Best products for baby led weaning to start solids in 2023

Updated On: August 9, 2023
Best Products For Baby Led Weaning To Start Solids In 2023

*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Thank you for your support!

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Baby-led weaning is an important milestone in your child’s development. But they need the right products that will help them develop fine and gross motor skills as they learn to self-feed.

A high chair, bibs, baby-friendly utensils, suction plates, bowls, and cups are all you need to make baby-led weaning easier and safer for your baby.

We began the baby-led weaning process when our daughter was 7 months old. These items made the transition from formula to solid foods go a lot smoother than we anticipated.

Below are the best products for baby led weaning we recommend. They will help you make this process enjoyable and less stressful.

Best products for baby led weaning

If you are short on time, here are the products I recommend because they worked for us and I know they’ll work for you too.

  1. High chair: I recommend a Montessori high chair that you can adjust as your child grows and is more ergonomically appropriate.

  2. Plates and bowls: Look for plates and bowls that have suction cups to prevent them from sliding off the high chair tray.

  3. Utensils: Soft-tipped spoons and forks are best for self-feeding. 

  4. Bibs: I recommend bibs with a pocket to catch food.

  5. Cups: Small open cups with a weighted bottom won’t tip over as your child learns to drink from them.

Best baby led weaning products

To assist you in starting baby-led weaning, I’ve compiled a comprehensive guide of recommended baby led weaning products and essential items.

Best baby-led weaning high chairs

Image: PishPosh

1. Stokke Tripp Trapp High Chair

This is the Montessori-style high chair we used because its design helped us feed our baby easier.

This is because you can bring your baby closer to the table, whereas other high chairs have bulky trays that keep your baby far from you. 

We liked how you can adjust the height of the seat and footrest and this ensures a more ergonomic seat position.

And because we can adjust the high of the chair, we will continue to use this high chair as our daughter gets older since it accommodates up to 300 pounds.

Image: PishPosh

2. Stokke Steps High Chair

One of the greatest benefits of this high chair is its ergonomic design that supports your baby in the proper position.

It is very easy to adjust the height of the chair since you don’t need any tools. Simply loosen the knobs on the seat and lift it up or down to the desired location.

It comes with a baby seat that secures your baby. The removable tray allows your child to eat at the table with you.

Best bibs for baby led weaning

Image: Amazon

3. Bumkins Sleeved Baby Bib

The Bumkins Sleeved Bibis a game-changer because it will make mealtime less messy. 

What we liked about this bib are the long sleeves and a full-coverage design that keeps your little one’s clothes clean and free from food stains. 

The adjustable neck closure and elasticized cuffs provide a comfortable and secure fit.

We also liked how you can fold it and carry it with you in your diaper bag. The lightweight and waterproof fabric is easy to clean and dries quickly. This is perfect if you are on the go.

Image: Amazon

4. Tiny Twinkle Mess Proof Baby Bib

The Tiny Twinkle Mess Proof Baby Bib is a fantastic solution if you are constantly cleaning up after mealtime. 

The bib’s unique design features a wide, catch-all pocket that catches any spills or dropped food. This ensures that your little one’s clothes stay clean and free from stains. 

The bib is made with soft, lightweight, water-repellent fabric from 100% recycled polyester that is treated with a special waterproof back coating. 

The adjustable neck closure ensures a snug and comfortable fit, and the bib’s colorful and playful designs will keep your baby engaged and entertained during mealtime.

Image: Amazon

5. PandaEar Set of 3 Cute Silicone Baby Bibs

The PandaEar Bibs Set is an affordable and practical solution to mealtime messes. 

The bibs are made from soft and flexible silicone material that is gentle on your baby’s skin and easy to clean. 

Cleaning is also easier because you can simply wipe these bibs. This means that you don’t have to invest in many bibs and have no extra laundry to worry about.

Best utensils for baby led weaning (spoons and forks)

Image: EZPZ

6. ezpz Developmental Utensil Set

This is my favorite brand that makes quality feeding products for babies.

This utensil set comes in three sizes that are developmentally appropriate for children at different stages.

This set starts with the Tiny Spoons so your baby learns how to dip and bring soft foods into their mouths. 

The Mini Utensils will help your child learn how to scoop and pierce. And the Happy Utensils adds a knife to the set so your child learns how to cut.

This is a must-have product because ezpz is the only brand that used research and child development experts to create their products.

Image: Amazon

7. Bumkins Utensils, Silicone Chewtensils, Baby Fork and Spoon Set

This Fork and Spoon Set is made of high-quality silicone material that is gentle on your baby’s gums and teeth. 

We even tried them ourselves to see how soft they are. We think this is an excellent option if your baby is teething. 

We liked how the fork and spoon are lightweight, easy to grasp, and have a non-slip handle. 

This is a good design because your child can practice holding a spoon and fork and improve their motor skills.

Image: Amazon

8. Elk and Friends Kids Silverware with Silicone Handle

The Elk and Friends Kids Silverware with Silicone Handle is a great option if you want to introduce your little one to real silverware. 

