Once baby hits the six month mark, it’s time to introduce solid foods. Of course, you’ll need to brush up on the signs baby is ready for solids, how to go about expanding baby’s diet and which are the best first foods to offer—but you’ll also need to stock up on baby spoons and baby bowls and plates. If you’re ready to take the purée plunge, here’s a list of our favorite baby feeding essentials to help reduce the mess and stress.

Best Baby Spoons

When it comes to giving baby those first bites of food, things tend to get messy, fast—which is why it’s helpful to have a stash of top-notch baby spoons about. Whether you’re gearing up for self-feeding or want something affordable and easy to clean, these best-of options can be a mealtime godsend.

%% CALLOUT 307wno3YqAm0aOWak6YAmi %%

Overall best baby spoons: Munchkin White Hot Infant Safety Spoons

You’re probably already familiar with Munchkin’s colorful line of baby gear, and their infant feeding spoons are just what you’d expect from the company: practical and affordable. The tips of these White Hot Infant Safety Spoons turn white if baby’s food is too hot (hence the product name). The tapered shape of the spoon is great for little mouths, and the soft tips are gentle on teething gums. Plus, these utensils are BPA- and phthalate-free and dishwasher safe, making these some of the best baby spoons around.

Buy it: Munchkin White Hot Infant Safety Spoons, $6 for four, Amazon.com

%% CALLOUT 5B5rVV9XQAgseIYM2eG8mC %%

Best baby spoons for self-feeding: NumNum Baby GOOtensils

A great way to introduce your baby to self-feeding, the NumNum Pre-Spoon GOOtensils are sold in a dual-stage set: Stage one GOOtensil for beginners, and Stage Two GOOtensil for kids who’ve mastered the food-to-mouth motion. Their flat design makes them easier to use then a regular spoon because there’s no “wrong” way to hold the spoon, so food doesn’t fall off. Plus, the contoured handles are designed to comfortably fit in a small hand. Parents will love that they’re dishwasher safe as well as PVC-, BPA- and phthalate-free.

Buy it: NumNum Baby GOOtensils, $10 for two, NumNumBaby.com

%% CALLOUT 6Qt5PlxWRUQcQ62gAmqoee %%

Best baby squeeze spoon: Boon Squirt Silicone Baby Food Dispensing Spoon

Taking baby food on the go is a piece of cake with the Boon Squirt Silicone Baby Food Dispensing Spoon, a Best of Baby 2018 winner. These baby spoons hold up to three ounces of puréed baby food and dispense it one bite at a time for easy one-handed feeding. They’re dishwasher safe, free of yucky chemicals and come with a storage cap.

Buy it: Boon Squirt Silicone Baby Food Dispensing Spoon, $8, Amazon.com

%% CALLOUT 1kDsEeeRpWk4qmqMaQKUOg %%

Best silicone baby spoon: BEABA First Stage Baby Utensil Set

Crafted from ultra-soft silicone, the BEABA First Stage Baby Spoons are gentle on baby’s gums and teeth and have no rough metal edges. The shallow spoon design lowers the risk of choking by limiting how much food baby can scoop up at once. And yes, these are dishwasher safe and BPA-, lead- and phthalate-free.

Buy it: BEABA First Stage Baby Utensil Feeding Spoon Set, $20 for four, Amazon.com

%% CALLOUT 56uMC9ENLOeQsAm8628qmk %%

Best wooden baby spoons: Bambu Baby Feeding Spoons

If you’re more into natural materials, Bambu Baby’s feeding spoons are a fantastic option. Crafted from bamboo and finished with organic flaxseed oil, the spoons are free of dyes and chemicals. The only drawback is that—like most wooden items—the spoons aren’t dishwasher safe and should be hand-washed.

Buy it: Bambu Baby’s Feeding Spoons, $13 for two, Amazon.com

%% CALLOUT 3THDia07xuIeiKyYsOUuC2 %%

Best affordable baby spoons: Gerber Graduates Spoons

The best bang for your buck when it comes to baby spoons, Gerber Graduates Spoons cost about a dollar per spoon. The durable stainless steel handles are long and curved to make feeding baby all the easier, and the silicone spoon tips are gentle on teeth and gums. Like so many of the best baby spoons, these are dishwasher safe as well as BPA- and phthalate-free.

Buy it: Gerber Graduates Spoons, $20 for 18, Amazon.com

%% CALLOUT 353PS7oKggIouQYmqAsW6K %%

Best baby spoon and fork set: OXO Tot Training For and Spoon Set

If you’re eager to teach your older baby how to use a fork as well as a spoon, opt for OXO Tot’s training fork and spoon set. The soft, non-slip handles are easy for little hands to hold, and the fork is effective without having sharp tines. These baby utensils have BPA-, phthalate- and PVC-free silicone handles and are dishwasher safe.

Buy it: OXO Tot Training Fork and Spoon Set, $7, Amazon.com

Best Baby Bowls and Plates

When baby’s staring down at a plateful of food, it’s hard to nix his instinct to grab for it and throw it all around. Good news: Baby bowls and plates with suction bases and high sides can help keep the mess in check. Here, some of our favorite baby dishes on the market today.

%% CALLOUT 46Mz9GgevSq8wQKOCGCaYO %%

Best baby suction plate: ezpz Mini Mat

Outsmart baby’s tendency to toss his plate on the floor with ezpz’s Mini Mat, a one-piece silicone plate and placemat combo that suctions to the table (or any flat surface). The multiple compartments encourage parents to serve a variety of foods, and its lightweight enough to bring along on trips or dinners out. Made from 100 percent food-grade silicone, it’s BPA-, BPS-, PVC-, lead- and phthalate-free and dishwasher safe. These baby plates even come in a variety of colors.

