當馬克遇上莎莉

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Here are a few bits and pieces that may make life easier when you start to feed your baby solids:

Bibs

Bibs come in a huge range of materials and styles. Small, basic cloth bibs are all your baby needs to begin with, but you may find that you need something more substantial as he gets older. Here's a quick jog through what's available:
• Basic cloth bibs: Come with a velcro or tie fastening, or pull over your baby's head. Cheap, and you can simply chuck them into your washing machine after use. Pull-over bibs may leave food smeared on your baby's face as you pull them off.

• Disposable bibs: These are more costly in the long term, but will save on washing. They're also great for when you're out and about.

• Plastic bibs: These wipe-clean bibs are a little pricier, but won't let food stains soak through to your baby's clothes.

• Catch-it-all bibs: These have a pocket at the bottom to catch all the bits and pieces that your baby drops as he eats. This stops lots of debris ending up on the floor or in your baby's lap. Cleaning them out afterwards isn't the nicest job in the world, though!

• Eat-and-play aprons: These cover your baby's arms as well as his body, and can double as a painting apron. Good for babies who are starting to feed themselves.

• Toddler bibs: Larger than baby bibs to provide extra coverage for splatter-happy tots.

Tip: Special occasion bibs are a great gift if you're visiting another family with a baby, or at special events such as Christmas -- they can help your baby look and feel the part!

Mess mats

Wipe-clean plastic mats designed to catch dropped (or thrown) food. You can buy smaller ones to go on your baby's highchair tray, or larger ones to put on the floor under your baby's highchair.

Highchair cushions and inserts

Designed to make your baby's highchair more comfy and secure, especially for younger babies. May be simple cloth cushions, or a shaped wipeable insert which you can remove for cleaning.

Highchair toys

These have a sucker on the bottom so you can attach them to your baby's highchair tray. Very useful for giving you a few minutes' grace while you get your baby's food ready.

Food blender

If you don't already own one, this is one of the best investments you can make when you start your baby on solids. Whether you choose a hand-held one or one that sits on your work surface, make sure it will process small amounts before your hand over your money.