I prefer this mesh feeder to the Munchkin brand. This one is larger and easier to clean. I don't really like to put food in it. I freeze unsweetened applesauce in a ice cube tray, then pop one into the mesh. My son loves them, especially when he is teething.
I initially loved this product until I found green chipped paint from the feeder. It probably came off from my son's gnawing. I didn't even realize that there is paint on the feeder until it chipped off. If you look closely a the rim, every other square is painted green. I was so upset to know that paint was used on a product given to babies. The paint serves no such purpose an is barely noticeable. I am appalled to think that my son may have eaten some of the chipped paint for no reason. I will not buy any more product from a company with no regard for children's safety.
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The protective cap and the water-filled base are great features that other similar feeding mesh bags don't have. My only complaint is that the latches are a little hard to squeeze when unscrewing the base, but I guess it's better to err on the side of safety and make it harder to open rather than risk that a child opens it and chokes on the food in the bag.
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I own both the Sassy teether and the Munchkin mesh teether and the Sassy is a much better product. First, the mesh part is removable so you can throw the handle, mesh bag, and cap in the top basket of your dishwasher and all of the parts get clean. The Munchkin's bag is attached to the handle. We like to put cut up oranges in the mesh bag and it is nearly impossible to get into the nooks and crannies of the Munchkin teether's bag where the bag meets the handle. Second, the mesh bag of the Sassy is bigger than the bag on the Munchkin. I can put about 2-3 cutie pieces in the Munchkin bag and over half a cutie in the Sassy bag. Third, you can buy extra bags for the Sassy. We own one Sassy handle and I have 2 or 3 mesh bags for it. You have to buy entire Munchkin teethers if you want multiple units.
I also want to add that I think that these teethers are also great for toddlers. I have a 14 month old and we put foods that are choking hazards in the teether so he can enjoy the juice and taste with no risk.
In response to some of the other reviews, generally speaking, yes mesh bags are difficult to clean. Some people complain about that, but what do you expect? Your baby has been pushing food through mesh with his or her teeth or gums, so yes, food gets caught in the mesh. It's really easy to just run the bag under some hot water to clear the mesh, and then throw it in the dishwasher. I also have never had a problem with the bag staying put in the handle or breaking and my little guy is a very aggressive chewer.
Lastly, I am giving the Sassy 4 stars because it touts that, if frozen, the handle will keep the fruit/goodies in the bag cold. I am unconvinced of this. I haven't noticed a difference in temperature when I have popped the bag in the freezer v. when I do not. If Sassy didn't tout this as a benefit, I would give this teether a 5.
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I bought this product very excited to be able to offer my baby tastes of solid food, because he doesn't like being spoon fed most of the time. I had no issues with the product, other than the fact that my baby was not interested in the food in the net. He preferred to chew on the plastic half rather than the bag containing the food. I was disappointed, but a friend of mine mentioned to me another method called "Baby-Led Weaning". I purchased the book titled the same and have had much more success! It is not about weaning off of formula or breastmilk, but rather about allowing the baby to explore easy-to-handle pieces of solid food. To my surprise, the baby has natural reflexes that prevent swallowing chunks of food or choking on food. My baby is 7.5 months and will suck on bread, meat, vegs and fruit with no problem. I am a careful parent, a physician who knows too much about what can go wrong, but still I felt comfortable allowing my baby to explore solid foods once I had the guidelines and the backup of the information in the book. As a first time parent, there are so many gadgets and methods to try. I thought that I would like the netted baby feeders, but now much prefer handing my baby food directly. He gets to experience the full texture of the food, practice his motor skills, and there are no nets to clean! I recommend looking into Baby-Led Weaning instead of this product if you like the idea of baby learning to feed him or herself.
To be fair, the pros of this product:
It is very attractive
It comes with a cap so if you want to take food with you or bring home a messy net after eating out it is convenient to do so.
Replacement nets are available
I bought this placemat for my 20 month-old daughter and overall I've very pleased with it. It's a bit pricey for a placemat but it's the only one I have found that truly stays in one place while my daughter eats. It doesn't slide/move at all. It's also top-rack dishwasher-safe, which is a bonus. My daughter does like to peel it off of the table and put it on her head as a "hat," but I think that's just the age and no fault of the placemat ;o) My only wish is that it were a little bit larger.
