresh or boiled;
  • cookie.

Advantages

Even if the piece of fruit is quite large, you don’t have to worry about the child choking. But you still need to give Nibbler under parental supervision.

Every baby will eventually learn to chew on their own, but using a mesh speeds up this process and makes it safe.

The advantages of its use include:

  • preventing the risk of a child choking on a large piece of food;
  • when cutting through, such a mesh perfectly combs through inflamed and itchy gums, and when chilled slices are placed in it, the itching gradually subsides;
  • it is convenient to use the device while walking - the baby can refresh himself in the stroller, and the mother will not worry about safety;
  • The design is easy to clean and wash.

How to make a fruit net yourself

To make your own device you will need:

  • a plastic jar with a wide neck, for example, a box of vitamins for infants, so that the neck diameter is at least 4 cm;
  • a new bag for washing clothes - you need to choose a nylon mesh for thin linen, it has small holes, you can easily buy it at any hardware store;
  • tape for the handle - a tape 1 cm wide and 15 cm long is required;
  • You will also need thread for sewing bags, an awl, measuring tape, paper and a sewing machine.

Manufacturing process

  1. The top part with the neck is cut off from the jar, departing 1 cm from the edge of the thread. This edge will be needed for unscrewing and tightening.
  2. Sanding the edge of the box with sanding paper.
  3. Preparing the pattern for the bag. To do this, measure the length of the neck in a circle. The resulting value is divided by 2 and an extra 1 cm is added for the seams. This gives you the width of the bag. To calculate the length you need to: fold the sheet in half, set aside half the width and step down along the fold by 10 cm - this is the length. This is how the pattern turns out.
  4. A blank is cut from a laundry net according to the pattern.
  5. The workpiece is sewn on a machine using several seams so that the mesh does not creep. It is better to sew several replacement bags at once.
  6. You should make a hole in the lid using an awl, insert the braid and tie it inside with a strong thick knot.
  7. The prepared bag is threaded through a threaded ring and screwed on with a lid to secure it. The bag changes as it wears out and gets dirty.

Conclusion

It is important to remember that you cannot make a toy out of the device. Leaving the child unattended during such feeding is also prohibited. It is useful only when used correctly and wisely. Juice or saliva can cause your baby to choke.