10 Must-Haves for Starting Solid Foods With Baby
One of the most exciting milestones for parents and little ones alike is starting solid foods. And baby might already be showing interest, swiping at your plate or trying to “feed” you. Whether you choose to start with purees or jump into baby-led weaning, you can set the stage—and the table—with the right gear to make the transition easy. We pulled together our top picks to make meals simple, fun and hopefully a little less messy. From top to bottom (literally, your floor is gonna need some help), here are our picks for starting solids with baby.
Picking out baby’s first table setting is even more fun than shopping for fancy china—and you’ll use it way more often, we promise. Tableware from ezpz is a parent favorite for a reason. The Mini Mat is actually a sectioned silicone plate and placemat in one, with a wide base that keeps it adhered to the table. Each section is designed to measure portions (2 oz and 4 oz), and if you have multiples, the trays stack for easy carrying. And the matching Mini Cup is just as thoughtfully designed. The bottom suctions to the table to prevent spills, but is sized just right for little hands to hold, while a child-friendly training straw helps strengthen facial muscles and encourages speech development.
Buy it: ezpz Mini Mat, $23; ezpzFun.com and ezpz mini cup + straw, $18; ezpzFun.com
You might not think of ergonomics when it comes to feeding baby, but how they’re positioned during mealtimes makes a big difference in terms of safety and comfort. Thankfully, form meets function with Stokke’s lineup of four award-winning high chairs, each complete with smart design features that grow with baby. They’re ideal for infant development and ultra-comfy for toddlers, too, making little ones much more likely to, y’know, actually stay in the chair when they’d rather be running around.
If you’re planning long-term, the Tripp Trapp will be your best friend. Unlike any other children’s chair on the market, this one is designed to last a lifetime. You read that right—the chair converts to comfortably seat a newborn, toddler or fully grown adult up to 300 lbs. Next, the Stokke Nomi chair, which has similar functionalities to the Tripp Trapp, offers a unique design that supports baby as they’re learning to sit while still allowing them freedom of movement. Plus, you can opt to add the separate Newborn Set to either chair to bring baby to table height so they can join you at the table from day one.
For the infant stage, the Stokke Clikk is a lightweight all-in-one design, with a wide base and comfortable seat for ages 6 months to 3 years. Bonus: it requires no tools for assembly and has an optional travel bag for on-the-go. And if you want maximum versatility, check out the Stokke Steps. Its customizable, modular design features adjustable back and foot rests and works with an optional bouncer that can be used separately or attached to the chair to serve as a seat for newborns.
Buy it (from left to right):
Tripp Trapp High Chair Bundle, $419; stokke.com
Stokke NOMI high chair, $319; stokke.com and Stokke NOMI Newborn Set, $149; stokke.com
Stokke Clikk high chair, $199; stokke.com
Stokke Steps high chair, $329; stokke.com
If the thought of feeding baby solids has you cringing internally at the mess, this bib-apron hybrid is a must-have. It’s longer than a bib and ties conveniently in the back (where little hands can’t yank it off). The extra-long fabric “scoops” up in your kiddo’s lap, catching any food or splatters that miss the mark. The super-cute fabric is waterproof and quick drying—and even machine washable for anything a quick rinse can’t handle.
Buy it: BapronBaby bib apron, $23; BabronBaby.com
Want to make your own baby purees? The NutriBullet food prep system is an (admittedly adorable) all-in-one way to start. Store your epicurean inventions in single-serve containers or in a silicone tray. Easy to clean, the blender itself disassembles, and the storage cups are dishwasher safe. Plus, this little baby blender is too sweet not to have a spot on your counter.
Buy it: NutriBullet baby food prep system, $70; NutriBullet.com
Baby food pouches are genius. You can toss ’em in your bag for on-the-go feedings, or pack them up for day care—and they’re a great size for little hands. Whether you’re making your own baby food or portioning out your kid’s favorite snacks, like yogurt or applesauce, this neat pouch-filling station makes things easy to prep. Its bottom is made of nonskid rubber, so you can cram with confidence (or one-handed). When you’re done, all the parts nest inside the base, so it’s perfect for staying organized, even in small spaces.
Buy it: Infantino squeeze pouch filling station, $25; Infantino.com
Wanna try letting baby self-feed, but also cut down on the mess? Try these silicone feeders from Boon. You can fill them with any soft foods, like fruit or avocado. (And because of the soft silicone, they make awesome teethers, too!) Just pop them in the freezer or chill the food before filling. You can also attach the handle to a tether, so you won’t have to wonder where that half-melted frozen banana ended up.
Buy it: Boon Pulp silicone feeder, $11 for two; US.Tomy.com
Truly designed with developing hands in mind, there’s really no wrong way to hold these baby-friendly utensils. Kids don’t have to scoop foods up or even keep the spoon upright to get them in their mouths, so you can let them taste and explore. Meant to build confidence, independence and motor skills, these “pre-spoons” work great for purees or baby-led weaning.
Buy it: NumNum GOOtensils baby spoons, $14 for two; NumNumBaby.us
You’re not gonna believe this is made for baby—the Splat Mat is gorgeous. It comes in six different styles, and they’re all wipeable, all reversible and all vegan leather. With a generous splat zone of 47” x 47”, this mat will protect your floors from just about anything baby can throw at it—literally. It’s designed to go under a high chair, but is comfortable and durable enough to withstand playtime too.
Buy it: Lalo splat mat, $89; MeetLalo.com
You’ll quickly discover that infant portion sizes are significantly smaller than you’d imagined. Rather than tossing the leftovers, stash them for snack time in these cute, super-mini storage containers. The company offers a choice between BPA-free plastic or eco-friendly glass, so you can write contents and dates directly on the containers. And when your little one isn’t so little anymore, they’ll still be perfect for snacks on the go.
Buy it: Babymoov leak-proof storage containers, $45 for 24; Amazon.com
Is there anything cuter than baby’s expressions when trying new foods for the first time? Absolutely not—but this printable checklist comes close. Offered as a digital download on Etsy, this colorful sheet keeps track of more than 100 of your little one’s first foods. The checklist helps you make sure you’re covering a variety of food groups and textures, and makes a sweet keepsake when they’re bigger. And if you don’t see it on the list? There’s even a blank space where you can write in your little foodie’s favorites.
Buy it: Baby’s first 100 foods checklist, $6; Etsy.com
Ready to help baby dig in? Stokke’s high chairs are designed with ergonomic support for infants and beyond, making mealtimes easier from their first foods through childhood. Find out more at Stokke.com.
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