Loulou Lollipop Born to be Wild Tableware Collection

Your toddlers have mastered the skills of using the learning utensils? They graduate to the big kids’ version designed for their growing hands. Then you must try Loulou Lollipop new collection, Born to be Wild is a line of fun and practical tableware designed for kids from ages 4 months to 5 years old.

The range of Born to be Wild collections are very wide. From Infant Feeding Spoon to Learning Fork and Spoon Set which allow toddlers to confidently grasp the spoon and fork to encourage self-feeding.. With thoughtful details, smart and ergonomic designs, the collection makes mealtime fun and easy with plates, bowls, cutlery, and more.

▼ From left to right: Divided Plate with Lid, Learning Fork & Spoon set, Snack Plate

▲ From left to right: Chopstick, Infant Feeding Spoon, Kid’s Fork and Spoon set

Born to be Wild collections will make snack time fun!

Born to be Wild collection are mainly made of 100% premium buttery smooth food-safe silicone, they are lightweight and easy to clean. Less mess, more snacking fun!

Available in seven adorable animal friends to entertain your little one! Those seven adorable animal are Alligator, Bunny, Elephant, Giraffe, Lion, Llama, and Rhino.

The collection is made with premium buttery soft and safe silicone and quality materials that meet the ASTM, CPSC, EN, AUS, and GB international safety standards. Free of BPA, Phthalates, and harmful substances.

Silicone feeding spoon are made of soft, smooth silicone that can easily be thrown into the dishwasher and are safe for kids to chew on as they learn to eat.

Learning Spoon and Fork are designed with chunky easy-grab handles to let kids learning self-feeding easily, it is recommended for kids that are older enough that no longer love chewing everything, because it is made from premium food-safe silicone and SS304 stainless steel.

The bowl and plate coming with steady suction, simply press the plate and bowl down and it will stick to most smooth surfaces to prevent slips and spills. They have an upcoming new products which is Divided Plate with Lid!

Divided Plate with Lid features a strong suction base, the tight-fitting lid with an adorable alligator handle makes it easy to store and heat meals. The plate includes three separate sections to encourage food group variety and appropriate portion sizes.

Why Born to be Wild?

  • 100% premium food-grade silicone

  • Free of BPA, PVC, phthalates, lead, and cadmium

  • Size (cm): varies

  • Recommended Age: 6 months +

  • Dishwasher safe

  • Microwave oven safe

By combining a timeless, feel-good aesthetic, memorable pops of color, and an uncompromising commitment to the safest, highest quality materials, LouLou LOLLIPOP is redefining baby goods.

And reminder from us do not leave a child unattended with the fork or spoon and discard if damaged.

The Story of a Safer Baby Spoon: A Product's Origin Story

Editor's Note:

Please note that we no longer distribute the Grabease brand. We have kept this article live because we believe it tells a powerful and important origin story about product innovation in the baby space.

The principles discussed here, such as the revolutionary short handle and the choke-protection shield, are valuable design features that have changed the market. We see this article as a case study in how a simple, parent-driven idea can lead to a safer and more effective product for all children.

 

The history of Grabease

And please respect every brand’s effort and creativity.

From lawyer to product developer, Maya Shalev - founder of Grabease - loved problem-solving but didn't love the aggressiveness of litigation. She did mediation training at the Los Angeles Attorney's office before getting pregnant with her daughter, Alma.

As a stay at home mom for a few years, Maya was able to apply her problem-solving skills when she developed, with her dad, products that were missing in the market.  

In 2014, Maya found herself at a crossroads when her father passed away while she was three months pregnant. Finding herself in this new situation, Maya decided to take a break to cope with the loss of her father and focus her energy on the new life she was bringing into the world.

In 2015, Maya found herself with a new challenge when her six-month-old son, Amit, was learning how to self-feed. This obstacle reignited her passion for developing a product that would not only solve the need for her son but other moms going through similar scenarios.

Off the bat, she noticed that baby utensils aren't designed with babies in mind. The handles were too long and her son couldn't hold the utensil naturally. She decided to meltdown cheap forks to create a shorter, thicker handle. The first mold was created out of Playdough, a common medium in a house with kids.

The next phase was to create a set of utensils, the most expensive pair of fork and spoon she's ever invested in, a whopping $400 for a 3D printed set! Using her son as a guinea pig to test out the new utensils Maya noticed that the handle was on the thin side so she went back to the drawing board and designed a teardrop-shaped handle.

