FAQs

👋 We are here to help.

If we haven't answered your question below, please reach out to us at info@hipmommies.ca

Hip mommies, the official Canadian distributor of ezpz

Hip Mommies Questions

I'm confused. Are you ezpz?

Nope, we’re not ezpz, but we’re their proud distributor in Canada! About 10 years ago, we discovered ezpz and immediately fell in love with their innovative products and mission. Since then, we've been importing their goods and helping to get them into your favourite baby boutiques across Canada. We also represent ezpz here, making sure Canadian families have access to these amazing products.

Then why all the love for ezpz?

We've been huge fans and partners ever since the Happy Mat, and we're here to share the best of ezpz with you!

We adore ezpz for so many reasons. Unlike any other brand we've encountered since 2004, ezpz uses experienced feeding experts to design their products. Their in-house Pediatric Feeding Specialist, Dawn Winkelmann (M.S, CCC-SLP), ensures each item supports developmental milestones. Ezpz is transparent about their manufacturing processes and safety standards, setting them apart in the industry.

As a 100% women-owned and run business, they revolutionized the feeding category with the Happy Mat and silicone dishware, turning it upside down. They’re true innovators, committed to fostering a healthy feeding journey and giving back to the community.

Their thoughtful designs help little ones meet important mealtime milestones, making ezpz the #1 trusted brand in the feeding space. And #1 in our hearts! 💗 (Sappy, but true.)

Which retail stores carry ezpz products?

ezpz is sold at Indigo, West Coast Kids, Snugglebugz, Amazon Canada, Well.ca and most independant baby boutiques Canada wide.

If you'd like to see ezpz in your local boutique, please drop us a line and we will reach out to them.

Do you have a storefront? Do you offer pickup?

We are a Toronto-based online store, and unfortunately do not have a storefront. All orders ship from our warehouse in the outskirts, and it is not open to the public at this time.

Where do you ship from?

All orders ship from our warehouse in the outskirts of Toronto.

(At the border of Markham and Scarborough to be specific.)

How long will it take to get my order?

All orders ship (leave the warehouse) within two business days. Most orders that are placed before 3pm go out the same day. If your delivery address is within the GTA your order will take an estimated two days once you receive tracking information. If your delivery address is on either coast, it may take up to 9 days.

What's your return policy?

Defective or damaged goods in the original packaging are returnable within 30 days of purchase.

For the full returns policy, please visit https://shop.hipmommies.ca/pages/returns

Do you work with influencers or bloggers?

We are always thrilled to see our products out in the world. If you share on your blog or social, please tag us @hipmommies.

However, our popular partnerships program is on hold at this time.

I have a product! How can we work together?

If you are looking for a Canadian sales and distribution partner, head to hipmommies.ca to learn more and connect with us.

Is the ezpz sold on Amazon Canada authentic?

There’s nothing wrong with searching for a discount code or better price…unless it comes at the cost of your family’s safety. Amazon and other online ec-ommerce sites have huge issues with counterfeits. While they may be a good deal, we advise staying away from anything that hasn't been properly tested (even if they say it has.)

If you shop for ezpz on Amazon Canada please make sure the seller says "ezpz" or "hip mommies"

Here's some more info on counterfeits.

  • Counterfeit products can be found on various platforms including eBay, Amazon, Big Box stores, Kijiji, daily deal sites, Facebook mom groups, pop-up shops, baby shows, and even discount stores.
  • Popular counterfeit baby products include medication, sunscreen, lotions, shampoo, feeding accessories like EZPZ, baby carriers, highchairs, clothing, accessories, and formula. Many favorite baby brands have issues with counterfeits.
  • Counterfeit products do not meet safety standards required by Health Canada, which includes testing for flammability, phthalates, choking, and strangling hazards. Hip Mommies reviews third-party safety testing reports before partnering with a brand.
  • Counterfeiters avoid necessary safety testing and compliance, leading to unsafe products that can include harmful chemicals, toxic dyes, and choking hazards.
  • Supporting counterfeiters damages the economy by directing funds to unethical, unsafe businesses overseas, contributing to high unemployment, slow business growth, and affecting interest rates and cost of living.
  • Identity theft is a risk with counterfeit products, as some e-commerce sites are designed to collect personal information and disappear, exposing sensitive information.
  • Counterfeit products harm the environment by improperly disposing of harmful chemicals and toxic dyes, leading to serious pollution.
  • Counterfeit factories are linked to organized crime, poor working conditions, and child labor. These factories fund illegal activities, including drug trafficking and money laundering.
  • Reputable companies ensure ethical working conditions in overseas factories, while counterfeiters exploit labor and avoid safety standards.
  • Silicone products made without proper testing can contain lead, phthalates, BPA, and choking hazards. Authentic silicone products from brands like EZPZ are tested and safe.
  • To protect against counterfeits, consumers should check for spelling and grammar errors, be cautious on Amazon and Facebook ads, shop mindfully, and research independent retailers and websites.
  • Only purchase from authorized retailers listed on the manufacturer’s website, and inspect products closely for quality and authenticity, including checking for patent info, batch, and model information.

