Feeding mesh bags are a weaning tool that every mother needs during the baby’s feeding practice stage. However, at what age babies can use feeding mesh bags is a question that many mothers wonder about. Let’s explore this issue with AVAKids through the article below!

1Understanding Feeding Mesh Bags

1.1. What are feeding mesh bags?

A feeding mesh bag is a type of baby food feeder consisting of a small silicone pouch with many holes/mesh pockets and a handle attached below. When feeding the baby, the mother places the food in the pouch and guides the baby to hold the handle to eat the food more easily.

This tool supports children during the weaning stage, helps them enjoy the flavors of various foods, and limits choking hazards when children have to practice eating solid foods. Feeding mesh bags can also soothe teething pain by filling them with chilled fruits for the baby to suck on.

A limitation of feeding mesh bags is that they don’t allow the baby to fully experience the texture of food, as the baby only interacts indirectly with the food through the pouch or mesh. This may prevent the baby from learning how to chew food if they are old enough to eat food directly.

ROVCO RK-3341 Anti-Choking Feeder (from 3 months) – Random Color

1.2. Types of feeding mesh bags

There are currently two common types of feeding mesh bags on the market:

• Silicone feeding mesh bags (with the pouch made of silicone).
• Mesh feeding bags.

There are 2 types of feeding mesh bags

1.3. Advantages and disadvantages of feeding mesh bags

Advantages:

• Allows babies to experience the texture and taste of food without having to directly handle large pieces, minimizing the risk of choking when eating solid foods.
• Can be filled with chilled fruits for the baby to suck on when they are teething. 
• Has a convenient handle for the baby to grip and eat more easily, especially with foods that are difficult to hold.
• Can be used to keep the baby occupied and prevent fussiness while the mother is busy preparing food.

Disadvantages:

• The baby does not fully experience the texture of the food, mainly interacting with it through the pouch.  
• The child does not have the opportunity to learn how to use their hands to hold food. 
• The feeding mesh bag can hinder the baby’s learning process of chewing food, which involves using teeth to bite food and the tongue to move the food around the mouth. 
• Feeding mesh bags are difficult to clean due to the characteristic mesh or small holes in the silicone pouch.

PIYOPIYO PY830552 Anti-Choking Feeder (from 4 months)

2Benefits of Feeding Mesh Bags

2.1. Introducing the baby to different flavors

With feeding mesh bags, solid foods that are difficult to hold, chew, and swallow are no longer a barrier for the baby. Feeding mesh bags help the baby experience more foods, thereby introducing them to different flavors.

2.2. No worries about choking

When entering the weaning stage, babies must transition from formula and soft, pureed foods to solid foods. Using a feeding mesh bag helps the baby gradually get used to solid foods without the risk of choking.

Meiji Kids Formula Milk Powder 900g (3 – 10 years old)

2.3. Chewing practice for the baby

With feeding mesh bags, babies learn to chew solid foods by chewing the food through the bag. This helps them in the future, so they won’t be surprised when they come into direct contact with solid foods later on. Besides, chewing also helps the baby’s jaw muscles and teeth to develop.

Feeding mesh bags help babies practice chewing

2.4. Happy eating for the baby

Feeding mesh bags with their fun shapes, convenient handles, and vibrant colors are both a tool to help babies eat solid food and an interesting toy that makes mealtimes more enjoyable.

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2.5. Reduces teething discomfort

Feeding mesh bags can also help reduce discomfort during teething and swollen gums. Mothers can put cold items like ice cubes or frozen milk into the bag for the baby to chew or suck on.

2.6. Develops motor skills and grasping ability

When the baby actively holds and puts the feeding mesh bag into their mouth, it benefits the development of motor skills and hand-eye coordination. However, it will be difficult for the baby to hold soft foods like cheese, ripe fruit, baby snacks, etc., so the feeding mesh bag is essential when eating these foods.