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She took this prototype to a Pediatric Occupational Therapist for some feedback to make sure she was developing the right product. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. The Occupational Therapist told Maya that the Grabease utensils "makes a great developmental product for children ages 4 months and up. Grabease supports fine motor skill development and independent feeding skills."

The inspiration to go back in business to not only create but give back was through the social initiative she saw the Toms brand spearhead. When Grabease was being packed and shipped Maya partnered with The Harvest Home, a non-profit organization that helps homeless pregnant women get back on their feet.

The Grabease design was immediately patented in 2016 and sent to production. A soft launch was introduced via Amazon to see if there was a need for the product. Maya designed the product with the intention that nine-month-old children and older would be using the product but to her surprise moms were excited to share photos and videos of their six-month-old babies self-feeding with the Grabease.

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Grabease was tagged by tons of moms on social media, gushing with excitement that their kids were independently eating with the utensils.

The pivotal change for the brand was at the JPMA trade show. The last day of the show is open to consumers, the excitement and the crowd around the Grabease booth was proof that the brand was going to be high in demand. Shortly after, all products were sold out on Amazon as well. Before long, the Grabease website launched!

Not only was Grabease helping babies learn how to independently feed themselves, it was helpful for differently-abled children as well. Parents were sharing how Grabease utensils were helping their children with cerebral palsy or down syndrome. This was heartwarming and impactful for Maya.

Different organizations that helped children with different abilities were now reaching out to the brand for support. Without hesitation, Grabease donated products to help and promote the development of independent eaters. With the word spreading, Maya found herself getting emails and calls from Occupational Therapists that were interested in trying out the product in their clinics and then endorsing the product. Another win for Grabease!

In quarter 1 of 2017 Maya graduated from the kitchen to the garage. Soon after, Nordstroms and other independent retailed picked up the brand and Grabease moved into an office space in 2018.  

Grabease is now available in 300 stores and internationally, accessible in over 15 countries and expanding rapidly!

Maya didn't stop there. The Grabease toothbrush was the next product created. Thought of and designed by Maya's then 8-year-old daughter, Alma. The idea came to her when she saw the struggles her parents were having when trying to brush her little brothers' teeth, Amit. 

Alma sketched the design and 2 years later the design came to life. The toothbrush was a hit. So much so that most kids don’t want to put it down!

Maya and the team of moms take pride in developing products that provide solutions for families around the world while helping children in need. Grabease is excited to continue launching innovative and helpful products for other parents because being a parent is a lot of work and we want to alleviate unnecessary stress so you can enjoy the best moments with your growing tot!

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Article quoted from Grabease blog post.

How to Choose Baby's First Spoon: A Guide to Self-Feeding Utensils

Editor's Note:

This article was originally a comparison between two specific brands. To provide more timeless and valuable advice, it has been updated to be a general guide on the two primary types of starter utensils for babies. This will help you understand the features to look for as you choose the best tools for your little one.

 

When your baby enters the age of 6 months, it's an exciting time to introduce them to the world of solid foods. This is when a baby's first spoon and fork come into play. Unlike the utensils we use, a baby's first tools must be specially adjusted for their little mouths, ensuring they are safe, comfortable, and easy to use.

The market is full of options, but they generally fall into two distinct categories, each designed for a different phase of the self-feeding journey. Understanding the difference is key to preventing frustration and setting your baby up for success.

Type 1: The Starter "Chewtensil" for Early Exploration

This type of utensil is perfect for the very beginning of the solid food journey, often suitable for babies as young as 4-6 months. It acts as a bridge between a teether and a true utensil.

Key Features:

  • Soft, Flexible Material: Usually made from 100% food-grade silicone, it's gentle on a baby's sensitive gums.

  • Dual-Sided with Textures: The "spoon" end is often textured and designed more for dipping into purées than for actual scooping. The handle is also textured, making it double as an effective teether.

  • Easy-to-Grip Handle: The handle is typically short and wide, making it easy for a baby's developing grasp.

Pros:

  • Excellent for developing hand-to-mouth coordination.

  • Doubles as a teether, providing soothing relief during mealtimes.

  • Very safe for babies to explore independently.

Cons:

  • Not effective for scooping thicker foods or piercing solids.

  • Babies will outgrow its limited functionality as their skills improve.

Type 2: The Ergonomic Self-Feeding Utensil

This is the next step up, designed for when your baby (typically 6-9 months and older) is ready to start scooping and piercing food themselves.

