Hi Friends! Who knew feeding tiny humans could be so hmmm interesting? When Arthur was about 6 months, I started him on BLW (Baby-led weaning). He loved food, and he was a delight to cook for. So, of course, I couldn’t wait to start with Alexander. He’s 8 months old now, and so far, he mostly throws it on the ground, but things are interesting, lol. And now, here we are at 8 months, exploring the wonderful (and messy!) world of solids! If you’re also at this stage, you know what a mix of excitement, curiosity, and pure chaos mealtime can be. From figuring out which spoon works best to learning what foods your baby actually enjoys, it’s a learning curve for both of you. After going through this stage a few times, I’ve rounded up a few must-have feeding essentials and simple first foods that make this whole process a little smoother and a lot more fun.

Feeding Essentials for Babies Starting Solids: My Must-Have Items 

Feeding Essentials Every Mom Should Have

When your baby starts solids, having the right gear can make a big difference. These are a few items I personally love and recommend for moms diving into this stage:

1. Silicone suction plates and bowls
Trust me, suction is your best friend. Look for sturdy, food-grade silicone ones that actually stick to the high chair. Brands like ezpz, Munchkin, and Bumkins make great options that stay put even when your baby starts testing their throwing skills.

2. Baby utensils
Soft-tipped spoons are perfect for tiny mouths and gentle gums. I love spoons with short, chunky handles that babies can grip easily, great for encouraging self-feeding later on.

3. Training cups
Start offering water with meals! I like open cups like the Tiny Cup by ezpz or a weighted straw cup for practicing sipping.

4. Waterproof bibs with a catch pocket
Because no matter how careful you are… there will be spills. Bibs with pockets catch all the little drops and crumbs. Silicone ones are super easy to rinse and reuse.

5. High chair with a footrest
Comfort is key for safe eating. A footrest helps your baby feel stable and supported. If your current chair doesn’t have one, you can find affordable add-ons online. My last three babies all used the IKEA baby high chair. It’s super affordable and easy (ish) to clean.

6. Freezer trays and small containers
Batch prep purees or mashed meals and freeze them in small portions. Silicone freezer trays make it so easy to pop out a single serving when you need it. I love using Melii products. They are a women-owned Canadian company that’s making feeding fun! From multipurpose containers to adorable feeding accessories, they’ve got everything you need to make every meal an enjoyable experience.

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I have listed everything on my Amazon Storefront and LTK page for your convenience.

Simple First Foods for Babies 6+ Months

When starting solids, the goal is to explore new tastes and textures — not just fill their belly. I like to start with single-ingredient foods so I can spot any sensitivities, then slowly mix things up.

Here are a few simple ideas to start with:

Fruits:

• Mashed banana
• Steamed and mashed pear or apple
• Avocado (just mash and serve!)
• Soft ripe mango

Vegetables:

• Steamed and mashed sweet potato
• Carrots or peas (pureed or fork-mashed)
• Butternut squash
• Zucchini

Proteins:

• Pureed chicken, turkey, or lentils
• Mashed tofu
• Soft scrambled egg yolk

Grains:

• Pancake, whole grain toast strips, whole wheat pasta (cooked until tender)
• Quinoa or rice blended with veggie puree

Pro tip: mix and match! Try mashed avocado with banana, or sweet potato with lentils. Delicious combos that pack in nutrients.

A Few Mom Tips

• Follow your baby’s cues. Some days they’ll gobble up everything, other days they just want to play with the spoon. That’s okay.
• Expect a mess. Honestly, embrace it. It’s part of the learning process.
• Stay relaxed. The goal is exposure, not perfection. Every bite (or splat) is progress!

Watching your little one discover new flavors is such a sweet (and funny) phase of motherhood. From the first time they grab the spoon to the adorable “what is this?!” face after trying something new. It’s a journey worth savoring.

If you’re in the same boat, I’d love to know what your baby’s favorite first foods have been so far! Drop them in the comments or come chat with me on Instagram, baby-led messes and all.

Cheers to day 13 of NaBloPoMo!

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