family blog

  Every parent knows the rule: You must cut grapes and hot dogs into quarters. Round foods are the #1 choking hazard for children under 4. But standing at the counter slicing a handful of grapes into tiny pieces every day is tedious. The Solution: The OXO Tot Grape Cutter This looks like a simple plastic plunger. Load: You pop a grape (or cherry tomato) into the chamber. Press: You push the plunger down. Done: The grape pops out the bottom, perfectly sliced into four safe quarters. Why it’s essential: It isn't just about saving time (though it does slice 20 grapes in 30 seconds). It is about consistency . When you cut by hand, you get lazy. You might miss one. This machine never misses. It is the best $10 insurance policy for your peace of mind.

  When you start solids, you have two choices: Buy jars (Expensive). Make your own (Messy). If you plan to make your own, you will be tempted to buy a fancy machine like the BEABA Babycook . It steams the raw veggies and then blends them in the same cup . Is it worth the price tag? YES, if: You hate washing dishes. The magic of " Steam & Blend " in one button means you aren't washing a steamer pot, a strainer, and a blender jar. You wash one cup. You want " Set and Forget. " You throw raw carrots in, press a button, and walk away. 15 minutes later, it beeps, and you have puree. NO, if: You already have a high-end blender ( like a Vitamix ). You can steam veggies on the stove and blend them. It takes more steps, but the result is the same. My Take: If you can afford it, the time saved on washing dishes makes the Beaba worth every penny.