So, on Olivia’s recommendation, we bought Alec an Umami Taste Teaser. I have to say, I really like this product. It’s a great way to safely allow your baby to test new tastes on their own, and it develops their motor skills and their sense of independence and confidence in feeding themselves.

We’ve just been using it for a few days and I’ve given it to Alec in two situations. Firstly, with a piece of banana in it to keep him occupied and happy while he sits at the table with me as I have my breakfast. I think it’s fun for Alec to try eating the same thing that mummy is having and it just creates a positive little experience of having to sit around at the kitchen table with me while I eat. Secondly, I’ve been giving Alec a piece of whatever he’s eating for lunch. So, if he has parsnip puré for lunch, once he’s finished his portion, I’ll put a steamed piece of parsnip in the Umami for him to work on while I clean up after his feed. It seems like a good way for him to practise eating on his own and experience the same taste with different consistencies.

I think this is a great little product in many ways, but mess-free it is not! Both Alec and the kitchen are super-gooey after a session with the taste teaser, so I don’t know how helpful this thing would be “on the go”…