An RD’s Favorite Products to Start Solids with Baby
Starting solids can be exciting, overwhelming and daunting! When scouring the internet during my own time starts solids with my baby, I had a hard time figuring out what I actually needed (product wise) to begin our feeding journey. My hope is this post will clarify this question for you.
**Before starting solids, I highly recommend checking in with your doctor to ensure your baby is ready developmentally. Here is a great resource describing milestones to look for when introducing solids.
My top favorite items listed below:
Supportive high chair - We opted for the IKEA high chair due to its great price point and ease for cleaning. Many high chairs have nooks and crannies that are difficult to clean, and given how messy feeding can be, this is another great selling point of the IKEA chair. I have also heard great things about the Stokke Tripp Trapp, but keep in mind it is much pricier.
Foot rest - Given the IKEA high chair does not have a foot rest (and this is critical for a supportive position and safe swallowing for baby), we opted to buy one to add to the high chair. This is great as it can be moved to be the right height for baby, as they grow. This article goes into much more detail about proper alignment for baby in highchair.
Back pillow - We utilized this pillow for back support in the first few months of feeding when baby was still small. This was great as it could easily be washed, which is essential for messy feeding moments.
EZPZ First Foods Set - This set was recommended by many dietitians, and for good reason. I love how strong the suction is on these plates, and how the silicone is easily washed in the dishwasher. This set comes with a plate with three sections, a cup, and two spoons, all age appropriate when beginning solids.
Silicone bibs - We liked the mushie bibs best, but any silicone bib will do. The ease of cleaning these is wonderful.
Splash mat - Critical for underneath high chair! This also can be thrown in the wash easily.
Resources - @solidstarts, @babyleadweaning and @feedinglittles have great instagram accounts with lots of information to get started feeding babe. I also love the Solid Starts free app which shows how to cut specific foods given your child’s age. We have referred to this over and over.
Happy (and messy) feeding ahead!
