Ah, weaning, one of those parenting milestones that sounds exciting in theory but quickly turns into a game of "how much puree can I scrape off the walls today?" If you’ve been scouring the internet for what you actually need to survive this messy adventure, fear not, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s break down the essentials (and the totally unnecessary gimmicks) so you can focus on getting food into your baby’s mouth rather than your carpet.
Weaning Must-Haves (Because You Actually Need These)
1. Suction Bowls & Divided Plates (Yes, They’re Worth It!)
Babies are natural-born food flingers, and if you don’t want every meal to resemble a Jackson Pollock painting, suction bowls and divided plates are a lifesaver. They stick to the table (assuming your child isn’t a miniature Houdini) and keep food where it belongs, for the most part.
Look for: Strong suction bases, BPA-free materials, and designs that work on smooth highchair trays (because textured trays can be the enemy of suction). Divided plates can be particularly helpful for keeping different foods separate, perfect for little ones who don’t appreciate their peas mingling with their mashed potatoes. If you’re after a battle-tested, parent-approved option, our suction bowls and divided plates are designed to stay put, unlike your patience after three mealtime tantrums.
2. Soft-Tip Spoons (Because Gums Are Sensitive)
Metal cutlery? Too soon. Wooden spoons? Too clunky. Soft-tip silicone spoons? Just right. These are gentle on baby’s gums and perfect for self-feeding when the time comes.
3. Catch-All Bibs (Because Drool and Puree Happen)
Weaning means mess. Lots of it. A good silicone or fabric bib with a built-in food-catching pocket will save outfits (and your sanity). Bonus: they’re easy to wipe clean or toss in the wash.
4. Open Cup or Straw Cup (Because Ditching the Bottle Is a Thing)
The NHS recommends introducing an open or straw cup from six months, so now’s the time to find one that won’t instantly drench your baby’s highchair.
5. Highchair (Because They Need a Throne)
Look for a highchair with good support and a wipeable tray. If you’ve got the infamous IKEA Antilop, just know that suction bowls can work, but you may need a dab of water underneath to get that solid grip.
6. Food Storage Pots (Because Nobody Wants to Cook Every Meal from Scratch)
Batch-cooking purees or prepping finger foods? Small, airtight storage pots are your best friend.
7. Floor Mat (Because Gravity Is a Jerk)
If you don’t want to be scraping mashed banana off your rug for the next decade, invest in a wipeable splash mat to catch the chaos.
Nice-to-Haves (But Not Essential)
1. Baby Food Blender (But Your Normal Blender Works Fine Too)
If you already own a blender or food processor, you don’t need a special “baby food” version. Your standard blender will do just fine, just make sure you don’t leave any surprise lumps!
2. Weaning Recipe Books (When Google Exists)
Unless you love collecting cookbooks, most weaning recipes can be found online. That said, if you like having a book on hand, go for one with practical, simple meal ideas.
3. Heated Plates (Because Warm Food Is Overrated)
Babies don’t mind lukewarm food, and let’s be honest, you won’t have time to reheat things every two minutes anyway.
4. Fancy Baby Cutlery (They’ll Just Use Their Hands Anyway)
Tiny forks and knives look cute but aren’t essential right away. Most babies prefer to grab food with their hands before they master utensils.
Skip These (Save Your Money!)
❌ Weaning Machines That Do It All
Blends, steams, purees, sings lullabies, do you really need another bulky kitchen gadget? A saucepan and blender will get the job done.
❌ Overly Complicated Weaning Gadgets
While some gear is genuinely helpful, others are just overkill. Stick with what works; a good suction plate, a bowl, and a solid set of baby-friendly utensils are more than enough to get started.
❌ Special Weaning Chairs
Unless you love spending money for fun, your existing highchair is all you need.
Final Thoughts
Weaning doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and you don’t need an entire Amazon wishlist of gadgets to make it work. Stick to the essentials, keep it simple, and remember, half the food is going to end up on the floor anyway, and that’s okay.
If you’re looking for reliable, baby-proof suction bowls and divided plates, check out our range here. Now, go forth and embrace the mess!
