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From Bump To Baby: Weaning Essentials Guide 2025
- Khizra khalid
- May 30
- 9 min read
Starting solids soon? This guide walks you through everything you need—from first spoons to storage tricks—so feeding your baby can feel a little less overwhelming.
Weaning is a major (and exciting!) step in your baby’s development, but like most firsts, it can also come with many questions. When do you start? What do you feed them? Do you go with purées, finger foods, or a mix of both? And what do you need to make it all work day-to-day?
It is one of those baby milestones that feels both exciting and slightly intimidating. It marks the start of your little one’s journey from all-milk feeds to a world of flavours, textures, and food fun. But between the endless advice and aisles of baby gear, it’s hard to know what’s truly helpful and what’s just hype.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about weaning, from signs your baby is ready to the products that make mealtimes easier, not messier. Whether you’re leaning toward baby-led weaning, traditional spoon feeding, or somewhere in between, these essentials are here to help make the transition a little smoother and a lot more joyful.
Introduction to Weaning
Weaning is simply the process of moving your baby from milk (breast or formula) to solid foods. Most babies are ready to begin this transition around six months old, although every child develops at their own pace.
Signs that your baby might be ready include sitting up with minimal support, good head and neck control, showing interest in your meals, and losing the tongue-thrust reflex that pushes food out.
There are different approaches to weaning—some families prefer traditional spoon-feeding with purées, while others opt for baby-led weaning, offering soft finger foods that the baby can self-feed. It’s okay to blend both styles based on what works for your child (and you).
A wonderful read for new parents, this book by Rebecca Wilson offers heartfelt insights, practical tips, and comforting advice for navigating early parenthood with confidence and calm. Cook just once to feed your whole family! Release date: June 2025
Key Features:
Written by a trusted Sunday Times bestselling author
Combines real-life stories with expert guidance
Published June 2025 — fresh, up-to-date content
Join Rebecca Wilson as she takes you through every step of the weaning journey, from 6-month-olds to toddlers, fussy school kids, and time-poor adults. What you need to know, when you need to know it – every step of the way! Following her fool-proof What Mummy Makes method, you’ll simply cook one meal that everyone can enjoy together.
Features the most up-to-date guidance and over 100 brand-new recipes approved by a qualified Paediatric Dietitian and Feeding Therapist
Recipes can be adapted for every age, dietary need, and allergy requirement
From Sunday Times bestselling author Rebecca Wilson, this is a friendly and accessible guide to weaning
Chapters include specific recipes for first tastes, meals your toddler will love, family staples, veg-packed dishes, batch-cooking saviours, as well as a whole chapter on food for celebrations. Weaning can feel daunting and time-consuming, but What Mummy Makes: Easy Weaning is here to help make family meals simple and enjoyable as possible.
Feeding Equipment Essentials
Having the right feeding tools makes introducing solids easier and more enjoyable for both of you. A sturdy highchair with a footrest keeps your baby comfortable and secure during meals, while soft-tipped spoons make feeding gentle on little mouths. Small bowls and suction plates help reduce spills, and baby cups—whether open or sippy—encourage early drinking skills. Waterproof or silicone bibs save you laundry, and a splash mat or floor covering keeps messes manageable.
Highchair: Look for safety, easy cleaning, and adjustable features like a footrest.
Weaning Spoons: Soft-tipped for delicate gums, perfect for self-feeding or spoon-feeding.
Bowls & Plates: Small sizes with suction bases help keep dishes in place.
Baby Cups: Transition from sippy to open cups to build confidence in drinking.
Bibs: Waterproof and easy to wipe clean, bibs catch spills and dribbles.
Splash Mat: Protects floors and carpets from mealtime messes.
The O’Doe weaning set is a complete starter kit designed to make baby-led weaning simple and mess-free. With all the essentials from suction bowls to spoons and bibs, it supports your little one’s journey to independent eating with ease.
Key Features:
BPA-free, safe materials for baby’s health
Suction bowl to prevent spills
Soft silicone spoons are gentle on gums
Includes bibs and plates for a full setup
Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
Parents appreciate how this set covers all mealtime basics in one package. The suction bowl keeps food where it belongs, and the soft spoons are comfortable for babies learning to feed themselves. Practical and durable, it grows with your child.
The Munchkin Miracle 360 is a clever sippy cup that allows toddlers to drink from any edge, mimicking a regular cup but without the mess, ideal for children 6 months and older.
