Baby Starting Solid Foods: Everything You Need
Something about finally being able to introduce baby to solid foods that is always exciting. Will they be an adventurous eater? Will certain foods make them extra giddy? Will they be messy little eaters? Sorry to break it to you… this part is inevitable. So get ready for lots of messes but also for lots of cute photo ops!
If this is your first baby, you’re probably wondering what you’ll need to making eating solids a smooth and enjoyable experience. Technically, you don’t need anything but proper foods considered safe for a baby who has no idea what he’s about to embark on. Most pediatricians recommend waiting until around the 6-month mark but others recommend as early as 4 months so consult your doctor if you want their recommendation. If your baby is eyeing your food and/or trying to reach for it than I’d say they are more than ready to dig in.
Below are the six things I recommend you have when it’s time to introduce baby to solid foods.
A COMFORTABLE HIGH CHAIR
You don’t need to buy the most expensive high chair but you do want it to be comfortable for baby and, especially, if you’re planning on having more babies make sure it’s durable.
Take into consideration the the space you have. With our first two babies we had a big high chair that swallowed up our NY apartment kitchen space. So much that I only used it a handful of times the second time around and just opted to sit her in this booster.
This time around we have much more space but I went with this sleek high chair that fits in perfectly with our kitchen and dining room area. Affordable, chic and easy to clean; I look the wooden details and the removable leatherette seat cover.
SILICONE BIBS
Silicone bibs. I repeat, silicone bibs. Babies are going to make a lot of messes. Especially at the beginning and when they start wanting to feed themselves. These waterproof silicone bibs with pockets on the bottom to catch the food they spill has been a game changer this time around.
Instead of having countless cloth bibs that will be stained if you don’t soak right away, you can just wipe these clean when baby is done. Anything that saves time and makes life with a baby a bit less messy is a good idea to me and these waterproof bibs do just that!
BABY BOWLS
If you’re not making your own baby food, you can skip these for now. I prefer to try and make my own baby food, at least most of the time, just because I know exactly what I’m putting into it. To save time I make a larger portion and store for later but i’ll get into that in another blog post next week.
These munchkins bowls have been my go-to baby bowls with all three babies. Suction bottoms to make sure it doesn’t end up on the floor, these are just perfect.
BABY SPOONS
Believe it or not, there are a few different options when it comes to baby spoons. Anything with metal handles are a no-go for me because I don’t want to be worried about baby accidentally poking their eye or hurting their gums. These silicone spoons that baby can grasp and bite on regardless of how they’re holding it are my favorites.
SIPPY CUPS
Once you introduce baby to solid food, it’s also time to introduce them to little sips of water as they eat. The bottle is still fine but this is the perfect time to start thinking of introducing them to a cup soon.
The earlier you start, the easier it will be to eventually get them to drop their bottle. Munchkin Miracle 360 has been my favorite since Day 1 because it’s designed more like a regular cup than a Sippy cup helping make the transition away from the bottle much easier and to a “big kid” cup much smoother.
BABY FOOD MAKER
Again, taking care of a baby is a lot of work so if you decide to skip the baby food making, I get it! I have days where I don’t even want to look into the kitchen but on the days where i’m up for it, I actually enjoy making my own baby food.
To do that you need some type of baby food maker. Before you go and buy a big, expensive gadget made specifically for babies I just want to remind you that they pretty much all do the same thing. This small Magic Bullet blender is super affordable and will get the job done nice and fast. I love it so much that I use it for baby and for myself.
Starting baby on solid foods should be exciting and fun for baby and you. Hopefully this list helps make the experience into solid foods an enjoyable and a-little-less-messy one.
You may also enjoy: Self Care Tips For Moms and Sleep Training Your Baby.