Bebedang Brown Rice Baby Snack Mandarin Flavor 30g (from 6 months)

2.7. Self-play, no fussing

Mothers can relax and do their work without worrying about the baby fussing by putting their favorite food into the feeding mesh bag and giving it to them. The baby will be busy exploring and enjoying the food in the bag without bothering the mother.

Feeding mesh bags keep babies busy exploring and enjoying food

3At what age can babies use feeding mesh bags?

Feeding mesh bags are suitable for babies 6 months and older. At this stage, the baby’s digestive system is almost fully developed and can absorb thicker, more complex foods compared to the first few months of life.

Feeding mesh bags are suitable for babies 6 months and older

4Should I use a feeding mesh bag for my baby?

The answer is yes. Using a feeding mesh bag allows your baby to safely practice eating solid, hard foods earlier, but you should only let your child use the feeding mesh bag for 1-2 months before starting the weaning stage. After that, apply other methods such as traditional weaning, Japanese-style weaning, or baby-led weaning to introduce your baby to a wider variety of foods in the most optimal way.

It is recommended to use feeding mesh bags for babies to get acquainted with various types of food early on

5Tips for choosing a feeding mesh bag for your baby

Baby feeding mesh bags are now widely sold in supermarkets and mother and baby stores. However, mothers should note the following points to choose a quality, safe, and suitable product for their child:

• Choose feeding mesh bags from reputable brands that meet FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) standards.
• Prioritize products made from safe materials, free of harmful substances like lead, BPA, PVC, etc.
• You can choose to buy brightly colored feeding mesh bags to stimulate your baby’s appetite. 
• Choose a feeding mesh bag with a clasp larger than the opening so the baby cannot swallow it, and select a size appropriate for the baby’s age.

PIYOPIYO PY830552 Anti-Choking Feeder (from 4 months)

6Foods that can be used with feeding mesh bags

When feeding your baby with a feeding mesh bag, choose mildly sweet, juicy, soft, and easily mashed foods so that your baby can easily chew and mash the food with their weak teeth. Some foods that can be used with feeding mesh bags include:

• Raspberries.
• Strawberries.
• Cantaloupe.
• Sugar apple.
• Bananas.
• Mangoes.
• Baked sweet potatoes.
• Baked pumpkin.
• Pears.
• Peeled cucumbers.
• Watermelon.
• Grapes.
• Cooked red meats like steak.

Limit mixing foods together in the bag because your baby is just starting the weaning period, and their digestive system, although developed, is still quite sensitive. Feeding your baby a mixture of different foods can cause bloating, stomach aches, and indigestion.

Use juicy fruits for your baby with a feeding mesh bag

7How to effectively clean baby feeding mesh bags

Feeding mesh bags should be cleaned immediately after use, as leaving them for a long time will cause food to dry and stick, making them difficult to clean. Here’s how:

• Step 1: Use a bottle brush and bottle soap to clean the feeding mesh bag.
• Step 2: Rinse the feeding mesh bag under running water and scrub it thoroughly.
• Step 3: Dry the feeding mesh bag by air drying or using a dryer.
• Step 4: Store the feeding mesh bag in a dry, cool, and clean place. 

PIYOPIYO PY830435 Nipple Brush Set (2 pieces) White

8Precautions when using feeding mesh bags

Here are some precautions you should review to use feeding mesh bags safely and correctly for your child:

• Choose safe, clean foods free from harmful substances to ensure the safety of your baby’s delicate digestive system.
• Choose fruits and vegetables with mild flavors and cut them into small pieces for easier chewing and sucking.
• Avoid mixing different types of food in the feeding mesh bag, as your baby’s digestive system is still developing, and mixing foods can affect their health and stomach. 
• Sterilize the feeding mesh bag thoroughly before use and clean it after use.
• Store the feeding mesh bag in a dry, ventilated place away from direct sunlight.
• Supervise your baby throughout the chewing process to ensure safety.

D-nee Organic Baby Bottle Cleanser 550 ml Orange Scent

9Where to buy feeding mesh bags for babies

Feeding mesh bags are sold at all AVAKids supermarket stores nationwide. You can buy directly at the store or order online through the website avakids.com.

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