Getting to the age where your baby is ready to switch from an all-liquid diet to the wonderful world of solids? If you're unsure of the best way to do it, just ask Dr. S. Amna Husain, a licensed pediatrician. Here's what she had to say:
"There are so many opinions and thoughts on how to go about starting your child on solids. Whether purees, baby-led weaning, or a combination of both, I have some great recommendations on products that are safe, simple, and easy to use.
As a pediatrician mother and entrepreneur, I'm all about safety but also keeping things as hassle-free as possible. When it comes time to start exploring solids between 4-6 months of age and after discussion with your pediatrician, make sure to keep this list handy for some great recommendations!"
Once you move into the realm of starting solids, a good bib is everything! Things that you need to think of include comfort, right fit around the neck, washable, durability, and of course, not easily removed.
Babies are incredibly crafty and once they learn to remove their bib, they will do it at any time they want, even if it's in the middle of a meal. I love these bibs because I've tested quite a few and these hit the mark on all of these criteria.
They also have a silicone lower half which scoops and can catch anything that falls out of (or is spit out of!) the mouth. I would definitely recommend going for the 2-pack purchase as it's always nice to have an extra bib on hand when mealtime rolls around.
As a pediatrician, I love how this utensil has an extra level of safety added in. These spoons have heat sensor tips that turn white if the food is too hot. How ingenious!
They're also lightly tapered and have a soft tip, which is exactly what you're looking for in a spoon during the weeks and months of initial feeding.
The sensation of a spoon and texture of food in the mouth takes some getting used to, and using stiff or rigid spoons can sometimes make the sensation more difficult for a baby to get used to. That's why you should go for a soft whenever possible initially.
There are SO many baby food freezer storage cubes! Trust me, I know, and I have landed on the perfect ones. I love these because they're so easy to use, clean, and store.
They're not bulky and freeze in the perfect 1-ounce portions. They also come in a pack of two, which is super convenient, especially since usually busy parents may make a large batch of baby food and then freeze it for later.
You can make and store up to 42 ounces of baby food. The food trays also have lids that fit tightly to prevent spills and freezer-burn. Best of all, they're non-toxic, BPA-free, PVC-free, and dishwasher-safe.
If you're transitioning from purees to chunkier mashed foods or just beginning on your journey of baby-led weaning, this OXO Tot Food Masher is great for attaining a thicker texture and more efficient than mashing with a fork.
It works best on softer foods like bananas or steamed carrots, but as your child gets used to solids, develops teeth, and is able to chew larger and sturdier foods, you can continue using it into toddlerhood with other foods like garbanzo beans and even chicken. It's easy to use and easy to clean with ridges both on the handle and the bowl to allow for efficiency when mashing.
And what better spoon to use for thicker purees, than the NumNum Pre-Spoon GooTensil! This uniquely designed spoon works great as your baby gets more involved in self-feeding.
Its handle is easy to grip for children and the uniquely designed tip holds on to food better than the traditionally shaped spoon. This is great for parents who want to encourage children to feed themselves.
Parents can also "preload" the spoon with food and allow your child to bring the spoon to his or her mouth themselves, which encourages and promotes independence.
These mesh bags are so fun for little ones. You can prefill them with food, snap shut, and let them taste and explore!
My personal favorite is any type of fresh fruit that your little one can gnaw and mash on to explore the taste and reduce the risk of choking. I've tried blueberries, bananas, watermelon, you name it!
The only drawback is cleaning these bags can be a bit tricky. Food can get stuck and dry in the small mesh holes unless soaked immediately and cleaned thoroughly.
I've tried a lot of trainer sippy cups...tons. In the end, it really comes down to your child's preference. This sippy cup is one I picked up on a whim at the grocery store, and my little one finally took to it! I quickly realized why. The handles on the sides certainly make it easy to hold, but the trainer straw is what makes the difference. It's softer and wider to allow for easy and comfortable use.
Before your little one gets used to taking large gulps of water on his or her own, I often advise families to try introducing water with one of my favorite tricks:
Tap on the end of a straw to bring a little water up into the straw, and then once the straw is in their mouth, release your finger. Over time, keep your finger on the other end so your little one learns they have to suck to get the water. Eureka-you'll train them to drink from a straw!
Over time, this cup does begin to have signs of wear and may leak water from where the top screws on as your little one constantly drops it on the ground. Luckily, it's incredibly low-priced so it won't break the bank to buy a new one. And as your child gets used to drinking from straws, you can move on to a sturdier cup for toddlers!
As you get used to traveling outside the home with your little one, this spoon is incredibly handy, especially when your child is still in the puree phase.
This unique spoon dispenses food one spoonful at a time for easy, mess-free feeding. The spoon tip easily screws on the bottom handle which is where the pureed food is kept. You can easily use this spoon in airports, trains, at other's homes, or pretty much anywhere without any trouble.
It holds up to 2-3 ounces and is easy to clean, plus it's dishwasher-safe! And, of course, it's free of concerning chemicals and ingredients like BPA, PVC, and phthalates. If you're a fan of mess-free feeding, this is a must-have.
One thing I quickly realized is baby food gets cold...quickly, and infants do take a while to eat. That's why I was so happy with my investment in Totware's Baby and Toddler Feeding Bowls. They're stainless steel, so they keep food warm!
They're durable and have tight-fitting lids that prevent spills and seal in food. They also come with removable suction mats that keep the bowl in place and prevent babies from throwing or dropping the bowls.
They hold large portions of food, up to 12 ounces in size! These bowls have definitely withstood the test of time, and I continue to use them as my child has grown.
This is hands-down one of my favorite purchases! I think I actually ordered it before my daughter was snacking or had even started solids because I found it so cute and ingenious.
This snack dispenser allows you to keep three or four snacks on hands for your little one. I keep it in my diaper bag for must-have moments or meltdowns and usually keep Gerber Puffs, Annie's crackers, or Goldfish in the rotation to keep it interesting.
It takes up little space and is easy to use. Another bonus: if your little one is formula-fed, you can add the correct amount of formula right into one of the containers and go!
Starting solids with your child can be an incredibly exciting experience whether you choose to do baby-led weaning or start with purees. Hopefully, these items will help you every step of the way as you and your child begin this fun journey!
Household goods
Home electronics, PC, camera
Cosmetics and skincare
Food and drinks
Kitchen supplies
Clothing
Shoes
Accessories
Kids and baby
Interior and furniture
Hobbies
Outdoor
DIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Pets
Books, CDs, DVDs
Games
Cars and motorcycles
Gifts
Housing equipment and renovation
Smartphones and mobile phones
Mobile data
Investment and asset management
Credit cards and loans
Insurance
Music
Smartphone applications