Baby-Led Weaning Essentials

Baby-led weaning is a lot more popular this time round than when I was weaning my first son 2 years ago.

Back then, I think I was the only one out of my “due in” group that chose baby-led weaning. The other mums chose to wean with purees or started with purees before moving onto finger food a bit later. I also didn’t know any other mums in real life that were weaning this way.

This time around, baby-led weaning seems to be the more popular choice. I don’t get raised eyebrows, or exclamations of “oh my god, won’t he choke on that?!” or looked at like I am a little bit crazy to be offering my baby normal food.

One of the great things about baby-led weaning is that you don’t need any special equipment. You just need your baby and some food! That said though, here are some things which I found to be really, really helpful:

1. BOOK

If you’re not sure where to start with baby-led weaning, then Baby-Led Weaning by Gill Rapley is a fantastic choice of book. It explains everything: the hows, the whens and the whys, and gives some great ideas for foods to try. It’s also very reassuring, as the thought of giving solid food was bit scary for me! I first read this book when I was weaning Little N, and dug it out again to refresh my memory before J started on solid food.

2. HIGHCHAIR

J has the Light Wood High Chair from innovative French brand Babymoov. This high chair is particularly great for baby-led weaning because all the parts can be completely removed, even the straps, making cleaning up after mealtimes a doddle.

The seat and footrest can be adjusted so as J gets bigger I’ll be able to change the position. What I REALLY love about this high chair is how compact it is when folded – it folds quickly and easily to just 15cm wide, and there is no need to remove the tray because that folds down too. This means that I can tuck the high chair away and free up lots of space in between mealtimes!

3. BIBS

As J is still so young and his hand-eye coordination is still developing, he has a tendency to drop food. Also, banana stains are impossible to remove. So bibs are very much an essential! I really rate the Coverall Bibs from Close Parent. These washable long-sleeved bibs keep J covered from his neck to his knees and have a crumb-catcher for any food he drops.

When we’re out and about, I prefer the Roll n Go Explora Bibs from Tommee Tippee. As the name suggests these bibs can be rolled up small for on the go. They also have the crumb-catcher for any spillages and they can be wiped clean which is handy when we’re on the go.

4. STORAGE BOWLS

Rather than cook a little bit of food each mealtime for J, I cook a larger quantity that I can then take out with us or store in the fridge/freezer for another day. These Babybowls from Babymoov are perfect for this purpose. Each bowl has a 250ml capacity and comes with a colour-coordinated airtight lid. They are BPA-free and are microwave-safe and dishwasher-safe. The measurement markings on the side also mean these bowls are great for sauces, etc..

5. SOFT SPOUTED SIPPY CUP

I I tried lots of different sippy cups when I was weaning Little N. The ones I found he got on best with when he first started having water were the Nuby soft spouted sippy cups. They have two handles so great for little ones who are still perfecting their grip and the soft spout is gentle on their gums.

6. CROCKERY AND CUTLERY

Isn’t that the cutest little plate and fork ever? They’re part of the Lovely Bear Lunch Set by Babymoov. It also comes with a little spoon, a bowl and a cup. They’re all made from melamine and are BPA-free, and they’re dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe. I don’t expect J to be able to use his fork and spoon yet but I think it’s good for him to explore and hopefully he will learn to copy us. I did the same with Little N and he was able to use his cutlery from a very young age.

What are your weaning essentials?

 

 
 Disclosure: The lovely Babymoov products were provided as part of the ambassador relationship, however all thoughts and opinion are my own.