List of Items you'll need when Baby Starts Solid Food

Babies learn to do a lot in first one year of their life, and one of the most crucial milestone is when they start eating solids. Its a stepping stone to their future eating habits and healthy relationship with food. For parents although its a tough stage, babies are messy eaters even if they are fed by you. They love to discover what they are eating by playing with it. They like to squeeze, rub, throw, bubble whatever you offer to eat. And its a good thing, its essential for their cognitive development. But its a job at hand for mothers and as all jobs need tools, this too needs a lot of tools. So here is a checklist of essentials required for starting the food journey.

Which Feeding Gears are essential?

• High Chair or Booster Seat: A safe, stable place for your baby to sit during mealtimes. Consider a high chair with adjustable height and a removable tray. A booster seat works well with a sturdy dining chair.
• Baby Spoons: Several! Short-handled, soft-tipped spoons are best. You're offering small amounts, so many spoons won’t be needed initially. Silicone or plastic are good options.
• Mesh Feeder Bags: These allow baby to safely explore soft foods without choking hazards. This can be introduced once baby is 8 months or older.
• Self-Feeding Utensils: Soft-tipped spoons and forks designed for little hands. (Introduce these later as baby shows interest.)
• Splash Mat/Tablecloth: To protect your floor or table from food spills.
• Bowls & Plates: Shallow bowls with suction are fantastic for minimizing spills and encouraging self-feeding (eventually!). Plates are useful too. BPA-free, easy to clean (dishwasher safe is a plus). Suction is a lifesaver!
• Bibs: Lots of them! Silicone bibs with a pocket to catch food are popular. Cloth bibs are also a good option. Easy to clean, comfortable for baby, covers well.
• Sippy Cups/Open Cups: Introducing liquids is often part of solids, but starting with breast milk or formula in a bottle is perfectly fine initially. Cups are a later stage.

What all Food Preparation tools are required?

• Steamer or Blender/Food Processor: Steaming preserves nutrients better than boiling. A blender or food processor is helpful for pureeing fruits, vegetables, and meats. (You can mash with a fork, too – no need to buy expensive equipment right away!). Consider Size, ease of cleaning. Immersion blenders are compact and versatility before buying.
• Storage Containers (Small & Freezer-Friendly): It's often more efficient to cook larger batches and freeze portions for later. Small, individual portions are ideal. BPA-free, freezer-safe, airtight. Ice cube trays can be used for very small portions.
• Baby Food Maker: Combines steaming and blending. More of an investment.

How to maintain clean and hygienic eating environment for babies?

• Baby-Safe Soap/Cleanser: For cleaning baby's skin.
• Washcloths/Soft Towels: For wiping baby’s face and hands.
• Dish Soap: For cleaning feeding equipment.
• Sterilizers and Drying Racks: Its better to clean and dry baby utensils separately.
• While travelling also its essential to maintain proper hygiene. Disinfectant wipes, sprays, paper soaps all come in handy.

By the time babies start solid food they develop keen interest in stories or cartoons or characters. Story books can be good way to stimulate them towards eating.