Product Review: Munchkin Fresh Food Eater

I contemplated these with Emily, by Joe I knew that I wanted to avoid plastics as much as possible and these really did not seem necessary, but, while trying to find some baby spoons the other day, I saw these at the store. And the label said BPA free. Even better, it is mommy hands-free. You set it up and let them go at it. Well, as it turns out, at this stage, that means playing the drop it on the floor game. Thankfully, Lucy has a fan club that is excited for a reason to get out of their own seats to help the poor baby sister. Here is what the Munchkin website says:

All the nutrition with none of the risk.

This award-winning product allows your baby to enjoy lots of delicious foods without the choking risk. Simply put a piece of fruit, vegetables or meat into the mesh bag and snap shut. Your baby can chew, suck and enjoy all the whole food goodness and taste, with only the tiniest, digestible pieces coming through. Your baby gets great flavor and you get great peace of mind!



A mommy reviewer on the site had the idea of putting ice chips in for a teething baby. I seem to remember reading that frozen is not so good for baby gums, but I remember that teething is one of those periods that stretches my mothering principles. And, since ice cubes alone are too slippery to hold, this could be a cool idea. Or, maybe the slippery cube distraction was the only benefit?

Pro's:

• Mommy hands-free
• Baby likes to chew on all sides (could be a con?)
  
• Colorful
• Mostly easy to clean (dishwasher safe)
• Really does let mushy food through well

Con's:

• Falls on the floor
• Have to use with mushy foods (not necessarily a con, but does limit the options and is worth considering)

In summary, cool idea, and I hope it will be useful as Lucy figures it out. (She is still mostly enjoying chewing on the handle and dropping it on the floor.) However, it is by no means necessary. And, as a caution, don't forget to let sweet babies pick up tiny bits of food as they get older. It is a helpful way to develop those fine motor skills, when developmentally appropriate. :) Also, while it is BPA free, it is still plastic.