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Starting Solids: Must-Have Products for Baby's First Foods
- Khizra khalid
- 2 days ago
- 12 min read
Ready to start weaning your baby? This guide covers trusted, parent-approved essentials to make baby's first foods less messy, more fun, and a whole lot easier for you.
Starting solids is a big milestone—and let’s be honest, a bit emotional too. Your tiny baby is suddenly ready for something more than milk, and with that comes a mix of excitement, mess, and a whole new routine. Whether you’re leaning toward purées, baby-led weaning, or a bit of both, having the right tools can make all the difference.
From keeping floors clean to prepping freezer-ready portions, there’s a product for just about every mealtime challenge. And since we all know babies are unpredictable eaters, having durable, easy-to-clean gear on hand helps reduce stress (and laundry). These days, weaning isn’t just about feeding—it’s about creating a space where your little one can explore safely and confidently.
We’ve gathered a list of essentials that real parents swear by. They’re practical, thoughtfully designed, and made to support both baby and caregiver through the early, often chaotic days of introducing food. Some are lifesavers for cleanup. Others help you prep ahead or encourage your baby’s independence.
No matter where you’re starting from, these feeding picks are here to support your journey—one bite, one splash, and one sticky little hand at a time.
How We Chose These Weaning Essentials
With numerous baby products available, we focused on options that combine practicality, safety, and real-world usefulness. Every item in this list meets the needs of busy families and curious little eaters:
Parent-tested and recommended for everyday ease
Made from safe, baby-friendly materials (think BPA-free silicone and easy-grip designs)
Prioritise cleanup and prep convenience, because time is precious
Help support self-feeding and sensory development
Offer great value without compromising quality
Weaning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right tools, it can be a fun, confidence-building adventure for both you and your baby.
What to Look for in First Foods Tools
Easy to clean: Solids = mess. Prioritise products that wipe clean or are dishwasher safe.
Safe materials: BPA-free, food-grade silicone, or soft plastics are gentle and non-toxic for the baby.
Encourages self-feeding: Look for spoons and feeders that fit comfortably in little hands.
Helps you prep ahead: Freezer-friendly portions and compact blenders make your day easier.
Practical for everyday use: The best tools are the ones you’ll reach for again and again—simple, sturdy, and stress-reducing.
If you've ever found yourself crawling under the highchair after every meal, this one’s for you. The CATCHY Food Catcher is a cleverly designed mat that attaches directly to your baby’s chair to catch dropped food before it hits the floor. It’s a small change that makes a big difference at mealtime.
Features:
Compatible with Stokke Tripp Trapp highchairs
Waterproof and easy to wipe clean
Catches food, utensils, and mess
Quick to install and remove
Reusable and environmentally friendly
This product is especially helpful during the early months of baby-led weaning, when babies are more likely to throw than eat. Instead of crouching down and scrubbing the floor after every meal, you can simply empty the food catcher and wipe it clean. It catches everything from spoonfuls of yogurt to runaway strawberries—and that means fewer crumbs in your socks and less frustration after mealtimes.
Parents often note how much easier clean-up becomes with this in place. It not only keeps your floors mess-free, but it also allows you to salvage untouched food that would otherwise be wasted. Especially if you’ve spent time preparing homemade meals or slicing up fresh fruit, it’s a relief not to watch it all go to waste just because of a gravity experiment.
What makes the CATCHY shine is how seamlessly it fits into your day-to-day. It’s durable yet lightweight, and folds down easily when not in use. Unlike floor mats, it stays neatly attached and doesn’t shift around while your little one kicks and wiggles. It’s a quiet hero of weaning life—doing its job meal after meal, letting you enjoy more giggles and fewer crumbs.
Suction bowls are an absolute must-have during the weaning phase, and the Munchkin Stay Put Suction Bowl Set offers great value for families starting solids. This pack includes three different-sized bowls with strong suction bases designed to stay put, no matter how much your baby tugs, tips, or launches.
Features:
Set of 3 bowls in varying sizes
Strong suction base to prevent spills
BPA-free and microwave/dishwasher safe
Easy-grip sides for parents and toddlers
Suitable for babies 6 months and up
These bowls are lifesavers for the early stages of self-feeding when babies are learning to scoop, squish, and explore. The secure suction helps reduce tip-overs, so you spend less time mopping up cereal or rescuing bits of avocado from the floor. They're especially handy for highchair trays, where stability can be a real challenge.