Key Features:
360-degree drinking edge for easy sipping
Leak-proof and spill-proof design
BPA-free and dishwasher safe
Easy-to-hold handles for little hands
7oz (207ml) capacity
This cup is perfect for toddlers gaining independence. It offers the freedom of a regular cup without the spills, which means less mess and stress for parents, plus it’s simple to clean and durable.
Designed for babies from 4 months, these free-flow sippy cups feature flip-top lids for hygiene and easy handles for tiny hands learning to drink independently.
Key Features:
Free-flow spout encourages natural drinking
Flip-top lids to keep spouts clean
BPA-free and dishwasher safe
Ergonomic handles for easy gripping
190ml capacity
Parents find these cups ideal for transitioning from bottle to cup. The hygienic lids are great for on-the-go, and babies find the spouts familiar and easy to use, helping reduce frustration at mealtimes.
This iconic high chair grows with your child from 6 months to adulthood. Ergonomically designed with an adjustable seat and footrest, it encourages good posture and family mealtime participation.
Key Features:
Adjustable seat and footrest for comfort and support
Includes Baby Set 2 for ages 6–36 months
Durable natural wood and easy-clean tray
Compact, stylish design
Built to last a lifetime
Parents love how this chair adapts to every stage of growth and brings babies right to the table with the family. Its timeless design and comfort make mealtimes enjoyable for both child and parent.
These soft silicone spoons are perfect for first self-feeding attempts, designed for little hands and gentle on the baby’s gums.
Key Features:
Two BPA-free, soft silicone spoons
Sized for tiny hands and mouths
Suitable for baby-led weaning and teething
Dishwasher safe and easy to clean
Bright, engaging colors
Parents enjoy watching their babies build confidence with spoons designed just for them. The soft silicone soothes gums, making feeding a more comfortable and joyful experience.
Eco-friendly and practical, this bamboo set includes a plate, bowl, and spoon with secure suction bases to minimize spills during toddler meals.
Key Features:
Sustainable bamboo fiber material
Suction bases keep dishes stable
Includes a matching baby spoon
BPA-free, dishwasher safe, durable
Adorable fox design in pink
Combining sustainability with functionality, parents appreciate the eco-friendly materials and spill-prevention design. The cute look and practical features make mealtime easier and more enjoyable.
First Foods Essentials
Choosing the right first foods is key to a smooth weaning experience. Iron-rich options like pureed meats, lentils, and fortified cereals help support your baby’s growth and development. Soft fruits and vegetables, steamed or mashed, are gentle and nutritious, while baby cereals or porridge offer a comforting texture. Healthy fats like avocado and full-fat yogurt provide energy and important nutrients. When introducing potential allergens like peanut, egg, or dairy, it’s best to follow guidance and watch closely for reactions.
Iron-Rich Foods: Vital for healthy development and energy.
Soft Fruits & Veggies: Easy to digest and full of vitamins.
Baby Cereals & Porridge: Gentle on tummies and filling.
Healthy Fats: Important for brain growth and energy.
Allergy Introduction: Introduce carefully and observe for any reactions.
These soft silicone mesh feeders let babies safely explore fresh fruit while soothing teething discomfort, with handy pacifier clips to keep them clean.
Key Features:
Soft, safe silicone mesh feeders
Includes pacifier clips to prevent drops
BPA-free and dishwasher safe
Helps relieve teething pain
Easy to clean and use
Parents love how these feeders introduce new tastes safely, while also providing relief for sore gums. The clips keep everything tidy, making snack time less stressful and more fun.
This innovative feeder lets babies safely explore fresh and frozen foods with a push-button release, encouraging healthy exploration with minimal mess.
Key Features:
Soft silicone feeder for fresh/frozen foods
Push-button for controlled food release
BPA-free, dishwasher safe, travel-friendly
Gentle on the baby’s mouth and gums
Compact and easy to hold
Parents enjoy watching their little ones try new foods confidently and safely. The push-button design gives babies control, which means more fun and less mess during mealtimes.
Storage & Preparation Tools
Making your baby food can be rewarding and convenient with the right prep gear. A steamer or baby food maker helps cook fruits and veggies while locking in nutrients. Ice cube trays or silicone freezer pods are perfect for batch freezing purees, making mealtime prep quick on busy days. Storage containers with secure lids keep foods fresh, while a food masher or blender ensures smooth textures suitable for your baby’s stage. Reusable pouches are a handy option for taking homemade purées on the go.