Buy it: ezpz Mini Mat, $20, Amazon.com

%% CALLOUT 26GijFB0laiciOQ6QOyWGc %%

Best baby suction bowl: Munchkin Stay Put Suction Bowl

Munchkin’s Stay Put Suction Bowl comes in a set of three different-sized bowls. The strong suction base keeps baby from throwing his dinner across the room, but the quick-release tabs on the suction base makes it super-easy for parents to remove. Designed with a large suction base for a better hold, these baby bowls are BPA-free as well as microwave and dishwasher safe.

Buy it: Munchkin Stay Put Suction Bowl, $8, Munchkin.com

%% CALLOUT 40zfEU7ejemoaEc2SeWuMK %%

Best silicone baby plate: WeeSprout Silicone Divided Plates

WeeSprout Silicone Divided Plates are microwave, dishwasher, oven and freezer safe. Parents will appreciate that the three divided sections have higher sides than other similar products to better reduce spillage. These baby plates are made of 100 percent BPA-free silicone and come in sets of three vibrant colors.

Buy it: WeeSprout Silicone Divided Plates, $19 for three, Amazon.com

%% CALLOUT 3CbQ6RawOI8WoO20s4egqa %%

Best wooden baby bowl: Avanchy Spill Proof Stay Put Suction Bowl

If you like the idea of plastic-free baby bowls but still want them to stay put, the Avanchy Bamboo Spill Proof Stay Put Suction Bowl is an excellent choice. The bowl itself is made out of organic, biodegradable bamboo, and the BPA-free silicone suction base easily attaches to any flat surface. Included with the bowl is a bamboo and silicone spoon that’s perfectly sized for baby’s hands, but not so small that parents will find it difficult to use. Note that it’s not dishwasher safe.

Buy it: Avanchy Spill Proof Stay Put Suction Bowl and Baby Spoon, $20, Amazon.com

%% CALLOUT 1GJVvaFkg4mqsukSAemOSM %%

Best affordable baby bowl: Munchkin Multi Bowl

Bulk up your selection of baby dishes with a 10-pack of Munchkin’s Multi Bowl. These lightweight plastic baby bowls grow with your child, transitioning easily from the spoon feeding stage to the bigger kid years when your child is old enough to help herself to snacks. The bowls are BPA-free and dishwasher safe, and come in a variety of colors with a cute fish pattern imprint.

Buy it: Munchkin Multi Bowl, $13 for 10, Amazon.com

%% CALLOUT 6OFNwvWFxYSKaqCEyii6CM %%

Best bowl for homemade baby food: NUK Mash and Serve Bowl

Interested in making your own baby food but don’t want to invest in extra appliances? Go with the NUK Mash and Serve Bowl. Toss in some steamed fruit or veggies and use the included masher to prep the food to whatever consistency you desire. The base of these non-skid baby bowls makes them super-easy to use. Plus, they’re microwave and dishwasher safe as well as BPA-free.

Buy it: NUK Mash and Serve Bowl for Making Homemade Baby Food, $6, Amazon.com

%% CALLOUT 3vX89FsHETsggIusogm5as %%

Best baby feeding set: BabyBjorn Baby Dinner Set

Here's a dinner set that works as well in little hands as it looks on the table. Each item offers smart design features to make feeding all the easier. The unique shape of the baby plate makes it easy for tots to scoop up food and harder to tip the plate. The silverware handles have a ring to prevent baby's hand from slipping down too far, and a groove to prevent the fork and spoon from sliding into the plate. The set also comes with a grip-friendly cup and an adjustable bib with a spill pocket. And who doesn't love the chic powder green color palette?

Buy it: BabyBjorn Baby Dinner Set, $50, BabyBjorn.com

%% CALLOUT gLwMvRambukMYoi4sYce2 %%

Best bamboo baby feeding set: Bobo&Boo Bamboo Children's Dinnerware

Bobo&Boo’s 5 Piece Children’s Dinnerware set is packed with goodies: It comes with a plate, bowl, a fork and spoon and toddler-sized cup. Crafted from sustainable bamboo, the baby dishes are toxin-free and perfect for use at home or out and about. Bonus: The simple, timeless design and beautiful colors will please kids and parents alike.

Buy it: Bobo&Boo Bamboo 5 Piece Children’s Dinnerware, $20, Amazon.com

Published August 2018

Plus, more from The Bump:

Dig In! A Guide to Starting Solids

A Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Avocado Baby Food

How to Make Sweet Potato Baby Food in a Few Simple Steps

Scan This: Super Versatile Baby Monitor (WATCH!)

Recall Alert! UPPABaby Strollers

Got a Great Product? Enter Our Best of Baby Awards!

Best Baby Wipes: Huggies One and Done Wipes

Feeding Essentials: the Best Baby Spoons, Bowls and Plates

Q&A: Will I Need a Diaper Pail?

Stroller Trend: Leather Trim

The 5 Coolest New Baby Gadgets to Know About

Best of Baby 2015: Gear

Ultra-Lite Day & Night Play Yard - Sweet Surroundings

15 Fashionable Need-to-Have Baby Gear Items and Accessories For 2014

Best Jogging Stroller: Thule Glide

Check Out Our ABCs of Registry Series!

Check Out Our ABCs of Registry Series!

Best Baby Gear for the Royal Babe

12 Hot Trends in Baby Products