Special thanks toToday’s Parent for interviewing us for their story:Warning: Some of your baby products could be fakes

What's this ReLove Sale? Why are the deals so good?

The ReLove program is intended to give you access to goods at a discounted price and also to divert returns and slightly damaged items from landfills. Giving perfectly good items a second chance in your home. ✌️ 🌍 💖

Here to create change. The best thing we can do for our planet and our communities is to cut down on consumption. We can do this by seeking out multipurpose goods that do double duty, or by reusing items that have been gently loved in another home. At Hip Mommies, we source practical and durable goods made with high-quality materials, that won't break after using with your babe, and that can be passed on to another child.

All ReLove items are either found in the warehouse, were misshipped, or are un-opened or inspected returns. Mostly they have damaged packaging. However, they may have been used for promotional photography, they may have been used in another home, they may have been samples for trade shows, and may or may not have been used with food.

They may or may not have packaging. All items are final sale, however, you are able to recycle them through our rebuy program.

How can I recycle my old ezpz?

If you send us back your goods purchased at Hip Mommies, or any ezpz products purchased in Canada, we will offer a shop credit for shop.hipmommies.ca for 30% of the original purchase price (current MSRP).

All goods received will be inspected and either donated, resold with our relove program - giving other Canadian parents a way to buy previously loved goods at a discount, or properly recycled with Terracycle.

Thanks for being awesome. How can I leave you a review?

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Thank You! As a small business, reviews mean so much.

You can leave a Google review

Or you can leave a review here on the shop.

We really appreciate you taking the time, and are so grateful you chose to shop with us!

ezpz and other baby and toddler feeding products

Product Questions

What materials are ezpz products made out of?

ezpz's mat-based products, cups and Tiny Spoons are made from 100% food-safe silicone that is 3rd-party quality tested (FDA approved + CPSC certified). 

Why is silicone so great?

  • Microwave, dishwasher and oven safe (up to 350 degrees)
  • Free of BPA, BPF, BPS, PVC, lead, cadmium and phthalates
  • Non-porous surface helps inhibit bacterial growth 
  • Built to last; bendable and flexible and doesn't fade or corrode
  • Made from the natural resources sand (silica) and carbon
  • Soft, flexible texture protects baby's emerging teeth + tender gums (as compared to metal, glass or plastic)

ezpz's Mini and Happy Utensils are made from food-safe silicone and nylon. The sturdy nylon head helps your toddler / preschooler practice important skills like piercing, scooping, spreading and cutting. Like silicone, nylon doesn't contain any toxins including BPA, BPF, BPS, PVC, lead, cadmium and phthalates.

You can learn more about our ezpz's testing and compliance process here. 

How Do I know that your products are safe?

Things like Lead, BPA, Phthalates and other toxic additives are commonly found in kid's products. Even the ones that are labelled as "free." (Especially on the large online marketplaces.) At Hip Mommies We require test reports from independant, third-party testing facilities for all of the goods we carry.

We also require documentation from the factories, so we can learn more about their practices - environmental and otherwise.

All ezpz products are manufactured using the highest quality materials, including nylon and silicone that are free from BPA, BPS, latex, lead and phthalates. They comply with applicable worldwide requirements for mechanical, chemical and labeling. Products are tested annually by a third-party laboratory to ensure compliance with applicable US + international requirements, including rules, regulations, directives and standards for the geographic region in which they are distributed.

Team ezpz also rigorously tests new products with feeding therapists, medical professionals, baby led weaning experts, children and families prior to launch.

Which ezpz products are best for my little one(s)?