Steamer/Food Maker: Easy cooking while preserving nutrients.
Freezer Trays/Pods: Portion and freeze homemade purees conveniently.
Storage Containers: Keep foods fresh and ready to serve.
Food Masher/Blender: Customize textures as your baby grows.
Reusable Pouches: Perfect for portable feeding.
Flexible silicone trays are designed for freezing homemade purees, breastmilk popsicles, or snacks in baby-friendly portions, making meal prep a breeze.
Key Features:
BPA/BPS-free flexible silicone
Multiple compartments per tray
Easy to pop out individual servings
Dishwasher safe and freezer friendly
Multi-purpose for breastmilk and food storage
Parents find these trays essential for efficient meal prep and storage. The silicone makes releasing frozen food hassle-free, and portion sizes are just right for growing babies.
Cleaning Essentials
Keeping feeding gear clean and hygienic is essential for your baby’s health. Use baby-safe dish soap to wash bottles, spoons, and bowls thoroughly without harsh chemicals. A bottle and utensil brush helps reach all the nooks and crannies. A drying rack allows everything to air dry safely. Don’t forget surface disinfectants for cleaning highchair trays and tables after meals, ensuring a clean eating environment.
Baby-Safe Dish Soap: Gentle and effective cleaning without harmful ingredients.
Bottle/Utensil Brushes: Reach tight spots to ensure thorough cleaning.
Drying Rack: Keeps feeding items sanitary while drying.
Surface Disinfectant: Wipes down eating areas to prevent germs.
This full-coverage waterproof bib features long sleeves and suction attachments for highchairs, offering excellent protection from messes during feeding.
Key Features:
Waterproof long sleeves for full arm coverage
Suction attachments keep the bib in place
Includes a travel bag for easy storage
Machine washable and durable
Protects clothes and skin from spills
Parents rave about the excellent coverage and mess protection. The suction cups prevent slipping, and the travel bag means it’s easy to take anywhere — a real lifesaver for messy eaters.
This large waterproof mat fits under highchairs to catch spills and crumbs, protecting floors and making cleanup quick and easy.
Key Features:
Oversized 52” waterproof splash mat
Easy to wipe clean or machine wash
Protects floors from food spills and mess
Lightweight and portable
Versatile for feeding and craft time
Parents love how this mat keeps mealtime messes contained and cleanup simple. It’s lightweight and easy to store, making it perfect for everyday use or travel.
On-the-Go Weaning Gear
Feeding your baby outside the home is easier with thoughtful gear. Travel bibs help contain messes, while portable highchairs or seat boosters turn almost any chair into a safe dining spot. Compact snack containers keep small portions handy and mess-free. Insulated food jars maintain the right temperature for meals or snacks. Don’t forget wipes and a wet bag for quick, easy clean-up wherever you are.
Travel Bibs: Portable and mess-proof for feeding on the move.
Portable Highchair/Seat Booster: Creates a safe feeding spot anywhere.
Snack Containers: Perfect for small, spill-free snacks.
Insulated Food Jar: Keeps food fresh and warm or cool.
Wipes & Wet Bag: Quick clean-up essentials.
Final Tips
Navigating mealtime and feeding your baby can feel overwhelming at times, but keeping a few simple principles in mind can make the journey smoother and more enjoyable for both of you. These final tips focus on tuning into your baby’s needs, staying practical, and celebrating progress along the way.
Trust Your Baby’s Rhythm: Every little one is different—follow your baby’s cues and go at their own pace.
Keep It Simple: You don’t need to have everything all at once. Start with the essentials and build as you go.
Embrace the Mess: Feeding is a learning adventure for both of you, so don’t stress about spills and crumbs.
Choose Wisely: Pick gear that feels right for your lifestyle and makes mealtime easier, not harder.
Prioritize Safety: Always watch for allergies and choking hazards, and check in with your pediatrician if you’re unsure.
Celebrate Small Wins: Every new taste and every little success is worth a cheer—it all adds up to big progress.
Remember, feeding is a learning process full of small victories. By trusting your baby’s rhythm, prioritizing safety, and choosing what works best for your family, you’ll create positive mealtime experiences that support your little one’s growth and development every step of the way.
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Author: First Time Mums UK
Instagram: @firsttimemumsuk
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