The Best Baby Feeding Essentials

Has your baby passed the newborn stage? You’re likely approaching the exciting time when you can finally introduce solids to your child. Weaning a baby takes some time, and there’s lots of different ways to do it so we put together this guide to help new parents ease into solids a little easier. Read on to find out more about weaning, how to do it, and some essentials to help you do it that little bit more comfortably. 

The Best Baby Feeding Essentials

What is weaning? 

Weaning describes the process of weaning a baby away from milk as their primary food and onto solids. It’s not an instant change of milk today and solids tomorrow, but more a gradual one that involves slowly introducing solids and continuing to provide milk. When a baby starts weaning they also start learning how to chew, swallow and move food into their mouths. Remember every solid you introduce them to is completely new for them- new flavours and textures to discover. 

What is baby led weaning?

When it comes to teaching your baby how to eat solids, there are generally two schools of thought; traditional weaning or baby led weaning. The first sees the parent or an adult spoon feed baby, and the latter involves putting the baby in the leading role and feeding themselves. Baby-led weaning means you need to cut up all foods into finger sized pieces and let your baby feed themselves. It can be really great for their hand to eye coordination skills. Some parents prefer spoon feeding, and others baby led, but you can also do both at the same time. 

When should you introduce your child to solids? 

Generally around six months of age children need more than just milk in their diets. Solid food is needed for their nutrition and to help them continue developing, including developing their teeth and jaws, which is important for speech. Once your baby has good control over their head and neck, can sit upright, and shows an interest in food it’s time to introduce them to the joys of eating. 

What food to introduce your baby to?

It’s really important to introduce iron rich foods to help them build up their iron supplies again. This can include things like: 

● Minced meat, poultry and fish

● Cooked egg

● Cooked tofu and legumes

In addition to iron-rich foods, you should also introduce fruits, vegetables and dairy products.

5 Essentials For Weaning a Baby

Here are some of our favourite must-haves when you begin on the exciting journey of introducing solids to your little one. 

1. Highchair

It goes without saying that the number one piece of gear you need when it comes to feeding is of course a highchair. A highchair helps to keep your child sitting upright and secure as they eat and swallow and allows you to also contain a little bit of the mess from being flung all around the house. Additionally, having your highchair set up at the dining table allows them to feel part of the family and sets them up for good eating habits. 

What to look for in a highchair?

● Safety features (secure harness)

● Waterproof or machine washable 

● Adjustable height 

● Removable tray 

● Foldable if you’re tight on storage

2. Bib

Talking about keeping mess contained, a bib is another must-have when your baby starts eating solids. There are lots of different ones to choose from including fabric or silicone and it’s a personal choice. We’re partial to a silicone style scooper bib that catches lots of food that misses their mouth (and saves it from being smeared across your floor). There are also some cute cape style bibs that your child wears to catch all food and spills - simply strip it off after eating and throw it in the washing machine! 

What to look for in a bib? 

● Food grade silicone if opting for silicone

● Machine washable

● Waterproof 

● Adjustable neck strap

3. Divider plate

We love this especially for baby-led weaning. A divider plate is one where there are different sections or compartments for different foods. Our preferred option is to go for one made of food grade silicone, because they’re durable, stain resistant, and won’t harbour bacteria. Better yet, choose one that also has some grip at the bottom so it will stick securely to your highchair tray and avoid ending up on the floor! 

What to look for in a baby plate?

● Divider sections

● Machine washable

● Food-grade safe silicone

● Suction plate

4. Freezer pods

Not for iceblocks! When it comes to feeding babies, you’re going to want to opt for mushed up, finely minced food if you’re spoon feeding. Many parents like to make their own by buying organic vegetables and blending into a puree. However, as you’re likely discovering pretty quickly for yourself, babies don’t eat so much and this can lead to a lot of wastage (in both food, time and effort). Enter silicone freezer pods. They allow you to make a big batch of baby food, divide it into meal sized portions and freeze them. All ready for your child’s next week of meals! 

What to look for with freezer pods:

● Food grade silicone

● Freezer, dishwasher, microwave safe

● Lid- prevent spills 

● BPA-free

5. Sippy cup

It’s not just solids you can introduce from six months of age, but also little sips of water! They don’t really need the extra fluids since they’re still getting milk, but it’s a good way to begin teaching them how to drink from a cup. From one year of age, they can drink water regularly.

What to look for in a sippy cup: 

● Machine washable

● No spill lid

● Food grade silicone

● Handles can be helpful 

Ready to start weaning your child onto solids with a touch more confidence now? Find more beautiful feeding must-haves now at the memo.