Parents love the versatility of this set—use the smaller bowl for breakfast or snacks, and the larger one for heartier meals. They clean up easily in the dishwasher, and since they’re microwave safe, warming leftovers or reheating homemade purées is a breeze. It’s the kind of convenience that truly makes a difference during busy days.
Another win? These bowls support independent eating. As your baby grows more confident with spoons and finger foods, the no-slip base helps build their coordination without frustrating spills. The curved sides also make it easier for little hands to scoop, helping them feel successful at mealtime.
Whether you’re starting with spoon-feeding or jumping straight into baby-led weaning, the Munchkin suction bowls bring peace of mind and less mess to the table—one bite (or fling) at a time.
Meal prep becomes a whole lot easier with these Baby Food Freezer Cubes, designed to help you store homemade purées and first foods in perfectly portioned sizes. Each cube holds around 70ml and is microwave, freezer, and dishwasher safe, making them super practical for busy parents starting solids.
Features:
Set of 16 BPA-free storage pots (70ml each)
Microwave, dishwasher, and freezer safe
Stackable design for easy storage
Leak-proof, clip-on lids
Ideal for storing fruit, veg, or purées
These cubes are perfect if you're planning to batch-cook and freeze portions of baby food. Simply purée your baby's favourites—like carrot, sweet potato, or apple—and freeze them in individual containers. It saves time, reduces food waste, and ensures you always have a nutritious meal ready when you need it.
The compact size makes it easy to pack a few for days out or trips to grandma’s. Because they’re leak-proof, you won’t have to worry about spills in your nappy bag. They’re also great for slowly introducing new foods and allergens, allowing you to defrost just a single portion to test how your baby responds.
Parents love how the cubes make meal planning feel manageable. Instead of cooking from scratch for every meal, you can cook once and stretch it across multiple feedings. It’s a simple tool that adds a lot of flexibility, especially helpful on those days when everything else feels unpredictable.
This beautifully designed Weaning Chart by Nuzzle & Nest is more than just a tracker—it’s a visual aid that supports your baby’s journey with food from day one. With checkboxes for first foods, allergens, and milestones, it helps parents feel more organised and confident as they introduce solids.
Features:
A3 laminated checklist with first foods and allergens
Covers both purée and baby-led weaning approaches
Wipeable and reusable
Designed by parents, for parents
Gentle, gender-neutral illustrations
This chart gives parents a simple way to keep track of what their baby has tried, what they’ve loved, and how their tastes are evolving. It's especially useful for tracking potential allergens like eggs, dairy, and nuts in a clear, visual format—perfect for sharing with caregivers or referencing during health visits.
The checklist format also helps ensure variety in your baby’s diet. It’s easy to default to the same few foods, especially in the early stages, and this chart gently reminds you to mix things up. Plus, it’s a lovely keepsake of your baby's food journey—you might find yourself holding on to it long after the first year.
Parents appreciate the practical and emotional support this chart offers. When feeding feels messy or confusing, it brings clarity. It’s also fridge-friendly, so it’s always within view, helping the whole household stay in sync with baby’s meals and progress.
Whether you’re doing purées, finger foods, or a mix of both, the Nuzzle & Nest chart is a helpful, non-intimidating companion for your feeding adventure.
If your baby’s just getting started with solids, these PandaEar Silicone Weaning Spoons are a perfect first pick. Made from soft, food-grade silicone, they’re gentle on gums, easy to hold, and perfectly shaped for early feeding success.
Features:
Set of 7 soft silicone spoons
Ideal for babies 4–6 months and up
Gum-safe, BPA-free materials
Easy-grip handles for small hands
Dishwasher safe
Parents often struggle to find the right spoon for those first bites—too deep, too stiff, or too big can all be frustrating for baby and parent. PandaEar spoons hit the sweet spot with a flexible head that fits comfortably in tiny mouths. They’re also ideal for babies who are teething and want to chew everything.
