Starting solids feels like a milestone.
One day it’s just milk feed. Next, you’re comparing high chairs at midnight and wondering if you need suction plates, special cups, splat mats, and an entirely new kitchen setup.
You don’t.
When we began solids, what helped most wasn’t having everything — it was having a few thoughtfully chosen tools that made the process easier and calmer.
It Starts with the High Chair
If there’s one item worth thinking through carefully, it’s the high chair.
At six months, babies are still developing core strength. A chair that keeps them upright — not slouched — makes eating more comfortable and safer. A footrest is often overlooked, but it helps stabilise their body, which supports better swallowing.
You don’t need the trendiest option. You need something sturdy, supportive, and easy to clean — a supportive high chair with an adjustable footrest that grows with your baby.
Spoons That Feel Gentle
In the early weeks, solids aren’t about quantity. They’re about exposure.
Babies are learning texture, temperature, and how to move food around their mouth. A soft silicone spoon feels gentler on sensitive gums and is easier to control than long metal ones.
A small set of beginner silicone feeding spoons is usually enough to get started — especially since one will always be on the floor.
Bowls That Stay (Mostly) in Place
Nothing completely stops the throwing phase.
But a good suction bowl can reduce how often you’re cleaning the floor. High sides also help when babies begin experimenting with self-feeding.
You don’t need a full set — just one sturdy silicone suction bowl for babies is more than enough in the beginning.
Introducing a Cup
Around six months, small sips of water with meals can be introduced if your pediatrician recommends it.
Open cups might look intimidating, but they support oral motor development beautifully. With support, babies adapt surprisingly fast.
Starting with a tiny open training cup for babies keeps things simple. Straw cups can always come later.
Spills are part of the process. They’re learning.
The Real Lifesaver: A Wipeable Bib
This stage is messy.
Cloth bibs rarely survive it. A waterproof silicone bib with a food catcher makes cleanup quicker and reduces outfit changes — which, honestly, helps preserve your energy.
It’s not glamorous. But it works.
Optional, But Helpful: A Splat Mat
If you value faster cleanup, especially on wooden or tiled floors, a washable splat mat for under the high chair can make a difference. It catches thrown food and can double as an art mat later.
Not essential — just helpful.
What You Don’t Need
You don’t need a fancy baby food machine.
You don’t need multiple feeding sets.
You don’t need expensive “weaning kits.”
A regular blender works.
One bowl works.
One chair works.
Start small. Add only if you truly feel the need.
🛒 Shop Solids Essentials
If you’d prefer seeing everything mentioned above in one simple place instead of searching individually, we’ve put together a curated list of the solid essentials that make this phase easier.
No overwhelm. Just practical picks.👉 Browse the complete Solids Essentials list here