Are you thinking about starting baby-led weaning with your little one? Congrats on taking this exciting step in your parenting journey! As you may know, baby-led weaning is all about introducing solid foods to your baby in a safe and fun way, allowing them to explore different tastes and textures at their own pace. In this blog post, I’ll share some of my favorite baby-led weaning products, helping you make the process a little easier (and less messy!). So grab a cup of coffee (or tea, or wine, no judgment here!), sit back, and let’s get ready to make mealtime a blast for you and your little one!
But before we dive in, there are a few things you might want to consider purchasing to make the baby-led weaning process a little easier (and less messy!). Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Let me share some of my favorite baby-led weaning products that have helped me and my baby enjoy our journey to the fullest.
What is Baby Led Weaning?
So you’ve probably heard the term “baby-led weaning” floating around in mommy circles lately, but what exactly does it mean? Well, simply put, baby-led weaning (BLW) is a method of introducing solid foods to your baby that allows them to feed themselves from the get-go, rather than being spoon-fed purees by an adult.
The idea is that babies are naturally curious and eager to explore their environment, including food, so why not let them take the lead in their own feeding journey? By offering your baby a variety of soft, age-appropriate foods in manageable pieces, they can learn to feed themselves, develop their fine motor skills, and discover new tastes and textures on their own terms.
Now, you might be thinking, “Wait a minute, won’t my baby choke if they’re feeding themselves from the start?” That’s a valid concern, but research shows that babies are actually less likely to choke when they’re in control of their own feeding, as they have more time to explore and learn how to manage food in their mouths. (Source)
Of course, as with any new approach to feeding your baby, it’s important to do your research and talk to your pediatrician before diving in. But if you’re intrigued by the idea of letting your little one take charge of their own meals, baby-led weaning might just be the perfect fit for you and your family. So go ahead, let’s make mealtime an adventure!
If you want to learn more about the subject, here are some books I bought and can recommend:
What I bought for Baby Led Weaning
As a parent to a curious 9-month-old, who has been delightfully exploring the world of solids for the past three months, I understand the mix of excitement and challenges that come with this important phase. Throughout this journey, I’ve searched high and low for the best baby-led weaning products to support my little one’s transition to independent eating. Now, I’m thrilled to share my carefully curated list of must-haves, each designed to make mealtime a breeze for both baby and you. From unbreakable silicone mugs to innovative feeding tools, join me as I delve into the essential gear that has become invaluable during my baby-led weaning adventure.
Stokke Tripp Trapp + Baby Set
Technically we didn’t buy this because we had one in the family. That’s how good an investment it is! It truly lasts forever. You can easily find them pre-loved also!
We recently also added a harness because our beloved daughter always wants to crawl out of her high chair.
Ikea Trofast
You can use these for storage as they fit almost perfectly into the groves of your Trip Trap.
We added adapters so it doesn’t slip out
Ikea Kolon
This is meant as floor protection for office chairs, but it also makes clean-up after dinner time much easier.
Spray Mop
I love this thing. This and the Ikea Kolon makes cleaning the floor under the highchair so quick and easy. I have it close to our dining area and filled with water and mild dish soap at all times, so all it takes is a few spritzes and a sweep and you’re done.
Silicone Bibs
Super handy to catch all the food from falling in her lap. We often layer them over longsleeve bibs.
Longsleeve Bibs
I don’t think I have to tell you why these are great, right? They keep the baby relatively clean and your nerves intact.
Just a word of advice: you need way more of them than you think you do.
Fruit Feeder
We bought these initially to give her frozen breastmilk when she’s teething, but they also work for too mushy avocado and other fruit. They’re not technically perfectly BLW, but as long as baby gets to choose how much ends up in her mouth, it’s ok in my books.
Num Num Pre Spoons
These are one of my favorite things we bought for our baby-led weaning journey. They’re proto-spoons that are the same on both sides, so technically there’s no wrong way for your kid to put it into their mouths. The holes hold food either way and they’re great for porridge!
A crinkle cutter
Really great to make slippery foods easier to grip. We use them on avocados, steamed carrots, etc.
Plus, once baby is a little older they make a great Montessori-inspired cutting tool for them to help you cook!
Glass Baby Plate Set with Suction Cups
We chose glass as her first set of plates after reading this (German) article:
Material für Kindergeschirr – alles über geeignete und ungeeignete Materialien
It’s easy to clean, durable (unless yanked across the dining room), and doesn’t have a taste or smell.
Stainless Steel Sectioned Plate with Suction Cup
Similar to glass, stainless steel is a wonderful material.
Ikea Pokal Glasses
They’re perfect for little hands to grab and the ridges make them easy to hold on to. Even though they’re glass, they’re pretty sturdy. However, once you baby starts to enjoy throwing things, you may want to switch to:
Silicone Cups
Unbreakable and perfect for tiny hands. Worry less about spills and accidents as these flexible mugs can withstand those inevitable throws and drops.
Baby-Led Weaning Products I intentionally did NOT buy and why
Silicone Tableware
I was considering buying silicone plates for my baby’s BLW journey, but ultimately decided against it. While I do see the appeal of silicone plates being durable and easy to clean, I just didn’t feel comfortable using them for my baby’s meals. I prefer using glass or ceramic plates for my own meals, and I wanted my baby to have a similar dining experience. Plus, there’s just something about the weight and texture of real plates that I think is beneficial for my baby’s development.
Another reason I decided not to buy silicone plates for my baby’s BLW journey is that they can take on smells and tastes. Since silicone is a porous material, it can absorb flavors and odors from the foods it comes in contact with. This means that if I were to use a silicone plate for something like curry or garlic, for example, it could potentially affect the taste of future meals served on that plate. I didn’t want to take any chances with my baby’s developing taste buds, so I opted for plates that wouldn’t hold onto any residual flavors or smells.
Sippy Cups
While they can be convenient for on-the-go drinking and can help with transitioning from a bottle to a cup, sippy cups can also have some downsides. One concern is that they can promote prolonged sucking, which could potentially lead to dental issues. (Source) Additionally, sippy cups can also be a breeding ground for bacteria, especially if not cleaned properly or if left with liquids sitting in them for too long. So, instead of sippy cups, I’m opting to introduce my baby to an open cup at an appropriate age, with close supervision, and practicing good hygiene habits.
In conclusion, embracing baby-led weaning has been an incredible adventure for both my little one and me. Watching her explore new flavors, textures, and feeding herself with confidence has been a heartwarming experience. The essential baby-led weaning products I’ve shared here have undoubtedly made this journey smoother and more enjoyable. Remember, every baby is unique, so take your time and let your little one lead the way. Here’s to many more delightful mealtime moments and the joy of discovering new tastes together! Happy baby-led weaning!
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