If you are looking for products for a certain age or stage, please select "Shop by Age" in the navigation, to view products sorted by age range. All of ezpz's mat-based products provide a stable base for your little one to practice fine motor skills like the pincer grasp and hand-to-mouth movements. The self-sealing mat also helps infants, toddlers and preschoolers work on utensil skills such as dipping, scooping, piercing and cutting. Here is the volume + age recommendation by product:Tiny Bowl - 5 oz (4+ months)Mini Mat - 2 oz, 2 oz, 4 oz (6+ months), Mini Bowl - 8 oz (12+ months)Happy Mat - 4 oz, 4 oz, 10 oz (24+ months), Happy Bowl - 12 oz (24+ months)All of ezpz's mealtime accessories are based on developmental stages. The guidelines are below:Tiny Spoon - helps infants to practice the self-feeding skills of dipping and scooping (4+ months)Tiny Cup - helps infants transition from bottle to cup and/or introduce open cup drinking (4+ months)Mini Utensils - helps toddler learn how to eat with a spoon (scoop) and fork (pierce) (12+ months)Mini Cup + Straw - teaches toddlers to drink more ounces from an open cup and safely learn to use a straw (9+ months)If you would like assistance, or have questions about a specific product, please reach out to us via the chat window or info@hipmommies.ca and we're happy to help.

What is the difference between a sippy cup and a straw cup?

There are a few developmental tips to consider when choosing between a sippy cup vs. a straw cup.

  • A straw cup improves lip rounding, which is an essential movement for drinking and swallowing (and also for speech and language development). ezpz's straw has sensory bumps on the ‘training side’ of the straw to provide tactile input to help children understand (and feel) precisely where their lips need to be.
     
  • Straw cups improve tongue elevation and oral motor coordination. These movements help to improve your child’s swallowing skills and promote an appropriate resting position of the tongue. 
     
  • The Mini Cup + Straw Training System keeps the lips toward the front of the straw to protect teeth alignment. Proper lip placement on a straw will decrease tongue suckling and avoid any pressure that could negatively impact teeth development.

In summary, ezpz's straw cups can help improve your child’s development, whereas a sippy cup may delay development. Learn more here.

What does designed by a Pediatric Feeding Specialist mean?

ezpz products are crafted with the expertise of professionals who understand the ins and outs of feeding little ones. Here's what that means for you and your child:

  • Expert Insight: A Pediatric Feeding Specialist brings specialized knowledge about how babies and toddlers develop eating skills. This ensures our products are not only functional but also beneficial for your child’s growth.
  • Safety and Health: ezpz's designs minimize choking hazards and other risks, making mealtime safer for your little one.
  • Developmentally Appropriate: ezpz creates products that support your child’s development at every stage, from early self-feeding to mastering utensils. Features like shallow spoon bowls and easy-to-grip handles help little hands succeed.
  • Encourages Positive Eating Habits: ezpz products make mealtime less stressful and more enjoyable, promoting healthy eating habits and independence.
  • User-Friendly Design: We know parents have their hands full, so ezpz products are designed to be practical, easy to clean, and built to last. This makes feeding time smoother for everyone.
  • Science-Backed: ezpz's designs are grounded in the latest research and best practices in pediatric nutrition and feeding, ensuring top-notch quality and effectiveness.
  • Inclusive: ezpz (and Hip Mommies) aim to make mealtime inclusive for all children, including those with feeding challenges or special needs.

In short, ezpz products designed by a Pediatric Feeding Specialist ensure a safe, supportive, and enjoyable feeding experience for your child, helping them thrive at every mealtime milestone.

Do ezpz mats really seal to the table?

Yes! As long as air can't get underneath the mat, all ezpz mats are self-sealing and cannot be released by pulling on the plate or bowl. This includes wood, laminate, stone and glass surfaces.

Important note - if you have a tiled or wood surface that has holes, divots or fractures the seal will not work as well. Also, it is critical that the back of the mat is clean and free of lint and dust. To release the mat, simply peel the outer edge. 

Do ezpz products fit on a highchair tray?

