I’ve decided to start a new series for all of you new parents out there. My Pregnancy Props post was one of my most popular posts, believe it or not. So I figured those of you guys out there that liked that one would appreciate seeing some more of my “favorite” parenting tools of the trade. This week I decided to go with my recommended products for starting your baby on solids. I hope it helps. Enjoy!
Baby-led Weaning |
I started feeding Arden food at 5 months. That might seem a little early for some folks, but Arden already had two teeth in and she was VERY interested in (aka reaching for) the food that Mommy & Daddy were eating. We started feeding her using the Baby-led Weaning method. That meant we gave Arden small pieces of food for her to nibble on instead of purees. I can’t recommend this method highly enough. Arden LOVES food. She eats absolutely everything I’ve ever given her. The Baby-lead Weaning method helps your baby appreciate tastes and textures that a typical puree-fed baby doesn’t get to enjoy.
Green Sprouts Sippy Cup with handles |
This is the only sippy cup that Arden likes to use and CAN use by herself. It’s light-weight and the handles are the perfect size for her to grasp. She loves it. I only have one right now so I end up using it at home and packing it in my purse when we leave; Can’t leave home with out it 😉
Boon Lawn Drying Rack |
This drying rack is super cute and super functional: the best of both worlds! I wish they made this in adult size 😉 It’s perfect to prop her utensils in as well as air dry those sippy cups!
Bambu Feeding Utensils |
These are Arden’s (and my) favorite utensils. We have quite a few different sets, but these are the easiest for her to use because of their thick handles. They’re also made out of eco-friendly bamboo. And when she chews on them, they almost act like a teether.
Sass Mesh Teethers |
These not only come in handy for teething, but they also help younger babies grasp on to the food they’re trying to eat. Arden loved eating banana popsicles out of these. Oh and I haven’t tried this yet, but I’ve heard that breast milk frozen in an ice cube tray makes the perfect hot-day cool down in these.
Wean Green Cubes |
These adorable little glass cubes are the perfect size for baby snacks. I suppose they’d be perfect for purees as well 😉 I love to pack ’em up with food for Arden and then either throw them in my purse or in her lunchbox. They are water-tight and easy to snap & go. For some reason I just prefer glass to stainless steel, especially when it comes to holding something acidic like fruit. I have one set now, but I think I’ll need to get another 😉
Skip Hop Zoo Bee Lunchie Insulated Lunch Bag |
You might be asking: “Why does a baby need a lunch box?”. Well if they’re eating solids, they do! This lunch box is insulated it so it keep things nice and cold when you’re out and about. Or when Arden spends the day with her nanny (one day a week), I pack this full of goodies for her to eat. And it just makes me smile every time I look at it, because it’s just too cute.
Stokke Tripp Trapp in Grey |
I love the modern classic look of the Tripp Trapp and the gray color-way just adds an updated touch! I love the fact that we can use this highchair for years to come! And that it isn’t plastic is a bonus. The gray color? Goes PERFECTLY with our dining room wall color. Seriously, I couldn’t have matched it better if I tried. Oh and Arden likes it too 😉
PlayTray for Stokke Tripp Trapp |
The Stokke Tripp Trapp doesn’t come with a tray because you are supposed to pull it up to the table. Arden’s not quite big enough for that yet, so we got this easy-to-use modern tray. You just slip it on and you’re good to go! I love that it doesn’t detract from the modern look of the Tripp Trapp.
Baby-to-Toddler Reversible Waterproof Bib from Zoey-Oh! on Etsy |
A bib is one of those obvious must-haves that every baby needs. But I think it’s better to go with handmade. Not only is the quality superior, but you can get it customized too. This bib from Zoey-Oh! is substantial and I know it will last for years. Yes, the size is adjustable too! It’s made from laminated cotton, not plastic or PVC…yay! And the snap-tray is very handy and it’s so easy to clean, just a quick wipe down and it’s ready to go again.
Highchair Splat Mat from Zoey-Oh! on Etsy |
This splat mat is perfect. Seriously. Not only is it adorable (with the matching bib!). It has this great cushy non-slip backing that makes it lay flat and “stick” to the floor; hardwoods & carpet alike. It protects our dining room rug from Arden’s errant food and spills. Love it!
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Vel Baricuatro-Criste, MD says
love it!
As a pediatrician though, I usually recommend even as early as 4 months to start feeding baby, depending of course on the baby's readiness e.g. ability to hold head up, eagerness to eat etc. When you start out weaning to solids, it is more for learning really rather than actual nutritional sustenance for you baby. Textures and tastes, as well as color are important. Because again, Like I always emphasize to my patients. It is about the "LEARNING" the ART OF EATING!
Also you want to start establishing routines as early as now, so that you don't go chasing your toddler around the house to feed him/her when the time comes. So I always advise to have baby sit at her chair on the table with the whole family EVERY MEAL TIME (This means wether she wants to or not), so she sees, learns, and enjoys meal time with the rest of the family (this means also, wether she eats or not).
That's my 2 cents worth of advise for all you moms out there. Again, just a disclaimer, this is in no way a specific medical advise geared toward your child. If you have any concerns or questions about feeding/weaning, talk to your pediatrician personally.
Thanks!!!
Catherine Hansen Peart says
I had never even heard of baby led weaning and this approach to introducing solids. My kids are much older but, boy, I wish I had known about this! It would have been so much more enjoyable than worrying about all the purees.