As parents, we all want what’s best for our little ones. We carefully research car seats, sleep routines, and the safest baby products — but what about the food we give them every day?

Squeeze pouches have become a go-to snack for busy families. They’re convenient, mess-free, and easy to toss into a diaper bag. 

Yet, as more research comes out, we’re learning that relying too much on pouches might not be the best choice for a baby’s development. From delaying speech development to increasing the risk of cavities and exposing tiny tummies to microplastics, pouches come with downsides that most parents don’t hear about.

If you’re just learning about these risks, don’t worry — you’re not alone! The good news? There are simple swaps that make mealtimes just as easy while giving your baby the nutrition, variety, and developmental benefits they need.

Why #SkipThePouch?

Pouches, when used occasionally, can be a fine on-the-go option. But relying on them too much can lead to challenges:

• Delayed Speech & Oral Development

Babies develop their jaw strength and tongue coordination by chewing, biting,

and moving food around their mouths. Sucking purees from a pouch doesn’t offer the same benefits, which can slow down oral-motor development, future texture aversions, and even impact speech.

• Higher Risk of Cavities

Pouches coat tiny teeth in sugars that sit for long periods, increasing the risk of cavities. Many pouches (even organic ones) are high in fruit sugars, which can be harmful when sipped throughout the day. Starting kids early with tooth brushing can help!

• Exposure to Microplastics

Many baby food pouches contain plastics that can leach into food. Since babies eat in smaller quantities but more frequently, the cumulative exposure to microplastics from pouches may be concerning.

• Lack of Nutritional Variety
  
  Many pouches lean heavily on sweet fruits, even in savory blends. Babies benefit from diverse textures and flavors—including slightly bitter, sour, and umami-rich foods—which help shape their future eating habits and acceptance of a wide range of foods.

Learn more about why pouches aren’t the best choice for your baby by visiting this page with all the research and expert insights.

 

 

 

 

 

What to Do Instead

If you’re ready to move beyond the pouch but still need convenience, here are a few practical, stress-free ways to make the transition:

1. Opt for Spoon-Feeding When Possible

Instead of offering a pouch, try making your own blends served in a small bowl and feeding your baby with a spoon. This switch allows your baby to practice using their tongue and jaw muscles properly while still enjoying their food.

2. Introduce Soft, Easy-to-Eat Finger Foods

Encourage self-feeding by offering small, soft foods like:

• Mashed avocado or banana
•  Steamed and diced sweet potatoes or carrots
• Soft, cooked lentils or beans
• Scrambled eggs or flaky, cooked fish (for non-vegetarian families)
• Whole-fat yogurt with mashed berries (for non-dairy-free families)

These options expose your baby to different textures while helping them build coordination and independence.

3. Reusable Jars Are Your Friend

If you love the grab-and-go convenience of pouches, try using small, reusable glass jars. You can pre-fill them with mashed or lightly textured foods and let your baby eat with a spoon, just as easily as they would from a pouch.

4. Serve More Textured Purees

Instead of always serving smooth purees, offer slightly thicker or more textured versions. Try mashing instead of blending, or mixing in small pieces of soft food to help your baby transition to more complex textures.

5. Make Mealtime Fun & Engaging

Babies learn best through experience! Let them explore new foods with their hands,

experiment with spoons, and even make a little mess. These early experiences set the foundation for a lifetime of confident eating.

6. Pack Smart for On-the-Go Meals

For travel or daycare, pre-pack food in small jars or snack containers. Options like overnight oats, mashed beans, or soft-cooked veggies are just as easy to serve as a pouch, but much better for your baby’s development, and for the environment.

Small Steps, Big Impact

If pouches have been a big part of your baby’s diet, don’t stress. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s progress. Swapping just a few pouches per week for more interactive, textured eating experiences can make a huge difference in your baby’s development.

If you have concerns about your baby’s feeding habits, oral-motor development, or nutrition, consult your pediatrician. They can provide guidance tailored to your baby’s needs and help you make the best decisions for your family.

Our Mission at Globowl

At Globowl, we believe in giving babies the best start by introducing them to real, diverse, and nutritious foods. Our internationally inspired meals are designed to support healthy development — no pouches, just real food in reusable glass jars. We’re proud to lead the #SkipThePouch movement and help families transition to better feeding practices.

By choosing spoon-feeding, finger foods, and diverse textures, you’re giving your little one the best possible start. So let’s #SkipThePouch—not out of guilt, but out of love for our growing babies!