🍼 Starting Solids Essentials: What You Really Need (Plus Our Favourite Tips + Tools)

Starting solids is a huge milestone—exciting, messy, and sometimes a little overwhelming! Whether you're following traditional puree weaning or diving into baby-led weaning (BLW), having the right essentials can make all the difference. We've gathered our best tips, go-to gear, and insights from trusted experts like Boob to Food and Starting Solids Australia to help you get started with confidence.

🍽️ The Starting Solids Basics

According to Boob to Food, readiness signs for solids include:

• Sitting with little support

• Strong head and neck control

• Interest in food (like reaching for your plate!)

Most babies are ready around 6 months, but always follow your baby’s cues.

✅ Our Top 6 Starting Solids Essentials

1. Full-Coverage Bibs
   Let’s be honest—starting solids is messy. Our TerryTots™ towel bibs are the ultimate mealtime hack. Made from thick 100% cotton terry towelling and designed for full-length coverage, they help reduce outfit changes (and laundry).

2. Silicone Suction Plate or Divider Plate
   Choose one with deep sections and a strong base. We love Starting Solids Australia's options for grip and durability.

3. Soft-Tipped Baby Spoons
   Ideal for self-feeding or adult-assisted scooping, soft silicone spoons protect baby gums. Check out the Milk Addict cutlery sets here.

4. Open Cup + Straw Cup Combo
   Introducing both early encourages oral development. Try small training cups like the ones from Boob to Food's shop or Mushie.

5. High Chair with Foot Support
   A proper 90-90-90 sitting position (hips, knees, ankles) helps babies stay stable and safe while eating. While  are all for the simplicity and price of the Ikea and Kmart highchairs (so easy to clean up too), you can mod this up with Nibble and Rests highchair accessories including the footrest.

6. Easy-Clean Splash Mat
   Protects your floors and makes clean-up easier. Bonus: doubles as a sensory play mat later!

💛 Introducing Our Starting Solids Bundle

We’ve done the hard work for you. Our Starting Solids Bundle includes:

• Looma TerryTots™ Full-Length Towel Bib
  

• Looma Terry Hooded Bath Towel 
  
  

• Milk Addict Silicone suction plate

• Milk Addict Silicone suction bowl
  
• Milk Addict Silicone spoon and fork first feeders set

💡 Final Tips for a Smooth Start

• Embrace the mess—it's part of the process.

• Offer iron-rich foods early like meat, lentils, and eggs.

• Don’t stress about volume—meals start small!

• Sit and eat together—modelling makes a huge difference.

Starting solids doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools, a bit of prep, and a towel bib that actually works, mealtimes can be fun, fuss-free, and foundational.

👉 Shop the Starting Solids Bundle here
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