The lightweight, ergonomic design makes them easy for babies to hold during self-feeding, which encourages independence early on. They’re also a win for parents doing spoon-led feeding, with enough length and flexibility to comfortably reach into jars or bowls.
With seven in the set, you’re never without a clean spoon, even on laundry-heavy days. They’re also available in cheerful colours that appeal to little ones and make mealtime more fun. Whether it’s avocado, yogurt, or porridge, they scoop and serve smoothly.
These spoons take the guesswork out of the first utensils and are a thoughtful staple in any weaning kit. Affordable, functional, and gentle—they’re exactly what you need for those exciting (and messy) early meals.
The JUYOO Baby Fruit Feeder Set offers a safe and playful way to introduce fresh fruits and soft foods to your little one. These silicone dummies double as feeders and teething soothers, making them a brilliant two-in-one solution for babies around 6 months and up.
Features:
Includes 3 silicone feeder pacifiers with clips
Designed for fruits, veg, and other soft foods
BPA-free, food-grade materials
Helps reduce choking risk
Doubles as a teething toy
These feeders are perfect for easing babies into new flavours and textures without overwhelming them. Simply pop in some banana, steamed carrot, or chilled melon, and your baby can safely chew and suck through the soft silicone mesh. It's a great sensory experience and supports oral motor skills in the process.
The included clips are a thoughtful bonus, especially during on-the-go meals or outdoor picnics. They prevent the feeder from hitting the floor (again and again), which is a real win when you’re out and about. Many parents use them as part of teething relief, too—just chill the feeder in the fridge and let the baby enjoy the soothing sensation.
For parents who are nervous about choking, this set offers peace of mind. It acts like a training tool for early self-feeding while still keeping the baby safe. Plus, clean-up is easy—just rinse or toss them in the dishwasher, and you're ready for the next snack adventure.
Fun, practical, and affordable, these feeders are a gentle introduction to real food and a great companion during the sometimes-tricky weaning window.
From purées to mash, the Tommee Tippee Quick-Chop makes meal prep for weaning stages fast and stress-free. This compact mini blender is designed with a sturdy glass bowl and sharp stainless-steel blades, perfect for blending fruits, veg, or even small meat portions into baby-safe textures.
Features:
500ml durable glass bowl
Easy push-down activation
BPA-free and dishwasher safe
Compact size for kitchens of all sizes
Great for all stages of weaning
This blender is a great option for parents who want to prep small, fresh portions at home without using bulky appliances. Whether you're making a single serving of puréed sweet potato or blending cooked lentils, the powerful blades create a smooth texture quickly and evenly—no lumps or guesswork involved.
Unlike many plastic alternatives, the glass bowl adds durability and is resistant to staining, which is especially helpful when you're dealing with foods like carrots or beetroot. It's also easier to clean and doesn't retain odours from stronger ingredients.
Busy parents appreciate the one-touch functionality—just press and hold to blend, making it simple to use even when you’ve got one hand full. It’s compact enough to leave on the counter or store easily, and the size is just right for everyday use without being overwhelming.
Whether you’re doing batch prep or blending on demand, this tool helps you serve fresh, nutritious meals without extra hassle. It supports a flexible, homemade feeding approach, even for parents short on time or kitchen space.
The Vital Baby Nourish Weaning Kit is a thoughtful starter set packed with everything a parent needs to dive into solids. With 10 practical pieces, including bowls, spoons, and snack pots, it’s designed to ease both you and your baby into this next phase with confidence.
Features:
10-piece set for babies 6 months+
Includes spoons, snack pots, and bowls
BPA-free and dishwasher/microwave safe
EarthSmart biodegradable materials
Bright, baby-friendly colours
This kit is ideal if you're just beginning your weaning journey and want all the basics in one go. The snack pots are perfect for portioning, storing, or taking food on the go, while the bowls are sturdy and sized right for small meals. It helps streamline your kitchen without needing to buy individual items separately.
The biodegradable EarthSmart materials give eco-conscious parents extra peace of mind, offering sustainability without sacrificing durability. Everything in the set is designed to withstand regular use, from morning porridge to dinnertime finger foods.
