Your must-have baby weaning essentials checklist
Bring on the mess; we’re here with everything you need to navigate purees, finger foods and fussy eaters
When your baby is around six months old and they can sit up by themselves, it’s time to start weaning. Introducing solid foods is a big milestone – one that can feel daunting as well as exciting. The NHS has lots of great advice about allergens, as well as about the variety and texture of foods suitable for your baby. Plus, we’ve rounded up all the best weaning essentials to make the process enjoyable. You’ll need:
- A high chair; choose one that’s comfortable but also easy to wipe down. If you’re planning lots of days out it might be worth buying a travel high chair, too.
- Bibs; at least two so that you have a spare when the other is covered in food. Some long-sleeved bibs cover the table too, to reduce mess.
- Weaning spoons; durable yet soft, these are gentle on tiny mouths. As your baby gets a bit bigger, it’s also nice to introduce them to mini forks and knives.
- A bowl; preferably a silicone or wooden one that won’t break when it repeatedly gets knocked to the floor.
- Sippy cups; to get them used to helping themselves to a drink of water.
- Storage pots; for batch cooking and for when you’re out and about.
You may also want to buy a puree machine, which makes it a lot easier to create homemade food for weaning. A stick or hand blender will do the job just as well though, and you’ll be moving on from purees within a few months. Bon appétit!
