Starting Solid Food: The Ultimate Checklist
Starting solids shouldn’t require a registry’s worth of gear, but the internet would like you to think otherwise.
The truth? You need about seven essentials, a few helpful extras, and the willingness to embrace mess (eh… sometimes lots of it).
Here is a guide to what you need, what you can skip, and what makes those early feeding weeks easier. We’ve been through this three times, tested more gear than we care to admit, and learned what’s worth the cabinet space.
What You Need When Your Baby Starts Solids
1. The Right High Chair
Proper positioning = safer eating, better motor development, less mess
Good qualities to have:
- Footrest (even for tiny babies—supports core stability). This is actually very important but overlooked because babies can’t complain since they can’t talk yet.
- Tight fit to table or attached tray with edges
- Easy to clean (minimal crevices, removable parts, wipeable)
This is hands down for most families. It’s cheap, works well and fits most decor. A stable, upright seat with proper foot support makes eating safer, reduces choking risk, and helps your baby actually learn to chew and swallow — not slump and struggle.
2. Silicone Suction Bowls
Reduces throwing, keeps food in one place during early self-feeding. Also, silicone is microwavable. Bamboo bowls are not. Plastics can build up smell over time.
What to look for:
- Strong suction that actually sticks (test: can baby pull it off easily?)
- Divided sections (helps with portion control and variety)
- Deep enough to scoop from but shallow enough to see food
Material matters: Silicone beats plastic—no staining, easier to clean, safer if chewed.
How many you need: 2-3 max (one in use, one in wash, one backup)
3. Soft-Tip Spoons (Even for Baby-Led Weaning)
Gentle on gums, helps you assist without scraping, useful for yogurt/oatmeal even in BLW
What to look for:
- Flexible silicone tips (not hard plastic)
- Long handle for adult use + short trainer spoons for baby
- Temperature-safe (some change color with hot food—gimmick or useful? Gimmick, mostly.)
How many: 4-6 (you’ll lose/drop/need multiples per meal)
You’ll use adult spoons way more than you think. Baby trainer spoons are cute but mostly get thrown on the floor.
4. Full-Coverage Bibs (Silicone Wins, But Not Always)
Contains mess = less laundry, less floor cleanup, less stress
Types compared:
- Silicone bibs with pocket: Easy wipe, catches food, but can be stiff/uncomfortable
- Sleeved smock bibs: Better coverage, still machine washable, more comfortable
- When to use which: Silicone for quick meals at home, smocks for messy exploration
What to look for:
- Adjustable neck (babies grow fast)
- Deep front pocket that actually catches food
- Comfortable fit (some silicone bibs are too rigid)
Travel tip: Silicone bibs pack flat, rinse in any sink—total game-changer.
5. Splat Mat or Washable Floor Protection
Saves your floor/rug, makes cleanup 10x faster, reduces stress about mess
What to look for:
- Large enough to catch wild throws (4×4 feet minimum)
- Waterproof and wipeable
- Stays in place (or easy to reposition)
Options:
- Silicone mats: Easy wipe but expensive, can be slippery
- Vinyl/PVC splat mats: Affordable, foldable, dishwasher-safe edges
- Beach blanket hack for travel
Small space solution: A large washable rug you don’t care about
Helpful But Not Essential (The “Nice to Have” Tier)
Baby Food Storage Containers
When they’re useful: Batch-prepping purees, storing cut fruit, daycare/travel
When to skip: If you’re doing full BLW or feeding fresh each time
What works: Silicone freezer trays, small glass jars with lids
Suction Plates (vs Suction Bowls)
Plates are harder to scoop from for new eaters
When they’re useful: Older babies (10+ months) with better motor skills
Bowls might work better until 12+ months.
Food Scissors
Surprisingly useful for: Cutting pasta, pancakes, meat on the go
Travel essential: Way easier than packing a knife
What to look for: Dishwasher-safe, comes apart for cleaning, small enough to pack for meals outside
Freezer Trays for Homemade Purees
Who needs them: Parents making their own purees in bulk
Skip if: Buying pouches, doing BLW only, or cooking fresh daily
Start With These 3, Add As Needed:
- High chair
- 2 silicone suction bowls
- 1 good bib
Then add: 4. Soft spoons (week 2) 5. Splat mat (whenever mess stresses you out) 6. Open cup (week 3-4, or skip entirely and use sippy cups)
Conclusion
Starting solids doesn’t require 50 products.
You need about seven essentials, a few helpful extras, and the willingness to embrace mess. The best feeding setup is the one you’ll actually use—not the one that looks cute or costs the most.
What we learned across three kids: Simplicity wins. Prioritize easy cleaning, safe materials, and gear that grows with your baby. You’ll figure out your rhythm. The first few weeks are chaotic no matter what. But with the right tools and realistic expectations, it gets fun fast.
Have questions about specific products or feeding approaches? Drop a comment! We’ve tested (and destroyed) just about everything.
