You don’t need a lot of gear to start feeding solid foods, but a few key items will make your efforts much easier…… Especially bibs, bowls, and spoons.
Spoon
For the introduction of solid foods (more than 6 months)
A good spoon is the key to successful feeding. There are a few different methods you may want to try – here are some of the parents’ favorites.
Munchkin Baby Spoon ~$6-$3
It’s fast and dirty. These round soft spoon bowls are perfectly sized. We have been using these spoons for many years and they have never let us down.
OXO Silicone Feeding Spoon ~$8 for 2 pcs
Softer version (suitable for teething babies, etc.). Made of stainless steel, it is built to last.
Suitable for self-feeding (toddlers)
Nuby Spoon & Fork ~$4 for 8 Pack (2 Spoons & 2 Forks)
As your child grows older, you’ll want to use a bigger spoon head and thicker fork for him. Usually made of soft plastic so as not to injure yourself, and there are non-slip handles, these are the gold standard.
RE-PLAY Spoon & Fork Set ~$8 for 13 pieces (4 pieces each)
These BPA-free cutlery made from recycled plastic are so durable that they can be used until childhood. Choose from a variety of bright color options.
OXO Toddler Training Fork & Spoon Set ~$6
Training silverware is the next step, just before the actual silverware. They still have non-slip handles, but their rounded heads are made of stainless steel.
In my opinion, these are the best, but there are many options to choose from: NUK (spoon and fork or set with knife), Munchkin, etc.
Bowls and Plates
For the introduction of solid foods (more than 6 months)
Start with a bunch of plastic bowls for mixing purees. Simply stack the bowls and you’re good to go. Don’t even think about anything fragile, because throwing a bowl will be your baby’s favorite sport for the next 12 months or so.
Munchkin Stackable Bowl ~$12/8pcs
These are our favorite varieties – you can never get enough, and they are sold everywhere.
NUK Bunch-A-Bowls ~$4-$8
This is another product that is loved by parents and comes with a lid to take with you wherever you go.
Suitable for self-feeding (toddlers)
Of course, you can still use the bowls listed above as your baby grows, however, you may also want to stock up on bowls and plates that are suitable for toddlers.
Munchkin Stay Put Suction Cup~$9/3pcs
These do work! They can even suck onto the stroller’s snack tray.
EZPZ Happy Mat ~$25
It’s a placemat and plate in one that attaches to the table: a real game-changer for parents. The mat has three compartments for storing all the food groups they don’t eat (just kidding!). (sort of). Dishwasher safe for easy portability.
Plate separate from the target ~$0.50
Yes, you read that right =>50 cents! Without a doubt, one of our favorite dividers still holds up after years of (abuse) use and is dishwasher safe. The portions are just the right size, and the walls are tall enough for scooping training.
PS is available in a variety of sizes and colors.
Bib
Feeding a baby is a hassle, all of you. There is no way around it. Some people choose to breastfeed topless (baby, not you, parents), which may save money on laundry, but may need to be bathed or wiped afterwards. Personally, I find the donning/undressing part to be a lot more cumbersome than just putting on a bib, but so what.
Bibs can prevent stains on your baby’s clothes. They come in different shapes and sizes; Some bibs are simply wrapped around the neck to protect the top of the shirt, while others have sleeves that can be “worn” for more protection. I recommend buying some of both, depending on what’s on the menu for the day.
Bumkins Bib ~$3 for 17 pieces
For simple, basic bibs, this is definitely a group favorite. It’s waterproof, has a lovely design, and is very easy to clean (even in the laundry room). It also has a slip pocket that you’re sure to love. Best of all, you can fold it into a compact square and easily fit it in a diaper bag.
*Available in sizes: Starter (4-9 months), Super (6-24 months), Sleeve (6-24 months) and Junior (1-3 years).
BabyBjorn Soft Bib ~$2 for 19 pieces
Another popular work. They’re super easy to clean, have a deep pocket for food, and an adjustable closure for a growing baby for a few months. These bibs are sturdier (harder for babies to pull), but unlike Bumkins bibs, they are not easy to fold or store.
IKEA “Clade” ~$9
“Angry Viking Kids” is an affordable, fast, and dirty nickname. *Suitable for 0-18 months.
Kushies Cleanbib ~$19
Parents love this simple sleeve waterproof bib. But recently the price has gone up…
Hero Bib ~$29
Handmade and specially designed not only to keep your little one clean, but also to keep the high chair clean. Simply tuck it under the top tray or hang it on both sides. It’s also great for art projects and can last for years.
Snack Cups
Munchkin Snack Catcher ~$2.5
Every parent’s first choice. The lid prevents food from spilling onto the floor while making it easy for kids to reach for their favorite snacks.
*If you’re not into plastic, Munchkin also makes a stainless steel version with a lid($10).
Nuby Monster Snack Cup~
An interesting twist on the standard snack cup. Kids love to hold his monster’s hand. The lid can be difficult to open and close – but that just means it’s working.
Placemats
Munchkin Si licone placemat~$10/2pcs
If you have a table that needs protection, make sure you have several of these on hand. They are 11 x 15 in size and have a sticky bottom so they can be held in place. They’re also thin, so you can easily roll them up if you need to go out, have a picnic, etc. Can be cleaned on a dishwasher top rack.