All of our mat dimensions are detailed below. We recommend taking measurements of your tray prior to placing your order.Tiny Bowl: At 9" wide and 6.5" tall, the Tiny Bowl is designed to fit on the tiniest of highchair trays, including the Stokke Tripp Trapp and Boon Flair trays.Mini Mat: At 10.75" wide and 7.75" tall the Mini Mat is designed to fit on most highchair trays (even 'space saver' models). The Mini Mat does not fit on the following highchair trays: the Stokke Tripp Trapp, the Boon Flair, the Nuna Zaaz, the Keekaroo, the Ingenuity ChairMate (Easton), the Safety 1st Beaumont, and the Abiie Beyond Wooden Highchair. The high-gloss finish of the Oxo Sprout Highchair hinders the Mini Mat's suction feature.Mini Bowl: At 8.5" wide and 7" tall, the Mini Bowl is designed to fit on most highchair trays (even 'space saver' models). The Mini Bowl does not fit on the Stokke Tripp Trapp or the Boon Flair tray.Happy Mat: At 14" wide and 9" tall the Happy Mat does not fit on most highchair trays. We recommend removing the tray and pushing your highchair up to the table so the whole family can enjoy mealtime together.Happy Bowl: At 10.25" wide and 8.75" tall the Happy Bowl will most likely fit on your highchair tray. If you have a 'space saver' model the Happy Bowl will not fit.

Can I store food in the ezpz mats & bowls?

Yes! ezpz now offers a Tiny Bowl Lid, Mini Bowl Lid and Mini Mat Lid. We recommend using these lids to store snacks, leftovers and meals on-the-go. To avoid leakage while traveling, make sure to place the mat + lid upright (not sideways).

Does ezpz offer replacement straws?

We know that lost straws happen, and ezpz created the Mini Straw and Happy Straw Replacement Packs. With replacement straws you can do less washing. Plus, you won't have to stress about misplacing (or losing) a straw!

I lost my EVA reusable bag. Can I get a replacement?

Sure; we are happy to help. Please reach out to us with your request via the chat window or info@hipmommies.ca

Who is Dawn Winkelmann, M.S, CCC-SLP?

Dawn Winkelmann (M.S, CCC-SLP) is ezpz’s Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist and Feeding Specialist. She has 28 years of experience teaching parents and medical professionals how to start babies on solids safely and encourage toddlers to overcome picky eating tendencies. In addition, “Ms. Dawn” is the designer of ezpz's award-winning feeding products.

baby and toddler feeding products, silicone care

Cleaning & Care

Can I put ezpz products in the microwave, oven or dishwasher?

All of ezpz's mat-based products are dishwasher, microwave and oven-safe (up to 350 degrees). ezpz cups and utensils are dishwasher-safe (only).

*Note - please do not boil, sanitize or microwave any of ezpz's utensils.

What if my item has water spots or a soapy taste after washing?

Silicone can taste soapy due to a residue left from the phosphates in detergents used in cleaning. When silicone items aren't rinsed thoroughly, the residue can impart a soapy taste. It can also hold onto smells. It's not dangerous, but it can be noticeable.

All ezpz products are tested by an independent 3rd party laboratory and comply with all applicable CPSC and FDA regulations and standards (including dishwasher safety).

Some recommendations:

  • Clean your item(s) with warm, soapy water instead of the dishwasher; we recommend using unscented, non-oily soaps and detergents. Dish soaps that contain essential oils, antibacterial agents and moisturizers stick to silicone and can leave a soapy after-taste.
  • Use the steam and dry settings on your dishwasher and ensure that there is enough distance between the item(s). Space will allow the dishwasher to clean the detergent thoroughly.
  • Use gel pods or liquid dish detergent over powder. Also consider adding white vinegar or a non-toxic rinse aid to your wash cycle to reduce mineral build-up.
  • For soap residue or water spots (which are most likely mineral deposits from hard water), you can wipe or soak the item(s) with white vinegar and baking soda (1:2 ratio).
  • Baking the mat at 275 degrees for about 45 minutes may also help inactivate the soap esters causing the smell. Note - this recommendation is only for mats; smaller items (cups, utensils, etc.) should not be placed in the oven.

What else can help with mealtime clean-up?

Yes, we have a few items for mealtime clean-up (plus more on the way!).

  • The Mushroom Sponge is a hypo-allergenic, odor-resistant sponge that is perfect for washing ezpz products, dishes, cookware and feeding gear.
  • The Bottle Brush is the silicone solution for baby and water bottles.
  • The BapronBaby® Splash Mat is a lightweight, waterproof mat that is 45 inches in diameter and designed to catch splashes and spills.

You can learn more about how ezpz makes clean-up, well, ezpz here.

How do I care for and wash BapronBaby Bibs and Splash Mats?

