Ready for solids? Or maybe your baby is, but you aren’t. Or maybe your doctor is, but neither you nor baby are. Our doctor recommended us to start solids around four months. Supposedly the earlier you start, the earlier you can introduce allergens. But I felt like we were barely wrapping our heads around sleep, breastfeeding and pumping at four months, plus navigating all the illnesses that the older kiddos would bring home from daycare. We were definitely not ready for solids until six months. It just felt so overwhelming to me. But doing all the research, buying all the things I needed and having a game plan (either doing purees or doing baby led weaning) helped alleviate some of that anxiety.

High Chair

We went with the Stokke Tripp Trapp for our high chair. It looks good, doesn’t topple over no matter how much our kids climbed all over it, and can last a life time. It does take up a bit of space and is quite heavy though. And while there are so many extra things you can buy for it, it can definitely add up. Whatever high chair you go with, just make sure it’s easy to clean and has a foot rest for baby. We also have the Ikea one (super economical) that we leave at grandma’s and the Inglesina for travel.

Food Steamer

We had the first version of the Babycook and loved how easy it was to use. Of course you can steam, cook, and blend baby food with whatever appliances you have at home, but it’s nice to have a designated item used strictly for baby, that way it won’t smell or taste like garlic, kimchi, curry, or any other spices you may normally cook with. The first version of this used plastic and started to crack when it would heat up. We love this upgraded version with glass and stainless steal. The company still sells the old version but get the newer one if you can.

Cook Books

Starting solids was overwhelming for me but reading what I could about it helped. Some may go down the baby led weaning route and go straight to solids. Others may start slowly with purees first. Do what works for you. I was nervous about my first choking and did purees for him. I became less anxious the second time around, and also had less time to do purees, so we went straight to solids.

Food Storage Containers

Whether you do purees or baby led weaning, you’ll need to stock up on some food storage containers. Try to opt for glass ones that you can easily heat or pop in the fridge. Below are some of our favorites from some trusted brands.

Bibs

Starting solids is messy so you’ll also need to stock up on some bibs. Depending on how messy (and involved) your baby is, there are various bib options from traditional to full sleeved bibs.

Utensils

If you’re trying to avoid using plastics, especially for your baby, below are some good silicon and stainless steel options.

Bowls/Plates

We try to avoid serving baby food (or any food if we could help it) in plastic as well, especially hot foods. Elk and Friends make wonderful kid friendly plates and bowls that are plastic free.

Cups

If you haven’t noticed, we love Elk and Friends for all their plastic free serving options. Klean Kanteen also makes wonderful stainless steel cups that our kids love.

Allergens

Introduce top allergens to your baby safely and early with allergen mix-ins. Does it really work? Who knows but it doesn’t hurt to try. We did this with our first baby and he had not allergies. We didn’t do this with our second and he has mild peanut allergies and I’m sure many others (we haven’t pinpointed what yet but he breaks out in rashes every few weeks).