The 10 Items You Need to Start Your Babe on Solids Yum!
By Jacquie Smith | Photo by Stokke
You’re finally feeling in the groove and confident with breastfeeding and bottle feeding and then your pediatrician tells you that your baby is ready for solids. Immediately you feel overwhelmed, and I did too! Even as an integrative nutrition health coach, I felt completely unprepared as to where to start from food to baby feeding essentials.
Just like I’m conscious about eating organic foods as much as possible (it’s a must for the #dirtydozen), I’m also mindful about the dishware, utensils, and the containers we use in our house, especially for the baby. Why? The chemicals in plastic can leach into our foods and become a detriment to our health. These chemical exposures can cause a whole host of issues, including metabolic disorders (including obesity) and reduced fertility. We are exposed to enough toxins as it is, why add more?
This is why I’ve curated a registry list of my top baby feeding essentials that will make feeding your baby easy and nutritious. And if you’re looking for the ultimate homemade baby cookie that is way more nutritious than puffs, check out my recipe here!
I love this high chair as it grows with your baby, looks aesthetically pleasing around your dinner table, and is super easy to clean. I especially love the newborn attachment so your baby can be part of meal time from the very beginning.
This book was perfect to help me feel confident in making my own baby food. The recipes are easy to follow and provide a ton of inspiration for new combinations to try.
This list wouldn’t be complete without the Vitamix! I’ve had mine for 10 years and just like it’s been a staple for my smoothies, energy bites, sauces, and soups – it was also crucial for making baby oatmeal and homemade purees with the best consistency. While it’s an investment, you will use it everyday for the whole family!
These 4 oz glass baby bottles are perfect for everyday use and travel. I love that they’re made from glass, come in a silicone sleeve (in pretty colors!), BPA free, and dishwasher safe.
The suction on these plates actually work, which is a huge win when your baby wants to throw their plate! Plus, they are FDA-approved silicone and 100% non-toxic — BPA, PVC + phthalate free.
Not only are these bibs made from food-grade silicone and are 100% BPA and phthalate free, but they have the cutest designs and make clean up simple! It also has adjustable sizing and is difficult for your baby to rip off.
Not only are these spoons easy for your baby to hold and help them develop their motor skills, but they are super soft for sore gums and teething. The best part? They are also 100% food grade silicone with no additives and lead, BPA, PVC and phthalate free.
I’ve actually been using these baby jars for years as a form of portion control for snacks when I was on-the-go. I ended up purchasing more once the baby came as they are the best size for freezing baby purees and leftovers for toddlers.
These forks are great for babies and toddlers because they are easy to grip, are made from stainless steel and will actually allow your baby to pick up food. They will give your baby all the confidence they need to be a great eater!
Just like the bibs, these are non-toxic and ideal for feeding your baby those first purees and solid foods. You’ll be able to use them through the toddler years for snacks as well.
Jacquie Smith is a certified integrative nutrition health coach from IIN and a fitness instructor specializing in barre, yoga, and pre/postnatal workouts. Her philosophy of “little adapts” allows clients to gradually instill small, positive changes to create a sustainable lifestyle through a mostly plant-based diet, daily movement and mental wellness. Her clients include PWC, NBA, Women’s Health, Core Club, and the 1 Hotel. You can learn more about her “little adapts” on her app,Little Adapts By Jax.