BapronBaby uses a polyester interlock that is permanently fused to what is essentially a plant-based "plastic". This unique film is both safe for babies and 100% waterproof. BapronBaby does not apply any sprays, flame retardants, or treatments to the fabric. This material is eco-friendly, andcertified for safety by independent agencies and by the CPSIA to be 100% free of lead, phthalates, and BPA. It's also approved for use with food.

For Quick Cleaning Between Meals: rinse the entire Bapron under water to remove all food/crumbs.  Gently shake off water and hang, allowing it to air dry fully.  

Deep Cleaning: BapronBaby Baprons are machine washable and may be tumbled dry on any heat setting.  The material is so durable it can even be washed with bleach (just be sure to follow the bleach instructions)

** During periods of regular use, we recommend machine washing and drying your Baprons 1-2 times per week. If your washing machine has an agitator, we highly recommend washing your Baprons inside a delicates bag to prevent any damage.

Additional approved cleaning techniques: Vinegar solution, color-safe bleach, machine wash (any temp), machine dry (any temp), vigorous scrubbing. Please do not use wire bristles as it may damage the waterproof fabric.

Are Bapron's stain resistant?

They sure are!  BapronBaby's unique fabric is not only soft, lightweight, and waterproof... it's stain resistant! However, in those times where you just don't have time to wash your Bapron immediately after a meal here are some tips to getting out possible discoloration.

  1. Lay Bapron flat on the counter fabric side-up and apply some dish soap to the stained areas. (We like Blue Dawn.)
  2. Get your dish scrubber wet and go to town on the Bapron. Really scrub it— this fabric is tough!
  3. Toss it in the washing machine and wash/dry it normally.

This should at the very least get 99% of the discoloration out. Doing this immediately after a messy/vibrant meal like spaghetti or sloppy joes is always best.

Can Bapron's be Ironed? Nope. Do not iron as it may damage the waterproof layer. Lie flat to dry if you'd like Bapron to be wrinkle-free.

Introducing foods, starting solids, feeding babies

Starting Solids 101

Why do you recommend a Tiny Cup for the newborn phase?

This one hits close to home. We had a tough time with newborn breastfeeding, and our little one wasn’t gaining weight, which led to the anxiety-inducing term "failure to thrive." On top of that, both formulaandbottles were a no-go. We tried tube feeding and cluster feeding and it was incredibly overwhelming. We ended up using a shot glass to cup-feed breast milk gently.

This is why I always tell new parents to have a Tiny Cup on hand just in case. It’s soft, flexible, and way gentler on babies' gums and safer than glass for those middle-of-the-night feeds. We hope your feeding journey is smooth, but having a Tiny Cup can be a lifesaver.

What are the developmental milestones for feeding?

  • Lip Control – Having baby learn to close their lips on an open cup or spoon is a feeding milestone critical for safe swallowing. Improve lip control with the Tiny Cup + Tiny Spoon.
  • Drink from an Open Cup (held by an adult) – Developmentally, at 6 months of age baby should transition from breast / bottle to sips from an open cup held by an adult (not a sippy cup). Improve cup drinking skills with the Tiny Cup.
  • Ready for Thin, Thick and Lumpy Purees – The unique oval shape of the Tiny Bowl encourages infants to easily see inside the bowl, making eye-hand coordination for self-feeding more successful. Improve feeding skills with the Tiny Bowl.
  • Ready for Soft Foods (at 6 months) – Baby led weaning (BLW) starts at 6 months of age. Since the Mini Mat suctions to the table, it supports stability and posture, allowing baby to pick up strips of food easily. Improve feeding skills with the Mini Mat.
  • Hold and Bring Object / Spoon to Mouth – The appropriately sized Tiny Spoon helps baby move their jaw, cheeks, tongue and upper lip in order to decreased gagging associated with stating solids. Improve baby-led spoon feeding with the Tiny Spoon.
  • Rake (Grasp) Objects and Food –Since ezpz mats suction to the surface, baby can easily rake up foods. This makes self-feeding skills more productive. Improve raking grasp with the Mini Mat.

What is baby-led weaning (BLW)?

A strict BLW approach skips purees and starts baby on finger foods (oftentimes foods that the rest of the family is eating). In this method, baby is in control of the feeding process, the pace of the meal, and learning their own fullness cues. This approach encourages baby to be independent and consume the quantity they choose. Here are a few ideas to think about as you get started.

  • In the beginning start slow and offer one food at a time.
  • Next, offer up to 3 different foods at a meal.
  • Avoid giving more than 5 foods, as too many choices can be overwhelming for a new or hesitant eater. To learn more about BLW check out ezpz's blog: Baby Led Weaning.

