Introducing baby’s first foods? Be prepared with this handy kit
Now the adventure really starts! Introducing solid foods to your baby is a lot of fun – as they adjust to new tastes and textures, you will discover lots of new facial expressions you didn’t know your baby had. We have put together a handy list of essential items to help with weaning.
- If you decide to make your own purées, a blender or hand-held blender can make things a lot easier.
- Hand-held food mills are also good for making purées—and they’ll give you a work-out!
- Plastic bowls suitable for the dishwasher, microwave, and freezer. The ones with suction cups on the bottom can help to keep the dishes on the tray or table.
- Small, smooth round-tipped plastic or silicon spoons—these are gentle on your baby’s delicate mouth and gums.
- You might want to buy a spoon with a long handle for getting into jars and small bowls.
- For the tech fans, you can get spoons that change color if the food is too hot, although you should still always double check the temperature first.
- Silicon or plastic bibs that can be easily wiped clean – these can help cut down on outfit changes. Weaning is messy—babies like to play with food, it’s all part of the fun.
- Cloth bibs are also handy to wipe up messy faces—buy a few though to rotate with the laundry.
- An apron to keep your clothes nice and clean.
- Ice cube trays to freeze portions of purees and freezer bags to store the cubes—great for prepping baby meals ahead of time.
- Small plastic cups for little hands. It’s time to practice drinking from an open cup! Be prepared for little spillages.
- Reusable pouches are great for when you’re out and about—fill them with your own homemade purées – or try store bought baby food pouches for feeding on the go.
- Baby bowls with tight fitting lids are essential when you’re on the go with baby.
- Larger plastic bowls for when baby’s sharing meals with the family —ideally get a couple with dividing compartments.
- Baby high chair—for safety, look for one with both waist and crotch straps and a wide base to increase stability. High chairs with removable tray, covers, and cushions are easier to clean. If you’re on a budget, try looking for one on local Facebook groups and Kijiji – just remember to inspect it before buying, and check that the model has not been recalled.
- A feeding schedule stuck on the fridge to track what your baby has tried, and how often. It can take up to ten tries for your baby to get used to a new flavour or texture, so don’t give up.
- Baby booster seat for when your baby is older and can enjoy mealtimes at the family table.
- Splat mats or a vinyl shower curtain. Not essential but if your baby is fond of throwing food, you may be thankful for one of these to protect your floor. Did we mention that weaning is messy?!
- Now you’ve got the kit, read our checklist on how and when to start complementary feeding.
Related articles
Bottle-feeding tips
Bottle-feeding might look easy but there’s a fair bit to swallow. So here’s a list of bottle-feeding tips, covering bottle-feeding positions, setting a bottle-feeding routine, and more.
2 mins to read
First-time dad tips—how to be a hands-on dad
Wondering how dads can help with newborns?
6 mins to read
Why do babies cry?
When you’re a new parent your baby’s cries can be overwhelming. Remember it’s a new world outside the womb and your little one is adjusting to his new surroundings.
2 mins to read
Bath time checklist: How to bathe a newborn
Washing a newborn for the first time can be nerve-racking as well as a lovely bonding moment. Follow our tips on how to bathe a newborn safely.
4 mins to read
Combination Feeding: Combining Breast Feeding & Formula-Feeding
Combination feeding, also known as mixed feeding or combo feeding, is when you feed your baby both breast milk and infant formula.
4 mins to read
Baby digestion development | First days
By Dr. Dina Kulik, pediatrician
3 mins to read
Need some space? Here’s how to handle visitors after giving birth
If you’re an overwhelmed mom or dad with too many baby visitors, don’t panic. Here’s our top five tips on how to handle visitors after giving birth, giving you time to bond with your baby.
3 mins to read
Coping with baby blues
Many moms experience feeling of postpartum blues – sometimes called the “baby blues” soon after their little one arrives.
3 mins to read
How to help baby reflux
Baby reflux. It’s one of the most common symptoms in babies in their first year. Here are some baby reflux remedies to help prevent and ease the symptoms.
2 mins to read
How to Bathe Your Baby
Baby’s first bath will be a new experience for both of you, so give yourself plenty of time to relax and enjoy it.
3 mins to read
Bathing hacks: How to give your newborn a sponge bath
Don’t worry about giving baby a bath in the first few weeks.
3 mins to read
Playtime ideas for your 0-4 month old
Make the most of your time at home with these five tummy-time moves to get your little one active and help you bond with each other.
3 mins to read
Breastfeeding comebacks for unwanted questions
Fed up of everyone having an opinion on your breastfeeding? This list reads what NOT to say to a breastfeeding mom.
2 mins to read
How to Soothe a Baby with Colic
Got a fussy baby? Infantile colic is characterized by intense, uncontrolled crying or fussing in an otherwise healthy and well-fed baby. About 20% of babies suffer from colic.
4 mins to read
Overcoming breastfeeding problems
Breastfeeding doesn’t always come naturally but with a bit of practice, perseverance, and a few pointers, it can get easier. Try these steps to help tackle breastfeeding problems.
2 mins to read
Baby Teething Tips
Teething can be a distressing time for your baby and for you too. We’ve put together an action plan of teething tips, so you can all get through it without gritting your teeth.
2 mins to read
What’s a healthy breastfeeding diet?
If you’re breastfeeding, a healthy diet is important as it can affect your baby as much as you. Get tips on what not to eat when breastfeeding and what to eat when breastfeeding.
2 mins to read
Kangaroo care: How to take care of your preterm baby
What is kangaroo care and how can it help you to take care of your preterm baby?
6 mins to read
New mom emotions to look out for and how to deal with them
Having a baby and becoming a first-time parent is a massive emotional rollercoaster. Here are 9 emotions after giving birth that you may be experiencing.
3 mins to read
Related tools
Article finder
Expert articles and tips about development, parenting support, and nutrition
Product finder
Find Nestlé Nutrition Products right for you and your baby
Checklists finder tool
Checklists and tips to help along your parenting journey
