How to Introduce Solids with a Silicone Feeder Safely
By Dr Browns | Published: 2026-10-16
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to introduce solids with a silicone feeder: smooth puree prep, safe seated use, cleaning, and mistakes to avoid for your baby's first foods.
Quick answer
Start with a small amount of smooth puree in the feeder, let your baby hold and mouth it while seated upright and supervised, and stop if they gag or lose interest. Always test the flow before offering it, and clean the feeder thoroughly after every use.
Why a silicone feeder helps in the first weeks of solids
A silicone feeder acts as a bridge between milk and spoon-feeding. The tiny holes let small amounts of food through, so your baby can practice moving food around their mouth without the risk of large pieces. This is especially useful if your baby is eager to self-feed but not yet ready for finger foods. It also lets you offer purees without a spoon, which can be helpful for babies who grab at utensils.
Choosing the right first foods for the feeder
Start with single-ingredient purees that are smooth and thin enough to pass through the holes but not watery. Good options include pureed sweet potato, carrot, apple, pear, or avocado. You can also use expressed breast milk or formula to thin thicker purees. Avoid chunks, seeds, or stringy foods that can clog the holes or create a choking hazard. If you are doing baby-led weaning, you can still use a silicone feeder for messy or slippery foods like ripe banana or steamed zucchini.
How to clean and store your silicone feeder
Clean the feeder immediately after use to prevent food from drying in the holes. Most silicone feeders are dishwasher safe on the top rack, but check the manufacturer's instructions. If washing by hand, use a small brush to push water through the holes, then rinse thoroughly. Sterilise before first use and periodically thereafter. Store in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Step-by-step: using a silicone feeder safely
- 1. Wash and sterilise before first use: Disassemble the feeder and wash all parts in warm soapy water, then sterilise according to the manufacturer's instructions. Rinse thoroughly. Checkpoint: no soap residue or dust remains.
- 2. Prepare a smooth, thin puree: Cook and puree a single ingredient until completely smooth. Add breast milk, formula, or water to thin it if needed. The consistency should be like thick cream. Common mistake: using thick or lumpy puree that won't pass through the holes.
- 3. Fill the feeder halfway: Scoop the puree into the silicone pouch, filling it about halfway. Do not overfill, as this can cause leaks or make it hard for your baby to compress. Checkpoint: the feeder is not dripping when held upright.
- 4. Test the flow: Squeeze the feeder gently over a bowl to see how easily food comes through. If it flows too fast, thin the puree less or check that the holes are not blocked. Common mistake: not testing flow, leading to a frustrated baby or a mess.
- 5. Seat your baby upright and supervise: Place your baby in a high chair or feeding seat, strapped in and sitting upright. Never leave them alone with the feeder. Checkpoint: baby is calm and not leaning back.
- 6. Let your baby self-feed: Hand the feeder to your baby and let them bring it to their mouth. They may chew or suck on it. Do not force it or push it in. Common mistake: trying to control the feeder for them, which can cause gagging.
- 7. Watch for signs of readiness or discomfort: Stop if your baby turns away, coughs, gags, or becomes fussy. Gagging is normal, but choking is silent and requires immediate action. Checkpoint: baby is swallowing and breathing normally.
Product facts
- Dr Brown's Silicone Feeder 2 Pack, Grey and Mint: Dr Brown's Silicone Feeder 2 Pack, Grey and Mint includes two feeders with tiny holes that let just enough food through for baby to safely self-feed. Having two feeders means you can keep one clean and ready while the other is in use or drying, which is practical during the messy early days of solids.
