Tag: baby feeding tools

When and Why Start Solids?

Introducing solids is a big milestone for you and your baby. Around 5½ to 6 months, most babies show signs of readiness: they can sit upright with minimal support, hold their head steady, and show interest in what you’re eating. Whether you’re doing purées or baby-led weaning, the goal at this stage is exploration, not full nutrition.

You’ll still be offering breast milk or formula as the main source of nourishment, but introducing solid textures lays the foundation for healthy eating habits, motor skills, and food curiosity.

💧 Fluids

• Continue breast milk or formula
• Offer sips of plain water with meals

🥄 Meals: 2–3 per day

Cereals

• 1–2 tbsp iron-fortified rice or oat cereal
• Mix with breast milk or formula

Vegetables

• Cooked and mashed sweet potato, butternut, carrots, or baby marrow (courgette)
• Start with 1–2 tbsp, increasing slowly

Fruits

• Soft fruits like banana, pear, pawpaw or apple (peeled, cooked, or mashed)
• 1–2 tbsp per day

Proteins (from 6 months)

• Egg yolk (well-cooked)
• Plain full-fat yogurt
• Peanut butter (smooth, thinned with milk or water)
• Soft beans or lentils (pureed or mashed)

📝 Tip: Introduce new foods one at a time, watching for reactions or sensitivities. Repeat exposure helps build familiarity.

Tools to Make Mealtimes Simple (and Fun!) 🍽️

Feeding solids can be messy, but the right gear makes a world of difference. Here are the products I relied on to make meals smoother, safer, and a little more joyful:

2. Elk and Friends Stainless Steel Bowls with Silicone Sleeves

These suction-based bowls stay put (even with eager little hands), and the included lids make storage a breeze. They’re dishwasher-safe, made from safe materials, and come in fun, calming colors. Great for everything from cereals to finger foods.

4. Bonus must-haves

These extras may not be the star of the show, but they definitely make the whole feeding experience smoother, cleaner, and a little more enjoyable for both you and your baby.

🪑 High Chair with Footrest for Stable Posture
Proper posture matters when learning to eat. A high chair with a supportive back and adjustable footrest helps your baby stay stable and upright, reducing the risk of choking and encouraging better focus during mealtimes. Look for one that grows with your child and has a wipe-clean tray.

🍽️ Non-Slip Mats or Suction Plates
If your baby loves launching plates off the table (don’t they all?), non-slip mats or suction-based plates are game changers. They stick to the high chair tray, keeping food in front of your baby and off the floor. They’re also perfect for serving small portions of different foods when you start offering variety.

🧻 Wipes and Splash Mats for Easy Cleanup
Feeding solids is messy; there’s no way around it. Keep baby-safe wipes on hand for quick face and hand cleanups. And place a washable or waterproof splash mat under the high chair to protect your floors from food flinging experiments. It saves time, stress, and your sanity.

Final Thoughts

Starting solids is such a fun and memorable season, yes, messy, but also magical. With the right guidance, a loose plan, and a few effective feeding tools, you can make mealtimes a moment of joy rather than stress.

Whether you’re spoon-feeding silky purées or letting your baby squish avocado with their fingers, remember: it’s not about perfection, it’s about progress and connection.

👉 Curious what other products made our early parenting life easier? Check out our baby essentials list here!

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you.