Keeping mess at meal times to a minimum

The right equipment at meal times will help keep mess manageable, leaving you free to enjoy being with your baby and helping them learn to feed themselves.

Bibs
A simple towelling bib will soak up milk spills, but you may need something more heavy duty for feeding time. Bibs come in a variety of materials from washable cottons to wipe-clean plastics, so check washing or cleaning instructions before you buy.

• Coverall bibs help keep sleeves clean.
• Apron bibs offer protection for your baby's clothes.
• Strong, plastic bibs with a tray at the bottom, often known as crumb catchers or pelican bibs, will intercept food before it reaches the floor.

Mats

• A splash mat placed underneath your baby's high chair will protect floors and carpets.
• As an alternative to a splash mat, you could spread out a few sheets of newspaper or use a towel.

Cups and bowls

• Lidded cups come with firm or pliable spouts. Some have non-spill valves which save on mess but make sucking harder. Others let liquid flow freely and are better for your baby's teeth.
• Some bowls come with a suction base to prevent it from being knocked, or thrown, on the floor at meal times.

Highchair and placemats
There is a huge choice of highchairs, from plastic or wood, to free standing or booster seats. Check how easy it will be to clean when you are making your choice.

• Highchairs with easily removable plastic trays make washing them down after a meal much easier.
• If your baby is sitting up to the table, a wipe-clean placemat will help protect your baby from germs and your table from mess.