So you’ve finally decided that yes, your baby is ready to start solids! It’s an exciting time for mum and bub – but where do you actually begin? We’ve listed the products, equipment and accessories you’ll need to buy before you start cooking.
Seven Essential Baby Feeding Products
- Baby spoon. Choose soft-tipped spoons that are gentle on your baby’s sensitive gums.
- Baby bowl. Consider investing in plastic or unbreakable bowls, in anticipation of your baby trying to feed herself one day!
- Sippy cup. When you start solids, you might want to offer your baby a sip of cooled, boiled water from a sippy cup. Figuring out what type of teat or spout your baby prefers can take a little trial and error.
- Hand blender. Your baby will probably prefer very smooth purees to start, so a hand blender, benchtop blender or food processor is important. When she’s ready to try solids with a little more texture, you can use a potato masher or the back of a fork to prepare her food.
- High chair. Your baby needs to be sitting secure and upright for feeding time – plus using a high chair can help localise any feeding mess!
- Bibs and cloths. Expect plenty of spills and dribbles, particularly in the early days. Protect your baby’s clothes with bibs, and keep damp cloths nearby to wipe up messes before they have a chance to dry.
- Baby food storage. It will save you time, money and your sanity if you prepare baby foods in bulk ahead of time, and freeze them in single-serve portions (freezer trays are perfect for this). You’ll also need baby food containers for when you’re out and about (pouches are essential). Make practical purchases and invest in products that will get plenty of use over the long haul: choose versatile baby food containers that are safe to use in the microwave, can be popped into the dishwasher, and are BPA, phthalate and PVC-free.
Clever Qubies: Have you ever tried to spoon baby food into an ordinary ice cube tray? It takes too much time, it’s too messy and it’s impossible to pop out the cubes once they’re frozen! Qubies are easy to use: simply pour the baby food into the 240ml slimline freezer tray (to the max line indicated), then snap on the silicone divider lid.
Stack your Qubies in the freezer and when you’re ready to defrost a cube or two, peel off the lid and give it a twist – voila! Perfect 30ml baby food portions every time.