Key Features:

  • Firmer Material & Real Utensil Head: While the handle might be silicone, the head is a real (but baby-safe) spoon and fork, allowing for actual scooping of things like yogurt and piercing of soft fruits.

  • Short, Ergonomic Handle: The defining feature is a short, fat handle that encourages a baby's natural vertical grasp, making the motion to their mouth more intuitive.

  • Choke-Protection Shield: This is a critical safety feature. A wide "cloud" or flower-shaped guard below the utensil head prevents a baby from gagging themselves.

Pros:

  • Promotes true self-feeding independence and fine motor skills.

  • The choke shield provides invaluable peace of mind for parents.

  • Effectively prepares a child for using standard toddler utensils.

Cons:

  • The firmer material is not designed for teething.

  • Requires slightly more coordination than a simple "chewtensil."

Summary: Which One Is Right for Your Baby?

It's not a question of which one is "better," but which one is right for your baby's current stage.

  • Think of the "Chewtensil" as Stage 1: Perfect for the initial introduction to solids, for dipping, and for teething relief.

  • Think of the Ergonomic Utensil as Stage 2: The ideal tool once your baby shows a real desire to scoop and feed themselves independently.

Many parents find it helpful to own both, starting with the soft chewtensil and "graduating" to the ergonomic self-feeder as their baby's confidence and skills grow.

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A Parent's Guide to Choosing the Best Baby Spoons and Forks

Editor's Note:

This article was originally a "best of" list from 2021. To provide more timeless and valuable advice, it has been updated to be a comprehensive guide on the features to look for when choosing the perfect spoon and fork for your baby's developmental stage.

 

When your baby starts eating solid foods, their growth requires a new level of attention and equipment. The right bowls, plates, spoons, and forks are essential accessories to make mealtime successful. You will get a lot of use out of these tools, so it's wise to choose well. With so many baby spoons and forks on the market, it can be confusing to know which one is best. This guide will help you choose.

How to Pick the Perfect Baby Spoon and Fork: A 3-Point Checklist

1. Who Will Be Feeding the Baby?

The first question to ask is who will be holding the utensil. The answer determines the type of spoon you need.

  • Parent-Feeding Spoons: These typically have a longer handle, designed for an adult's hand to comfortably reach the baby's mouth from a distance.

  • Self-Feeding Spoons: When your child wants to eat independently, it's time to switch. These spoons have shorter, chunkier, ergonomic handles shaped for a baby's natural grasp. They are specifically designed to help develop fine motor skills.

2. What Is It Made Of?

This is the most important feature. A baby's gums are delicate, and they aren't coordinated enough to use metal utensils safely.

  • The Best Choice: Silicone. 100% food-grade silicone is the ideal material. It's soft, hygienic, durable, and free from harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates.

  • Other Good Options: Soft plastics and smooth, splinter-free wood are also safe alternatives.

  • What to Avoid: Metal spoons are too hard and can hurt a baby's gums and developing teeth.

3. Is It the Right Size?

Baby utensils should be much smaller than yours. A spoon might look tiny to you, but it's probably the perfect size for your little one's small mouth. The spoon bowl should not be too deep, making it easy for your baby to get the food off.

Key Features to Look for in Modern Baby Utensils

Beyond the basics, today's most innovative utensils have special features designed for safety and success.

  • The Choke-Protection Shield: This is a revolutionary safety feature. It's a wide barrier located on the handle that prevents your baby from pushing the spoon or fork too far into their mouth and gagging. It provides invaluable peace of mind for parents.

  • The Silicone Spoon-Teether: Perfect for the earliest stages, these spoons are made entirely of soft, chewable silicone. They act as a "2-in-1," allowing a baby to get used to the motion of self-feeding while also soothing their sore gums.

  • The Food-Gripping Starter Spoon: Before a baby masters scooping, they start by dipping. Some starter spoons are flat with textured surfaces designed to grip onto purées, allowing your baby to successfully get food to their mouth without needing to scoop perfectly.

  • Hygienic and Travel-Friendly Designs: Look for sets that come with a clean carrying pouch. Some innovative designs even have a base that allows the spoon to stand up, keeping the tip off a dirty restaurant table.

A Final Word of Advice

Baby utensils are usable for years to come, so it's a good idea to invest in a nice set for home and perhaps some less expensive ones for the diaper bag, as it's easy to lose them when you're out. Having a few sets is always wise.

Ready to Start the Self-Feeding Adventure?

The right utensils can turn mealtime from a frustrating struggle into a fun, successful learning experience.