Although weaning is a messy time, especially if you do baby led weaning, the after weaning period is just as messy too. Toddlers still eat with their hands, they still drop food down their front, they still haven’t quite mastered a spoon yet and they still spill drinks. So as well as bibs and copious wipes, we have been using the Tidy Table Tray to keep the mess a bit more contained.
The tray is so simple to use – it looks like the tray from your average highchair. It attaches to the table with a large bulldog clip attachment, so it should fit pretty much anywhere. It can be used in conjunction with a booster seat or with a standard dining chair. The tray comes in 2 parts – the white ‘base’ layer with the green top layer which can be unhooked and chucked in the sink or dishwasher after meals.
Max loves the line drawings on the green top tray – they show where his plate, fork and spoon should be, and there is a moulded area for a cup too. It helps Max to learn about where things should go on the table. The green tray had a lipped edge that sits against the child’s chest when they are sat up to the table – meaning that any food they drop slides down this and back onto the Tidy Table Tray rather than down their clothes – genius! I was worried this would annoy Max as he tried to eat, but it doesn’t at all as it is made from a flexible silicone.
It’s a fantastic idea – one of those products that makes you go ‘why on earth has this not been done before?!’ Because it is all dishwasher safe, it’s easy peasy to keep clean. The whole thing is remarkably flat so easy to store when not in use, and perfect for taking to other peoples houses, especially if they are a bit houseproud and don’t want their tables covered in gravy and cake. On top of all of that, it doubles as a fantastic place for messy and sensory play – no more playdough and pen staining your table!
Great invention that has really been thought about. I does look a bit bulky and heavy though? Maybe that’s me being picky! If it does it’s job it sounds good to me!
Jenna Parrington recently posted…Keeping on top of the cleaning with Dettol
Like that is has a lip at front to keep food from ending up in the lap. And that can remove the green bit for cleaning. Great for BLW. #TriedTested
Annabel (Tickle Fingers) recently posted…Tickle Fingers gets the Vibrant Home touch
That is such a brilliant idea, it lets the child feel all grown up at the table, but saves your table cloth!
#Tried/Tested
fashion-mommy recently posted…Glamour at the Baftas from House of Fraser
A great alternative to a high chair and much more portable. Looks like he’s enjoying his dinners. My little bean just started weening. Broccoli everywhere today! #TriedTested
Love this, deffo going to look at getting Ted one 🙂 x
Jade Pirard (Late For Reality) recently posted…My Summer Stress Savers – Video
Oh I will have to look into getting one of these for little J. Dinner time is still a messy one #TriedTested
Michelle recently posted…Plasticine Fun
Oh wow this is a great idea! I like the colour too, very bright!
Jenni – Odd Socks and Lollipops recently posted…Review – Walkright Pink Flower Sandals
What a great idea, I wish this had been around when mine were younger. Miss A used to love sitting up at the table with everyone else.
Angela recently posted…How To Host A Relaxed Dinner Party
This is great, I could do with one for my messy 2 year old!
This is such a great idea, I’ve never seen anything like this! x #triedtested
Mummy’s Blog recently posted…Bloggers! Two new places to share your blog posts!
This looks great I want one! I especially like the bit that sits against their chest to stop food dropping down. #triedtested
Kiri recently posted…This week… 4-10 May
This really does look like such a brilliant idea and perfect for toddlers. I totally agree that toddlers can be just as messy as weaning babies , i think my almost two year old is messier then her 8 month old brother x
Lindsay @ Newcastle Family Life recently posted…Wicked Uncle Online Toy Shop Review
We’re thinking of moving Toby out of his highchair and up to the table with us soon and this looks like a great product to make the transition a bit smoother and contain some of the mess!
tobygoesbananas recently posted…Living Arrows 19/52 {2015}
Oh wow, that is a fab idea – you’re right, why hasn’t this been invented before? x
Wow, that is a great idea. Shame that they didn’t have this when my kids were younger.
That’s a brilliant idea. My 4year old could still do with something like that. He was never a messy eater as a baby, but now he’s a nightmare!
Emma T recently posted…Planning for a non-birthday outdoor party
Now this does look good! #TreidTested
Mummy Fever recently posted…Money saving tips for families: part ten
I love the thought of a double use for messy play.
Anything that reduces mess is a bonus ha! Loving the look of the roast mmm x
Emma | The Mini Mes and Me recently posted…Family Fun at Greenwood Forest Park
this is such a great idea! Our table gets covered in food and he throws his mats everywhere #triedtested
Mummy Melton recently posted…Tantrums!