Getting the go-signal to introduce solids to your infant doesn’t only mean stocking up on baby cereals, fresh fruits and veggies, and other bottled baby foods.
When introducing solids to your baby, you also need to have several items that will allow you to have an easier time feeding your child and actually succeed in getting him or her to eat something.
Moreover, having the right baby feeding tools and gear will help make preparing foods faster and the post-meal cleanup less troublesome.
If your baby is ready to start eating solids, here are seven items that you need to include in your baby feeding supply shopping list:
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A blender
If you don’t have a blender yet, make sure this kitchen appliance is one of the first things you get.
Although it is alright to feed your infant store-bought baby foods, you have to ensure your child is eating something healthy every day. You can do this by giving your baby homemade pureed vegetables and fruits. And to puree foods, you need to have a blender.
To make your own baby food purees at home, simply steam fresh vegetables and blend them until you get a smooth consistency. You can also blend soft fresh fruits as they are, such as avocados, bananas, mangoes, and peaches.
By feeding your baby your homemade purees, you will be sure he or she will be eating foods that are free of preservatives. You will be certain that your baby will get more nutrients since he or she will be eating fruits and vegetables — foods that are loaded with a variety of vitamins and minerals.
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Food container
The right food containers ensure you preserve the quality of all the baby foods you make, and allow you to reheat and feed it again to your child.
When looking for food storage solutions for homemade baby food, choose ones made of food-safe natural, strong recyclable glass. These containers are extremely durable and, as such, won’t break easily if they fall on the floor. Make sure they are dishwasher-friendly and have airtight lids to prevent accidental spills as well.
Good-quality glass food containers are also BPA- and chemical-free so they are safe for repeat use. They are also safe for the microwave and the freezer, making it simple to freeze a big batch of food you made and reheat as and when needed.
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Feeding bowl
BPA-free plastic and silicone bowls are the best options for your baby’s first feeding bowls. Food containers made of these materials are durable and, hence, can withstand accidental falls.
In case your baby is a bit on the active side, consider getting a suction bowl which can be stuck to the highchair tray to help keep the container in place.
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Spoon and fork
Since your baby will be eating solids for the first time, get baby soft, bendable spoons to help your child get accustomed to the feel of a utensil in his or her mouth. If possible, get a spoon with a silicone head since this would be softer.
Get at least three each of these utensils so that you can also give a set for your baby to hold. Although he or she wouldn’t be able to feed him or herself now, it is still a good idea to introduce utensils early so that he or she eventually gets the hang of being an independent eater, and also starts to develop motor skills.
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Sippy cup
Introducing solid food to your baby is also the perfect time to introduce sippy cups to your child. A straw cup with a flexible, soft straw or spout will make it easy for your baby to learn to drink from a cup.
Additionally, make sure you select a cup that is BPA-free and has minimal parts so that it will be easy to clean and safe. Lastly, get one that is colorful so that it will catch your baby’s attention, and he or she will be interested to hold it.
To know if you can already introduce water and fruit juice to your baby, consult your child’s pediatrician or a nutrition specialist.
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Bibs
Minimize mess and spills that will be splattered on your baby’s clothing by making him or her wear a bib during mealtime.
If you don’t want to keep laundering cloth bibs, get ones made of silicone. They are easy to clean since you only need to wipe them or clean them under running water.
In case you are getting silicone bibs, pick ones that have a spill pocket so that it can catch stray bits. Choose ones that have an adjustable closure so that they will still fit your baby as he or she grows.
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High chair
Lastly, make sure your baby enjoys his or her meals safely and comfortably by investing in a sturdy, good quality high chair.
During the first few weeks of feeding your baby solids, it is best to hold him or her during mealtime. Once your baby can sit up unassisted and can control his or her head and neck (usually between four and six months of age), you can place him or her in a high chair during mealtime.
When getting a high chair, put your baby in it and see if he or she is comfortable sitting on it before buying it. Make sure the high chair you choose is made of high quality materials as well so that it won’t break easily.
Introducing solids to your baby is a great excuse to go shopping for your child. Make sure the items above are on your shopping list to make mealtime less messy, productive, and fun for your baby.