Each piece is easy to clean, which is something every parent will appreciate, especially when things start to get messy (and they will!). The spoons are gentle for beginner eaters and easy for small hands to grip, encouraging independent feeding as confidence grows.
Whether you're doing purées, finger foods, or a combination of both, this kit takes care of the practical side of weaning so you can focus on exploring food together and celebrating those adorable, messy moments.
If mealtimes are starting to feel like a laundry challenge, the Little Dimsum Long Sleeve Weaning Bib might be the solution you’ve been waiting for. This waterproof bib provides full upper-body coverage—sleeves and all—making it ideal for baby-led weaning, messy purées, and everything in between.
Features:
Long-sleeved waterproof bib
Lightweight and soft on the baby’s skin
Large catch-all front pocket
Easy to wipe clean or machine wash
Adjustable neckline for a comfy fit
This bib acts like a full-body shield against flying spoonfuls and splashes, reducing the need for frequent outfit changes (and laundry marathons). It fits snugly but comfortably, allowing babies to move their arms freely while keeping sleeves and torsos protected from mealtime mayhem.
Parents love how soft yet durable the fabric is—it’s gentle on sensitive skin but tough enough to handle tomato sauce and mashed banana. The large pocket at the bottom does an excellent job catching crumbs, bits of food, or small toys that might find their way into mealtime play.
Another standout feature is how easy it is to clean. A quick wipe after mealtime will usually do, but it’s also machine washable for bigger messes. The quick-dry fabric makes it convenient for everyday use, and you’ll probably want more than one for rotation.
Whether you’re just starting solids or knee-deep in finger foods, this bib makes the process easier and much less messy for both you and your little one. It's a practical pick that helps keep mealtimes light and low-stress.
The BIBaDO Long Sleeve Bib is a game-changer for parents navigating the chaotic, joyful mess of weaning. With a clever design that attaches directly to highchairs or tables, this bib keeps baby covered and your kitchen cleaner, while still allowing plenty of fun at mealtime.
Features:
Attaches to most highchairs and tables
Waterproof, wipe-clean material
Long sleeves for full coverage
Machine washable and quick-drying
Soft fabric for comfort and movement
Unlike regular bibs, this one turns into a wearable apron that wraps over the highchair tray, creating a seamless barrier between your baby and the floor. It’s ideal for baby-led weaning or messy eaters who love to explore their food with every part of their body—hands, face, and sometimes even toes.
The high-quality waterproof material is designed for everyday use and cleans up easily with just a wipe. It’s a favourite among parents who are tired of scrubbing down chairs, trays, and baby clothes after every meal. With BIBaDO, the mess stays on the bib—not your floors or their sleeves.
This bib also grows with your child, with adjustable sleeves and fastenings to fit babies from 6 to 36 months. It’s soft and comfortable, so even sensory-sensitive little ones tend to tolerate it better than stiffer, plastic bibs.
If you’re looking for a weaning essential that genuinely reduces mess and stress, the BIBaDO bib is well worth the investment. It makes independent feeding easier to manage and keeps the clean-up quick and simple.
Why the Right Weaning Tools Really Matter
Choosing the right weaning gear can make all the difference during this exciting (and often overwhelming) stage of parenting. While no product can guarantee a mess-free experience, well-designed tools help you stay organised, reduce stress, and support your baby’s development.
Products like suction bowls and bibs with sleeves promote independence while minimising cleanup.
Storage containers and blenders give parents flexibility to prepare healthy meals in advance.
Gentle spoons and feeders help babies transition comfortably to solid foods at their own pace.
Simple extras like food charts offer reassurance and guidance for new parents.
By making the process easier and more enjoyable, these tools let you focus on what matters—watching your baby discover the joy of eating and being part of family mealtimes.
Starting solids is a major milestone, filled with curiosity, discovery, and plenty of mess. With the right products in your toolkit, feeding your baby can feel more like an adventure and less like a daily scramble. Whether you’re offering purées, finger foods, or exploring baby-led weaning, these small but mighty essentials help make the process smoother for both you and your little one. At the end of the day, it’s not about perfection—it’s about nurturing healthy habits, creating joyful mealtime memories, and enjoying each bite-sized step together.
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Author: First Time Mums UK
Instagram: @firsttimemumsuk
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