6 of the Best Tools for Baby Led Weaning
What do you NEED to start your baby on solids? A high chair and food- that’s it, really! I do get questions about the best cup, bib, spoons, etc., for Baby Led Weaning a lot, though. So here are (affiliate) links to some of my favourites!
Stokke Tripp Trapp high chairs are great and pull right up to the table. You can get an infant attachment for a baby, and the chair can grow with your child. I have two, and adults also use them (they hold up to 200 lbs).
Another similar option is the Keekaroo
For the budget-friendly high chair, try the Ikea Antilop for $20 (+$5 for a tray)
I used a standard Graco high chair. I like the large tray with a lip, making it slightly more difficult for your child to swipe food on the floor!
Under High-Chair Mess
Plastic Computer Mat for under the high chair. Easy to wipe off. You can also get these at an office supply store, like Staples.
Other options include a drop cloth or plastic tablecloth that you can shake outside after the meal.
Or a dog
Place Mats
If you’re using a high chair that pulls right up to the table, you may want some placemats:
Happy Mat Sections make a cute face. I have this, and it doesn’t suction to my wood table, but apparently, it will stick to other surfaces, so your child can’t “swipe” food on the floor.
Or you could try some simple Suction Bowls
Bibs
I like Peak Pea bibs. They are leather and clean nicely and have a lip to catch food.
A full-body bib is another good option: this is messy stuff!
Starter Spoons
Nubby Toothbrushes are good starter “toys” for your baby to mouth on. They can also be used to “dip” into yogurt, mashed potatoes or oatmeal for your baby to get a bit of a taste, like a spoon.
When your baby is ready to start using a spoon, these spoons are soft and shallow.
Also, great starter spoons to “dip” are the Num Num pre-spoon Gootensils.
Storage
Wean Green small snack pack of 4 glass cubes. Great to store leftovers or for on-the-go. The class containers are microwave, dishwasher and freezer safe. And they are thick tempered glass that doesn’t break (believe me, we’ve tested them in our home!).
Cups
Occupational Therapists recommend using open cups as much as possible for babies.
The Doidy cup is angled, with handles.
Small plastic shot glasses or small plastic Tupperware “tea set” cups also work.
Or this small silicone cup is great for small hands: Ezpz Tiny Cups.
Books & Recipes
Of course, I’m partial to my own book, “The Parents’ Guide to Baby-led Weaning”. It also contains 125 recipes – 25 to get your baby started, and 125 recipes for the whole family! You can grab it in bookstores or on Amazon here.
Founder of First Step Nutrition | Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Jen believes raising happy, well-nourished eaters who have a healthy relationship with food doesn't have to be a battle! She is an author and speaker with 18 years of experience specializing in family nutrition and helps parents teach their kids to try new foods without yelling, tricking, or bribing.
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