What do you need to get started with weaning your baby? Do you even need that much stuff? I got you covered with my no-fluff top 10 list of baby weaning essentials.
Baby feeding is always a hot topic for new parents. Not least wanting the best equipment to get you started on this exciting journey of starting solids. Whether you choose baby led weaning or parent led, purees or finger foods, you’ll find the essentials below that we used and loved. Welcome to the mess friends!
Hey there! Before we get started, some of these links are affiliate links. This means if you purchase through the link I get a small percentage of the sale. This doesn’t cost you anything extra and I only recommend products that I have used and loved. Thanks!
Splash Mat
#1 on my Baby Weaning Essential List is a splash mat. Actually this’ll probably end up on my favourite-things-I’ve-ever-bought list. So, we eat in the dining room, the dining room is carpeted. Splash mat is essential. Also handy for painting, crafting, messy play, sunny days in the garden and tent making!
Highchair
We chose sturdiness over compactable-ness (is that a word? Whatever I’m rolling with it) and this Kinderkraft “Yummy” Highchair fit the bill. The back reclines, it folds away and its really easy to wipe clean. The top of the tray comes off whilst the main table stays attached so your little one can stay in their chair whilst you remove the mess. What I will say though, if you don’t have a lot of space you’ll want to look for a smaller highchair than this one. My kids use this Graco Snack Nā Stow Compact Highchair at my Dad’s house and it’s perfect for when we visit!
Cutlery for baby
Have you noticed that most ‘cutlery for babies’ are really long? For teaching self feeding you’re going to need something short and easy for baby to hold. We have this Grabease spoon and fork set. I love how the little flower stops in the middle stops them putting it too far in their mouth! Even good for babies that haven’t worked out the ‘pincer grip’ yet because of the stubby handles.
Spoons for you
Handy for you are these Tommee Tippee Heat Sensing Spoons. The spoon changes colour as an indicator that the food is too hot. I’d recommend you always test their food for temperature anyway but the colour change is a helpful reminder.
Cups
Another gem on our baby weaning essentials list is a cup to introduce your baby to drinking water from something other than a bottle. We’ve used Munchkin Miracle 360 cups from the start and we have all the colours! I still give my toddler these from time to time, when I need to guarantee she wont spill her drink down herself! The Munchkin cups actually helped me move Owen onto formula milk because he wouldn’t take a bottle.
Bibs
Well, we can’t talk baby weaning without talking bibs! These Bibado Coverall Weaning Bibs are truly excellent for bitty food. You know, like toast, with crumbs that get everywhere. Well they fit nicely over most highchairs and cover your babies arms, front and lap so nothing gets on their cute little onesies. Just strap them in and let them get their grub on!
Silicone Bibs are, in my humble opinion, the best for wet food like cereal and pasta with sauce, plus they’re easiest to take on the go. These bibs from Lila & Jack are particularly adorable. My daughter will fight tooth and nail for which one she gets to wear on any given day.
Bowls + Plates
Bamboo Bamboo‘s baby bowls and plates are adorable, fun-looking and reduce the mess because they suction to the table. The little sections are great for portioning and their designs are so inviting to babies and toddlers. I think I’d buy them for myself if they did adult versions š
On The Go
These little clip lid bowls are great for feeding tiny ones on the go. We used them on a road trip to Holland and when we’re out for the day which is why I’ve included them on the baby weaning essentials list. They’re comfortable to hold, microwaveable, dishwasher safe and you can clip the spoon into the lid to keep the mess contained.
Books
These are the two books that helped me with baby weaning. For convenience, and because I had massive anxiety around feeding, we did both purees and a little bit of baby led weaning. Simple & Safe Baby Led Weaning was great for when I was trying to figure out how big to cut up his food. Annabel Karmel’s Feeding Your Baby and Toddler has been my go-to book for my little ones. I still use it now for family friendly recipes when I need a switch up.
Freezer Tray
Particularly practical, freezer trays for baby portions are an excellent way to prep ahead of time. This NUK Food cube tray has been a lifesaver for batch cooking and freezing, especially to start when baby doesn’t eat the same meal as you.
Websites & Helpful Links
Baby weaning is a fantastic milestone, and the next great adventure for your baby as they explore tastes, smells and textures. If you’re anything like me though, you might find the process a little overwhelming. I struggled with the fear of allergies and choking.
When I started weaning my eldest, it was during a Covid-19 lockdown here in the UK. I found taking part in an online workshop all about weaning really helpful and I’d fully recommend these to any new parent. Here’s the workshop I took if you wanted to know.
Other websites I’ve found really useful:
- Solid Starts has been an invaluable resource
- NHS Start for Life is great for age appropriate recipes
- Annabel Karmel great for fun recipes + especially for toddlers!
- On instagram: @feedinglittles (Judy’s Reels are just hilarious) and @yummytoddlerfood (have easy, small-person friendly recipes)
Read these next:
- Engaging Baby Toys Under Ā£35
- Life With A Baby And Toddler: getting through the day
- From Breast To Bottle Feeding: no-one said how hard this could be!
- A Quick Guide To Self Care for Busy Mums
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