Starting solids with your baby can be a fun time, but it can also be a little confusing and scary! Not only do you have to figure out the right tools for you baby, you also have to decide which foods to introduce first! While I was beginning to prepare to transition my son to solids, I realized how confusing things could get with all the options out there. In hopes of helping other new first time moms, I put together a list of 12 baby feeding essentials you need when starting solids.
In this post, I will go into what you should look for in a high chair, as well as baby food makers, bibs, plates, spoons, and cups!
1. Comfortable seating
It is best for baby to have a comfortable and safe seat when starting solid foods. Positioning and body alignment plays a big role in baby leaning how to chew and swallow effectively. When looking for the best high chair, make sure the back rest allows baby to sit up straight at a 90 degree angle. It should also have a footrest that is fully adjustable. This can be tricky because some will have adjustable footrests but not for the beginning stages of solids (younger babies). The best high chair should also allow baby to have a 90 degree angle at the knees and ankles as well. I really enjoy the high chair I was gifted for my son but at 7 months the footrest is still too far away for him to balance himself properly. I will link a high chair that has a fully adjustable footrest for the early days of starting solids.
Other great options:
A great accessory for a high chair is a high chair “catchy” that can catch all the purées and food that may make its way off the tray. It attaches to the high chair and is easy to clean after meals.
2. Baby food maker OR pot steaming insert & blender/mashing utensils
Of course it’s not completely necessary to splurge on a baby food maker. However, I truly enjoy mine and it makes me want to purée and steam everything in our fridge! The brand I purchased is Baby Brezza. I made sure to get the glass version of this baby food maker because there is less of a chance of toxins from plastic getting into baby’s food while it is steaming or blending. The most convenient part about using this appliance is that you don’t have to transfer the food to a different container in-between steaming and blending! After the steaming is completed, it automatically goes into blending mode, if that setting is chosen.
The alternative to a baby food maker is just using a steaming attachment for a pot and a blender or mashing the food with a utensil. This make take a little longer but it will have the same effect!
3. Food Storage
If you are making baby food in advance for your little one, it’s also helpful to have storage options for the freezer. I have two different options that I will go through.
The first one is glass storage jars. I love these little jars. They come in multiple different color palettes. I personally love the “Teracotta” option. Glass jars like these are best to store single portions in and thaw when you are ready to feed to baby.
The other option is to buy silicone freezer trays. Once the food is frozen in the silicone trays, you just pop them out and store them in a ziplock bag or a food grade silicone storage bag. This option will save you a lot of space in the freezer because you can stack the bags. It is also a great method to store breast milk!
4. Bibs
Silicone bibs are a game changer but smock bibs with sleeves like this one will save you a lot of clean up time especially when doing baby led weaning (BLW).
TIP: I also found that it is best to skip the wipes. Clean your little one up while still sitting in their high chair with a wash cloth and basin filled with warm water.
5. Cups
For proper development it is recommended to skip out on the spout sippy cup. It does not strengthen the oral muscles and baby is not able to practice the mature pattern of swallowing. Go for an open cup or a cup with a straw. There are many no spill options available. Here is the set I use with my little one. You can use it as an open cup or you can attach the top and straw.
Note: Once your baby is 6 months old it is recommended to give them up to 4 oz of water per day when starting solids.
6. Plates & bowls
Silicone plates and bowls are recommended. They are easy to care for, as they can safely be put in the dishwasher and hot water. Many of them also have suction cup bases which reduces the chances of them getting thrown onto the floor!
7. Forks & Spoons
Food grade silicone utensils are the safest option for baby because it won’t hurt their gums or face and they are microwave and dishwasher safe.
These spoons are for teaching baby how to self feed. The food sits in the the ridges and is less likely to fall off when baby is putting the spoon in their mouths.
Here is great baby feeding starter set!
Also, check out my video on baby feeding necessities!