What products do I need to get started?

It’s important to navigate soft foods safely and avoid feeding challenges. Choosing the right products can help!

We recommend gearing up with:

  • Pre-feeding Tools
  • Bowl + Spoon + Training Cup (The First Foods Set)
  • Bib
  • High Chair (The Ikea Antilop is affordable and our top pick)

To learn more about products and tips for starting solids, check out ezpz's blog:6 Must Have BLW Products.

How do I know when my baby is ready to start BLW?

Sometimes families are so excited to start baby on solids that they begin too early (without knowing some of the risks). Here are some signs of readiness to look for:

  • Is baby six months of age?
  • Can baby sit up on their own without losing their balance?
  • Does baby reach for your food or drink and/or grasp objects?
  • Does baby bring their hand, objects or food to their mouth?
  • Does baby have the head control to look up, down and to both sides without falling forward?
  • Does baby stare at you intently while you are eating and/or have an interest in food?
  • Does baby start to drool, munch on their hand or open their mouth in time with you feeding yourself?
  • Has baby’s tongue thrust reflex decreased?

To learn more about starting solids too soon and other feeding tips, check out ezpz's blog: Are you Feeding Baby Too Early.

What other critical feeding milestones should start at 6 months of age?

Open cup drinking, spoon-feeding and self-feeding milestones all start at 6 months of age. Parents need a safe infant cup and spoon to help baby become an independent eater and drinker! 

Developmentally, at 6 months of age baby should transition from breast / bottle to sips from an open cup held by an adult (NOT a sippy cup!).

Choose an infant spoon (like the Tiny Spoon) that baby can easily hold and self feed with.

To learn more about infant cup drinking milestones and infant spoon feeding milestones check out ezpz's blogs: 4 Surprising Benefits of Open Cup Drinking and Baby-Led Spoon Feeding at 6 Months.

I’m nervous about starting BLW and doing it wrong!

Introducing your baby to solid foods can be a fun, yet nerve wracking transition. Here are some expert tips to help you feel confident and comfortable starting BLW.

  • Wait to offer food until 6 months.
  • Wait to clean baby’s face until the end of the meal.
  • Learn the correct portion sizes for your baby’s age.
  • Use a sectioned plate.

To learn more about the most common pitfalls parents make (and how to avoid them) check out ezpz's blogs: Common BLW Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them (Part 1) and (Part 2). 

How do I decrease gagging and choking?

For BLW, only place a few strips of food in a bowl or mat at a time to decrease overstuffing and choking risk.

If offering food on a spoon, give baby time to swallow all the food in their mouth before offering more food in the bowl.

  • Make sure the spoon you are using is properly sized for baby’s tiny mouth.
  • Don’t overfill the spoon. Give tiny bites.
  • Pause between bites and give baby time to swallow all the tastes lingering in the mouth.
  • Look for signs of fullness: pushing the spoon away, turning their head away and closing their mouth.

To learn more tips on spoon feeding, check out ezpz's blog: How to Decrease Gagging When Spoon Feeding Baby.

Using the Pre-Feeding tools, like ezpz's Oral Development Tools before you get started on solids, may help.

How do I choose the right foods for BLW?

Pick foods that are soft.

Chose foods that can be cut in long strips (like French fries)

Use foods that baby can pick-up and hold easily.

To learn more about introducing favorite BLW foods like banana and avocado, check out ezpz's blogs: How to Introduce Banana to Babies and  How to Introduce Avocado.

What is the "traditional method" for feeding babies?

The traditional feeding method involves parents spoon feeding their baby smooth purees. In this method parents are in control of the feeding process, the pace of the meal, and learning baby’s fullness cues. Here are a few ideas to think about as you get started.

  • Start purees for the first few weeks of solid food introduction. Once you are sure that baby can safely swallow purees, start introducing strips of soft foods. Continue with both textures (purees and soft
    strips).
  • Purees are a great texture that will stay in a child’s food repertoire for a lifetime. 

To learn more about the different puree textures to give baby, check out ezpz's blog: Three Puree Textures to Try.

Can I start purees at 4 months?

