Starting Solids Made Easy!
Starting solids is such an exciting milestone—but let’s be real, it can also feel overwhelming. One minute your baby is happily drinking milk, and the next you’re Googling “Can babies eat avocado skins?” while scraping purée off the dog. The good news? You really don’t need all the things. A few smart, mom-approved essentials can make this transition smoother, less messy, and way more enjoyable for everyone. Here are my must-haves for starting solids with your baby—streamlined, practical, and sanity-saving. As an Amazon Associate , I earn for qualifying purchases
BABY
2/10/20263 min read
1. A Supportive High Chair (Easy to Clean Is Non-Negotiable)
You’ll use this multiple times a day, so comfort and cleanup matter. Look for:
A sturdy base
A footrest (great for proper positioning)
Minimal fabric or cushions
Removable, wipeable trays
On wheels
Bonus* if you can fold it up and put it away!!!!!
This one I'm linking has everything listed above!! Easy to clean, removable seat cover, washable straps, a second tray that pops off, wheels (with locks) to wheel around the house or to the sink, adjustable footrest, adjustable height and can fold away. Honestly I researched so many different highchairs and I still love this one! SO much my MIL also bought it for her house!
2. Silicone Bibs With a Catch Pocket
Cloth bibs are cute… for about five minutes. I like them for drooling and to wear when drinking their bottle to protect their outfit. Silicone bibs with a food-catching pocket are a game changer once solids start. Also the ponchos....I use these for haircuts, painting you name it! They are waterproof, stain resistant, easy to clean. Just toss the silicone bibs/ponchos in the sink or the wash! You’ll want at least two or three on hand. Bonus* tuck the poncho bib in between the high chair trays for more of a net to catch stray food!
3. Baby-Safe Utensils (Soft + Short Handles)
Babies don’t need a full cutlery set, but a couple of soft-tipped spoons are essential—especially for early purées or mashed foods. I linked some starter spoons that even turn white when the food is to hot for baby! Also added links for when they get a big bigger and can feed themselves!
Look for:
BPA-free silicone
Short, chunky handles for little hands
Gentle edges for sensitive gums
Bonus* they double as teethers.
4.Suction Plates or Bowls
Once babies start grabbing (which happens fast), suction dishes help keep food on the table instead of on the floor. I have trouble even getting these suction plates off!
Mom-approved features:
Strong suction base
Divided sections (great for baby-led weaning)
Microwave and dishwasher safe
It won’t stop every toss—but it definitely reduces the chaos. I boil mine about once a month to refresh! When they get older I also love these stainless steel bowls and plates! Dishwasher safe! Easy to clean!
5. Food Prep Essentials (Keep It Simple)
You don’t need to become a baby-food chef, but a few basics help:
A blender or food processor for purées
Ice cube trays or silicone freezer molds for storage
Small airtight containers for fridge or on-the-go meals
Batch-prepping once a week can save so much time. I loved these glass ones!
6. Pouch Covers
We love these pouch covers, they fit most pouches and cut down on pouch explosions!! This is a must have for the car! Cleaning a car seat is not fun!
7.Baby Cups
Even early on, introducing a cup helps babies learn new skills. Also introduce the sippy cup around 6months!
Popular options:
Open cups (tiny, baby-sized)
Straw cups with soft silicone straws
Trainer cups with handles
Expect spills. Progress over perfection. I just used a small shot glass with tiny amounts of water for the open cup! I loved this training sippy cups! You can tilt them for your baby and the liquid goes up the straw to encourage using the straw!
8. Mesh Pouches
These are little but still love them! These mesh pouches let your little one explore new foods but takes out the choking. Easy to wash!! Love to take these to dinner to make any food baby friendly!
9.Teethers/Popsicles
Baby cutting a tooth is no fun for little ones! I bought every teething toy and some were hits and other my baby wanted nothing to do with them! These ones are a favorites for both my kids! The textured straws I loved to put in the freezer and they are easy to clean! I one the baby puts their hand through are great for the car/stroller on the go! We also love these popsicles teethers.
10.Straps
These are not widely known about but oh how i love them! I have them on the car seat, the high chair, the stroller, in the diaper bag you name it. Theres two type of connection handles. I attach my kids sippy cups to these so when they go flying you have a teether to kept it close/off the floor!
Final Thoughts
Starting solids doesn’t have to be complicated or cluttered. A few well-chosen tools can make this stage easier, cleaner, and even fun. Focus on what truly helps your day run smoother—and let go of the rest.
Because streamlined mom life is about working smarter, not harder 💛