Weaning is a huge milestone for you and your baby, and you'd be forgiven if you're feeling bewildered at where to start.
First, you'll need to invest in a few weaning essentials to help your little munchkin get the hang of things.
As editor of My Baba and mum to two little ones, I've been fully immersed in the world of babies for many years and tried and tested pretty much all of it.
Here are my recommendations for the best weaning essentials to kick-start your baby's relationship with food.
Essentials for Your Baby’s Weaning Journey
Choosing a decent high chair is important and should be on top of your list of weaning essentials. Choose one that will offer ergonomic support for your baby as they grow.
If you're expecting, it's worth choosing a highchair that can be used from newborn - many have baby bouncer accessories and newborn sets so that you can bring your baby to the table from day one.
Tripp Trapp from Stokke
Introducing the amazing Tripp Trapp from Stokke – the original 'chair for life' that grows alongside your child from babyhood to adulthood. Its comfy ergonomic design and sleek look are perfect for those cherished family dinners.
You'll love how sturdy and adjustable it is, and you can tuck it under the table when mealtimes are over. The downside with the Tripp Trapp is that it doesn't collapse, so you can't bung it in the boot for weekends away.
Cybex Lemo
Say hello to the Lemo 4-in-1 high chair – another fantastic go-to solution for having your little one right at the table, starting from day one!
It's practical, innovative, ergonomic, and designed for the long haul so that it will evolve with your child throughout every stage of life. It's lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, so you won't have to worry about scratching your wooden floors.
With adjustable height and depth options, it's easy to fine-tune with just one hand – no tools required, AND it comes in an array of super-cool colours. Again, this highchair isn't one you can collapse, so it's intended to be part of the furniture - for as long as you need it to be.
Graco Snack N' Stow
If budget's an issue, you're looking for something you can tuck away after mealtimes, or if you're only interested in a high chair for baby/toddler age, then I'd recommend the Graco Snack N' Stow.
The Snack N' Stow has a freestanding hold. It's compact and lightweight, weighing only 5.4kg. The high chair has a removable, three-position adjustable tray and two-position footrest to support your baby from six months to approximately 15kg.
Washable Floor Mat
The Womumon Washable Floor Mat is made from 100% polyester. It's lead-free, BPA-free, odour-free and non-toxic, so it's perfect for lying under your baby's highchair to shield carpets and floors from the onslaught of dinnertime! This wipe-clean anti-slip mat can also be thrown in the washing machine when you need a complete refresh.
Baby food blender
When you first start your weaning journey, it's worth considering investing in a baby food blender. They're brilliant at making silky pureed fruit and tender veggies for tiny tums and prove to be a really useful weaning essential.
Beaba's Babycook Solo Express will help you create delicious, nutritious homemade baby food in minutes. This economical four-in-one baby food maker has two modes – express and eco – for steaming, defrosting and reheating. It'll also mix, blend and chop so you can progress from smooth purees to thicker textures to help babies develop chewing and swallowing skills.
Bibs
There are no two ways about it. Weaning is a messy business, so it's time to tool up with a set of decent bibs to protect those super-cute outfits.
Aden + anais snap baby bibs are made of three layers of absorbent cotton muslin with an adjustable fit that'll grow with your baby. The downside? They'll need washing after use, so you'll need a few on rotation, depending on how great you are at getting the chores done!
Mushie baby silicone bibs are made from soft, durable, food-grade silicone that's stain-resistant and easy to clean. They're comfy to wear and feature rounded, built-in neck fasteners. Mushie bibs come in loads of gorgeous colours and are brilliant for home and on the go, making them a must-have weaning essential.
Sippy Cups
Tommee Tippee First Cups have handles and fold-down leak-proof spouts, perfect for little hands and mouths. They're dishwasher, microwave and steriliser safe and great for bunging in your changing bag for adventures on the go.
First Cups by Baby Cup is an award-winning British product approved by the Oral Health Foundation and recommended by dentists. This sippy cup is super easy to use, easy to clean and in a size perfect for little hands. Best for use at home or up to the table as these aren't so good for your baby to use independently while you're out of the house.
Dr. Brown's Fresh First Silicone Feeder is an absolute game-changer for babies. The tiny holes let them safely explore self-feeding, while the durable material protects against their teething tendencies. From fresh snacks to frozen soothers, this feeder is versatile, lightweight, easy to grasp, and designed in a bulb shape that's perfect for little mouths.
Baby Tableware
When choosing baby tableware, durability is key because, let's face it, mealtimes will be full of spills and thrills aplenty! So, seek out tableware that's as tough as it is fun – ready to withstand drops, tumbles, and all the excitement your little one brings to the table. Go for options that are not only hardwearing but also light and compact so your tiny explorer can easily handle their mealtime mission.
When selecting tableware, ensure it's crafted from BPA-free materials or food-grade silicone. These superhero materials shield your baby's precious meals from harmful substances, ensuring every bite is packed with goodness.
Munchkin's Stay Put Baby Suction Bowl Set is brilliant for keeping the bottom of your baby's bowl from slipping or tipping over, while their White Hot Toddler & Baby Spoons combine colour-changing temperature alert technology so you can be sure every morsel your baby puts in their mouth is the right temperature. Ergonomic, long handles and flexible tips make these spoons easy to grip. The tapered spoon bowl is ideal for little ones, and the soft tips are gentle on gums.
Best Baby Food Storage
Reusable food pouches are a great eco-friendly alternative to shop-bought disposables. And while you're doing your bit for the environment, you're making sure you know exactly what your baby is eating, too: nutritious homemade food.
Babymoov's Reusable Food Pouches come in a pack of 20. They're leak-proof, BPA-free, PVA-free, latex-free and phthalate-free, making them the perfect solution for mess-free eating. They're suitable for the fridge and freezer and can be washed easily by hand using a bottle brush and hot water. Ideal for purees, compotes, smoothies, soups and yoghurts.
Béaba's Set of Eight Storage Pots are airtight, sturdy and stackable, and a must on your weaning essentials shopping list. They come in a variety of sizes and can be kept in the fridge or freezer. These BPA pots can be defrosted and reheated (without the lid on) in the microwave.
Béaba's Silicone Multi-portions Weaning Storage Trays are another weaning champ. They're designed for freezing and storing homemade baby foods – complete with a lid. Made from high-grade silicone material, they're fridge, freezer, microwave, dishwasher and oven safe.
Here's to the messy hands, the cheeky smiles and the countless milestones achieved during your baby's weaning journey. Cheers to a delicious and nutritious new chapter for you both!