Sometimes families are so excited to start baby on solids that they begin too early (without knowing some of the risks). Here are some signs of readiness to look for:

  • Can baby sit up on their own without losing their balance?
  • Does baby reach for your food or drink and/or grasp objects?
  • Does baby bring their hand, objects or food to their mouth?
  • Does baby have the head control to look up, down and to both sides without falling forward?
  • Does baby stare at you intently while you are eating and/or have an interest in food?
  • Does baby start to drool, munch on their hand or open their mouth in time with you feeding yourself?
  • Has baby’s tongue thrust reflex decreased?
  • Does baby have ALL the above skills and is at least 4 months of age?

To learn more about starting solids too soon and other feeding tips, check out ezpz's blog: Are you Feeding Baby Too Early.

Should I spoon feed my baby or try the baby-led spoon feeding approach?

  • Select an infant training spoon (a spoon designed for a baby to hold), like the ezpz Tiny Spoon.
  • Pre-load the spoon with a puree and hand baby the spoon so they can self-feed. Babies learn more about the tastes and textures of food if they are controlling their eating experience.

To learn more tips on how to avoid mistakes with spoon feeding, check out ezpz's blog: Three Mistakes Parents Make During Baby-Led Spoon Feeding.

Can purees help my baby obtain feeding milestones?

Yes! Purees can help ensure baby has a safe swallow, assist with open cup drinking and develop self spoon-feeding skills.

  • Developmentally, at 4-6 months baby should transition from breast / bottle to sips from an open cup held by an adult (not a sippy cup). The ezpz Tiny Cup is a perfect choice for teaching open cup drinking with thin and thick purees, as well as smoothies.
  • Choose an infant spoon that baby can easily hold and self feed with. The ezpz Tiny Spoon was designed to help baby learn how to use a utensil independently and be successful with the fine motor milestones of dipping and scooping!

To learn more about infant cup drinking and spoon feeding milestones check out ezpz's blogs: Feeding Milestones for Baby: Cup Drinking and Baby-Led Spoon Feeding at 6 Months.

How do I offer purees to my baby?

Parents want to make sure they safely transition their baby from breast (or bottle) to puree foods. Here are a few of the tips to make purees tasty, safe and fun for parents and baby.

  • Offer purees that have bright colors.
  • Expose baby to a variety of colorful purees to help with variety (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown and white). This can be from a cup, bowl, spoon or even a popsicle.
  • Don’t get stuck on purees. It’s important to make sure that baby can handle a variety of tastes and textures that are safe and appropriate for their developmental stage.

To learn more about offering purees and other feeding tips, check out ezpz's blog: Introducing Purees.

Baby and Toddler Feeding Basics, mealtime milestones

Baby & Toddler Feeding

What are Mealtime Milestones?

Mealtime Milestones are key developmental stages that children go through as they learn to eat independently. Each milestone supports a child’s motor skills, coordination, and eating habits. You can support your little one through this journey by using developmentally appropriate products for each age and stage.

Mealtime Milestones for infants and babies include things like:

  • Dipping
  • Pincer grasp
  • Open-cup drinking

Mealtime Milestones for toddlers include:

  • Scooping + piercing
  • Open-cup drinking
  • Straw drinking

Mealtime Milestones for little kids include:

  • Utensil use
  • Increased portion size
  • Food variety

Track your infant, baby or toddler's feeding milestones with ezpz's free printables.

Do you have any Tips or Tricks for feeding baby?

ezpz's resident SLP and feeding specialist Miss Dawn has a tonne of great resources available on the ezpz blog.

These professional pieces of advice can help your kiddos become independent eaters and drinkers.

For information on Starting Solids, Transitioning to the next sized ezpz, Pre-feeding tools and even common pitfalls and food aversions, it's all in there.

Feeding Tips / Expert Advice

Any Tips for feeding challenges?

Feeding challenges are becoming increasingly prevalent. In fact, between 25-50% of neurotypical children and 80% of those with developmental disabilities have feeding challenges. You are not alone.

ezpz's in-house SLP and feeding specialist has been helping kids address feeding challenges in her practice for 28 years. She's compiled a bunch of tips to help you with the most difficult feeding challenges.

It may be time to reach out and get some help, but many challenges can be addressed at home with the help of ezpz and Ms. Dawn.

You can read more about Overcoming Feeding Challenges for Babies Toddlers and Little Kids

What other resources do you recommend?

If you've exhausted the ezpz Blog, we recommend checking out the 100 First Foods™ approach and Baby-Led Weaning with Katie Ferraro. Katie also has a great podcast.

We are also big fans of the site Solid Starts for Babies

Shop Feeding Essentials for Every Age and Stage