The silverware is made of high-quality stainless steel, which is durable and easy to clean.

We recommend this set if you have a toddler or older child. The utensils have a soft and non-slip silicone handle that is comfortable for your child to grip. 

We liked how the fork is blunt so your child doesn’t poke their mouths as they learn to eat with real silverware. 

The set also comes in a variety of fun and vibrant colors that excite your child to make mealtime more enjoyable.

Best plates and bowls for baby led weaning

Image: EZPZ

9. ezpz Tiny Bowl

This was the perfect size bowl that fits into most trays on high chairs, especially the Stokke Tripp Trapp high chair I recommended earlier.

The built-in mat is small enough to allow your child to reach the contents of the bowl on their own.

The suction on this bowl is also very strong. Your child won’t be able to tip it over, and this means less messes!

Image: EZPZ

10. ezpz Mini Mat

This is another good product we have from ezpz (yes we have a few of them).

We bought this plate when our daughter transitioned from purees to solids like bananas, carrots, or blueberries.

We liked how this plate has compartments. We gave our daughter a variety of food without everything getting mixed.

Similar to the ezpz bowl, the suction plate is strong even for a toddler. The plate also fits in most high chair trays and comes in a bag that fits in your diaper bag when you are on the go.

Image: Amazon

11. Toddler Bamboo Plates, Bowls and Spoon Set

This is a good set if you want a product made from natural materials and want a sustainable and eco-friendly option. 

This set is made from 100% natural bamboo fiber, the plates and bowls are safe, non-toxic, and biodegradable.

It comes with a spoon made of food-grade silicone material that is soft and safe. The suction base on the bottom of the plates and bowls keeps them in place during mealtime.

The bowl is a bit high and my daughter had a hard time trying to scoop up her food. This is a great set for an older child but not my favorite if your baby is just learning how to eat.

Best cups for baby led weaning

Image: EZPZ

12. ezpz Tiny Cup

Yes, another ezpz product that we have. Our daughter learned how to drink from an open container using this cup.

The biggest benefit is that the cup has a weighted base and your child won’t tip the cup over as they learn to grasp it. This will help improve their hand-eye coordination.

The inside of the cup is angled and this provides an even flow so your child doesn’t take a huge gulp of liquid as they learn to drink from this cup.

We also liked how the silicon is very soft and didn’t hurt our baby’s teeth. This is a huge plus if your baby is teething.

Image: Amazon

13. SAMiGO Silicone Baby Cup

This silicon cup is similar to the ezpz Tiny Cup but a lot more affordable.

While it is a great product, the quality does not compare to the Tiny Cup. But here is what we liked about it.

It is a little smaller than the Tiny Cup and the soft and flexible silicone material provides a comfortable grip. 

It also has a weighted base but because the cup is smaller, your child could tip it over.

We also liked the textured base because it provides a better grip and doesn’t slip off your child’s hands.

When can babies start using utensils to begin weaning?

Babies can start using utensils to begin weaning around 6 to 8 months of age. At this age, your baby should be able to bring food to their mouths using their fingers. 

You can introduce some baby utensils like the ezpz Developmental Set so they can practice grasping and dipping their spoons.

As they learn to dip their spoon in purees or yogurts, you can move up to the next set so they continue to build their motor skills.

How do I introduce utensils to my baby for self-feeding?

Instead of teaching your child, allow them to explore, play, and get familiar with the utensils. 

Here are some tips to help you introduce utensils and other baby led weaning products to your baby:

  1. Give your child a spoon to play with. They won’t know what to do with it yet but they will bring it to their mouth and explore the texture.
  2. Show your baby how to hold the spoon and guide it to their mouth. You can also model the use of utensils by eating alongside your baby.
  3. Allow your baby to explore the utensil, even if they do not use it correctly at first. This helps them develop their fine motor skills and coordination.
  4. Offer utensils with easy-to-grip handles and soft, rounded tips that are safe for your baby to use.
  5. Be patient and encouraging as your baby learns to self-feed with utensils. It may take some time for them to become proficient at using utensils, but with practice, they will eventually develop this skill.

 

How do I know my baby is ready for solids?

Here is my suggestion based on personal experience. If you give your child some solids and they bring them to their mouth and eat them, then they are ready to begin eating solid foods.

If they just throw it or spit it out, maybe this is a good sign to wait a bit longer. Always follow your child and don’t try to force things if they are not ready.

You can also consult with your pediatrician before introducing solid foods to ensure that your baby is developmentally ready.

Your pediatrician can give you some guidance on how to safely and effectively introduce solids to your little one.

What to do next?

These are the best products for baby led weaning. The high chair is a big investment but will help baby-led weaning go smoothly and will last you a very long time.

I highly recommend the products from ezpz because we felt that they also help build your child’s motor skills which are crucial for the upcoming years.

About Leslie - Latinx Montessori

Hello, I am Leslie. I am on a mission to help you support the growth and development of your child. With the right tools and proper guidance, you can navigate parenthood with confidence and assertion! My goal is to equip you with knowledge to help you construct a strong foundation for your child’s life.

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