Baby Feeding Supplies

You don’t need a ton of gear to start feeding solids, but a few key items will make the endeavor much easier… especially bibs, bowls, and spoons.

Spoons

For Introducing Solids (6 Months+)

Good spoons are key to successful feeding. Spoons with little spoon-heads are perfect (I just said spoon-head, heh heh). You may want to try a few different ones to experiment – below are some parent favorites.

If you’re doing finger foods (ahem, the fancy-dancy term for this is baby-led weaning…), you may not need any infant spoons yet (they can’t spoon-feed themselves until later). But it’s not a bad idea to have a few on hand.

Munchkin Infant Spoons ~ $3 for 6

Quick and dirty. These rounded, soft spoon bowls are the perfect size. We’ve used these spoons for years and they’ve never let us down.

OXO Silicone Feeding Spoon ~ $8 for 2

A softer version (for teething babes and whatnot). Made with Stainless steel for durability.

For Self-Feeding (Toddler)

Nuby Spoons and Forks ~ $8 for 4-pack (2 spoons & 2 forks)

As your kiddo gets older, you’ll want to start him with a larger spoon head and a thicker fork. Usually made of soft plastic, so as to not hurt themselves, and a non-slip handle, these are the gold standard. (See also: the Munchkin version)

RE-PLAY Spoons & Forks Set ~ $13 for 8 (4 of each)

These BPA-free utensils made from recycled plastic are very durable and will last well into childhood. Pick from a vast range of bright color options.

OXO Tot Training Fork and Spoon Set ~ $6

Training silverware is the next step, just before actual silverware. They still have non-slip handles, but their rounded heads are made of stainless steel.

These ones are the best, IMO, but there are many options to choose from: NUK (spoons and forks or set with knife), Munchkin, etc.

Bowls & Plates

For Introducing Solids (6 Months+)

Start with a bunch of plastic bowls for mixing purees. Simple stacking bowls will do the trick. Don’t even think about anything breakable, since bowl-tossing will be your baby’s favorite sport for the next 12 months or so (yes, I just got nailed in the eye the other day, WTH?).

Munchkin Stackable Bowls ~ $12 for 8

These are our favorite kind – you can never have enough and they’re sold everywhere.

NUK Bunch-A-Bowls ~ $8 for 4

Another parent-favorite, these come with lids to take on-the-go.

For Self-Feeding (Toddler)

Of course, you can still use the bowls listed above as your baby grows, however, you may want to also stock up on toddler-friendly bowls and plates.

Munchkin Stay Put Suction Bowls ~ $9 for 3

These really do work! They even suction to the stroller snack tray.

ezpz Happy Mat ~ $25

It’s a placemat and plate in one that suctions to the table: a true game changer for parents. The mat has three compartments for all of the food groups they won’t eat (kidding!) (sort of). Dishwasher safe and easy to travel with.

*Explore the whole collection – including a bowl, mini mat (great for restaurants), and play mat (*this one is so pretty!).

Divided Plate from Target ~ $0.50

Yes, you saw that right => 50 cents! Hands down one of our favorite divided plates — they hold up after years of (ab)use and are dishwasher safe. The sections are the perfect portion size and the walls are just high enough for scoop-training.

P.S. Available in all sorts of sizes and colors.

Bibs

Feeding babies is MESSY, y’all. There’s no getting around it. Some folks opt for shirtless feeding (the BABY, not you, parents), which may save on laundry but will likely require a bath or wipe-down afterward. Personally, I find the dressing/undressing part to be way more work than just throwing on a bib, but whatevs.

Bibs will prevent (reduce?) stains on your baby’s clothes. They come in different shapes and sizes; some bibs simply go around the neck and protect the top of the shirt, while others have sleeves and can be “worn” for more protection. I recommend you get some of both, depending on what’s on the menu that day {i.e., some foods are messier than others}. Alice loved to finger paint her body (and the dog) with hummus, so I was pretty much screwed on those days.

Basic Bibs

Bumkins Bibs ~ $17 for 3

For a simple, basic bib, this is definitely the group favorite. It’s waterproof, comes in cute designs, and is super easy to wash (in the laundry, even). It also has a catch-pocket, which you will come to appreciate. Best of all, you can fold it up into a compact square and easily throw it in your diaper bag.

*Available in sizes: starter (4-9 months), super (6-24 months), sleeved (6-24 months) and junior (1-3 years).

BabyBjorn Soft Bib ~ $19 for 2

Another crowd-favorite. These are super easy to clean, have a deep pocket to catch food, and an adjustable closure to fit a growing baby for many months. These bibs are a bit more sturdy (harder for baby to yank off), but unlike the Bumkins bib, they don’t fold or store as easily.

Wearable Bibs

These will offer more protection, especially around the shoulders and sleeves.

IKEA “KLADDIG” ~ $9

An affordable, quick and dirty favorite is the nickname, “the angry viking child.” *Fits 0-18 months. 

Kushies Cleanbib ~ $19

Parents love this simple, SLEEVED waterproof bib. Though, the price has gone up recently…

Hero Bibs ~ $29

Handmade and specifically designed not only to keep your little one clean, but also the highchair. Just tuck it under the top tray or let it hang over the sides. Also great for art projects and will last through the years.

Miscellaneous

Snack cups

Munchkin Snack Catcher ~ $5 for 2

Every parent’s go-to. The lids prevent food from spilling onto the floor but make it easy for kiddos to reach inside and grab their favorite snack.

*If you’re not into plastics, Munchkin also makes a stainless steel version with a lid ($10).

Nuby Monster Snack Cup ~ $7

A fun twist on the standard snack cup. Kids love holding his monster hands. The lid can be tricky to get on and off – but that just means it’s doing its job. 😉

Placemats

Munchkin Silicone Placemats ~ $10 for 2

If you have a table in need of protecting, make sure you have a couple of these on hand. They measure 11 X 15 and are sticky on the bottom so they stay in place. They’re thin, too, so they’re easy to roll up if you need one for an outing, a picnic, etc. Top-rack dishwasher safe.

(No, I don’t work for Munchkin, I just like their stuff). And yes, they are BPA-free.

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