Life Down West

I remember the moment my baby turned 6 months old and the fear and dread I had to start the weaning process . I waited until the last possible second. We had just mastered bottle-feeding and breastfeeding and I was ready for a break, but no it was time to start solids. I remember being overwhelmed with so much information. One Tik Tok said one thing, the next the complete opposite. I just didn’t know where to start.

I went over a friends house who had a baby that was a few months older than mine. I confided in her about my weaning anxiety and she lent me a book. From then on I vowed to just focus on this book, and I’m so glad that I did. With the help of this book and a few tools, weaning was not only stress-free but fun. Of course nothing with a baby is completely stress free, but it definitely made the process so much better.

I decided to make a list of things that really helped me get through the weaning process that will hopefully make starting solids stress-free.

1. How To Wean Your Baby Book

This is the book that my friend lent me. I was living in Ireland at the time so the author is a U.K. Child and Baby nutritionist. This book is so so amazing. I recommend it to all my mom friends. It has day by day and week by week guides with recipes and shopping lists. It took all my anxiety away because everything was there and done for me. I just used the grocery list and followed the plan day by day. It made it so much easier. There is also great information about the weaning process and what to expect. I couldn’t recommend this book enough. I follow her on Instagram (@sr_nutrition) and she gives such great advice, especially now that I have a fussy toddler. 10/10 would recommend.

2. Highchair

This might be obvious but a good highchair is a must. We went with the Hauck Wooden Highchair and have loved it so far 18 months later. We have only used it with the table tray. The tray is easy to clean and my toddler still loves it. We used a cushion insert when our baby was 6 months old but I can’t seem to find the link. I know it is pricey with the accessories but it was cheaper than other wood highchair alternatives so I think it was well worth it. Obviously, you can use any highchair and can probably find so many second hand options on places like Facebook Marketplace, but if you have a registry this might be a good option.

3. Suction Stainless Steel Plates

We use the Panda Ear Stainless Steel set. The suction is so great on it and the stainless steel is so easy to clean. They have held up really well. I know I wanted suction but also stainless steel. I find the stainless steel is so much easier to clean than wood. We had a wooden set but it got mouldy and cracked so I knew I wanted to invest in a stainless steel set. My toddler now loves the cutlery and again I like that it is stainless steel. The cutlery may be a bit advanced for just starting the weaning journey but the bowls and plates are great. I also love the sections for the different foods you’re giving.

4. Num Num Spoon

Speaking of cutlery, this spoon set is really perfect for starting the weaning journey. It is great for the different textures your baby will eat and holds things like oatmeal really well. It is also super easy for them to pick up and put into their mouths.

5. Silicone Bibs

Obviously bibs are a must. I have found after trial and error that silicone bibs with a pocket are the best. Especially ones that are fastened with a tab like these. This way your baby or toddler can’t just rip it off and it catches a lot of the mess.

6. Probiotic

A probiotic is a great choice when starting the weaning journey. Sometimes weaning can cause digestive discomfort and a probiotic might be able to help. We use the BioGai brand of probiotic. This one is for 1+ but I know they make another kind for younger babies which we used. I also like that it will help strengthen their gut microbiome which we know is being studied a lot more now. It’s also easy to give to a toddler or baby with just s few drops on a spoon.

7. Glass Weaning Jars

These glass weaning jars are really great for prepping any foods for your baby. You can freeze them and put them in the dishwasher. They are also microwave safe. I love them because they are glass and I feel like clean really well. I used to make a big batch of something like crushed black beans or sweet potato puree and would freeze the rest. Super easy for the next time you need something in a hurry.

8. Water Bottle

Now your baby can have small amounts of water which means you need a sippy cup. I liked the Tomme Tippee water bottle for the beginning of weaning. It was easy for my baby to pick up with the handles and had a straw. She caught on very quickly with this one. Also, the straw can be covered with this one as well which is nice.

I also wanted to add the Owala becuase that is what my toddler is using now. I like that it is stainless steel and insulated. It’s super easy to drink out of and clean and it never leaks for us even when you tip it upside down.

9. Onesies

Weaning is messy. Food will get everywhere and that’s ok. That is why an extra pack of onesies is essential. I used to have a going out set that had no stains, and then a set that had stains to use when we were at home.

10. Solid Starts App

Solid Starts App

This app is fantastic for getting all the knowledge on how to prepare different foods. I used this when I wanted to serve my baby something new but didn’t know how to prepare it. They give guides on how to prepare foods age appropriately and give recipes. I only ever used the free version so didn’t pay anything. This is also not sponsored at all just found it very useful.

That is everything for my weaning guide. I know starting solids can be daunting but with a few tips and tricks you will be a pro in no time. Hopefully, this guide will help make weaning stress free.