Starting solids is such an exciting milestone, but it can feel overwhelming trying to figure out what you actually need. If you’re wondering how to start baby-led weaning or which products are worth buying, I’ve got you covered.
I’m a mom to a 14-month-old toddler, and while we’re “done” with the early BLW stage, I still use many of these essentials every single day. I also share our BLW journey and toddler meal ideas on my Instagram, Those Little Hands – give it a follow if you want daily meal inspiration!
When I started BLW, I researched everything, watched hours of videos, and even made a spreadsheet to track introducing 100 foods before my baby turned one. In the end, she had tried 142 foods by her first birthday which is a success in my book!
Before we dive into my 10 must-have BLW products, let’s quickly talk about what baby-led weaning is and why I chose this route.
What is Baby-Led Weaning?
Baby-led weaning (BLW) is a feeding approach where babies, usually around 6 months, skip purees and start directly with finger foods. Instead of spoon-feeding, you let your baby explore food and self-feed from the start.
BLW allows babies to:
- Practice chewing (even without teeth yet!) before swallowing
- Develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills
- Explore a wider variety of textures and flavors
- Be active participants in mealtime rather than passive ones
I started BLW at 5.5 months because my baby was showing readiness signs: good head and neck control, sitting up with some assistance, grabbing objects, and watching me eat with curiosity.
There’s no perfect feeding method — BLW worked for us, but every family should choose what feels right. Two resources that gave me confidence were Solid Starts and Feeding Littles.
Solid Starts ($99) and Feeding Littles ($79).
10 BABY LED WEANING MUST HAVES:
1. Sleeved Bibs
If you buy only one BLW product, make it a good set of sleeved bibs. These cover your baby’s chest and arms, catching food before it ends up smeared all over their clothes.
- Keeps mealtime less stressful and more enjoyable.
- Saves on outfit changes after every meal.
- Machine washable and easy to wipe down.
2. Stainless Steel Suction Plates
While silicone plates are a popular starter option, I quickly switched to stainless steel suction plates. They’re durable, easy to clean, and don’t hold onto food smells after repeated use.
- Strong suction keeps the plate in place so baby can focus on eating.
- Stainless steel is non-porous, so it won’t stain or absorb odors the way silicone sometimes does.
- Dishwasher safe, lightweight, and long-lasting – you can use them well beyond the baby stage.
For me, the upgrade was worth it because cleanup is faster and the plates always look (and smell) fresh, even after messy BLW meals.
The Catchy sits right under your baby’s high chair to catch dropped food. For me, it was worth the upgrade from a basic splash mat.
- Reusable and more eco-friendly than disposable mats.
- Prevents food from hitting the floor (or the dog getting into it).
- Super easy to wipe clean, even hours later.
4. First Bites Silicone Feeding Set
This kit is perfect if you’re just getting started because it includes everything you need in one purchase.
- Budget-friendly bundle and also makes a great baby shower gift.
- Comes with bibs, a suction plate, bowl, spoons, and training cup.
- The training cup converts between open, straw, and covered.
5. Silicone Baby Self Feeding Utensils
Your baby won’t be an expert with spoons right away, but having utensils designed for tiny hands makes a huge difference.
- Still useful into toddlerhood for practicing independence.
- Short handles are easy for babies to grasp.
- Built-in stopper keeps baby from gagging by pushing the spoon too far.
These are my favorite beginner spoons because babies don’t need wrist rotation to use them. Both sides work, so there’s no “wrong way” to scoop food.
- Helps babies transition toward regular spoons later on.
- Perfect for soft foods like yogurt or oatmeal.
- Doubles as a teether in the early months.
Dining out with a baby is messy, but these disposable stick-on placemats make it easier.
- Come in fun designs to keep babies entertained.
- Stick directly to restaurant tables so baby can eat safely.
- Lightweight and portable for travel or outings.
If you’re going to splurge on one big-ticket BLW item, the Lalo High Chair is my pick. We’ve used it from the very beginning, and I still love it over a year later.
- Stylish: sleek design that blends into any home.
- 3-in-1 design: transitions from high chair to booster to play chair.
- Easy cleanup: dishwasher-safe tray and minimal crevices for food.
- Supportive: adjustable footrest helps baby sit in an ergonomic position.
9. Portable Foldable Booster Chair
This isn’t always talked about in BLW essentials lists, but it’s one of my most-used items – especially when eating outside the home. A foldable booster chair makes mealtime possible anywhere.
- Versatile enough to be used as a booster seat for toddlers later on.
- Lightweight and folds into a carry bag, making it easy to take to restaurants, picnics, or friends and familys’ houses.
- Straps securely onto almost any dining chair.
10. Baby Glass Food Storage Containers
These small containers are so practical for BLW. I use them daily for meal prep, snacks, and leftovers. I still use them now for my toddler’s leftovers/snacks!
- More durable and eco-friendly than plastic.
- Perfectly portioned for baby-sized meals.
- Great for storing fruit, oatmeal, yogurt, or cooked foods.
Starting solids with baby-led weaning can feel messy and overwhelming at first, but having the right tools makes such a big difference. These 10 essentials have carried me through the early BLW months and are still part of our daily routine with my toddler.
Remember, every baby is different, and there’s no “perfect” way to introduce solids. What matters most is that mealtime feels safe, positive, and enjoyable for both you and your little one.
I hope this list helps you feel a little more prepared as you begin your BLW journey. If you’ve already started, I’d love to hear what your must-have items are – share them in the comments so we can all learn from each other!
Anonymous
Loveeee this!! Can you share your spreadsheet of how you introduced the 100-142 food 🙏🏻