5 essential tools for babies starting solids

Whether your child is breastfed or formula-fed, starting solids is an exciting milestone. Generally, babies start solids when they show signs of readiness like holding their head up, sitting with support, and opening their mouth for food. It happens usually around six months old, but not before four months. 

However, this journey comes with a lot of questions — what to feed, how to start, and most importantly, "What tools do we really need?"

There was a time when babies were raised in a community or large families where multiple members were there to feed the child. Nowadays, when both parents are busy working, and mothers are expected to join the workstation after their maternity leave, certain tools and appliances make the journey a bit easier. 

TBS has listed five such essential tools that help you and your child to start solids without much stress and mess.

But before you rush out to buy these, you should keep in mind that it is not the most expensive or trendiest of items that you should go for. Rather, go for the products that are most suitable for your pocket, the home you are living in, and most importantly, that suit your child the most. You do not need every gadget at once — start with a good bowl, lovely spoons, and a bib — and add more as your baby grows up.

Adjustable and reclining high chair

For a safe and comfortable feeding, invest in a quality supportive high chair. If you are someone who wants to pursue baby-led weaning or if you want your child to explore new tastes and skills, a baby feeding chair will help you. 

A good quality high chair has straps that allow your child to sit upright without the fear of falling. You can then put finger foods in front of the child to grab and taste.

While choosing the right chair, look for one that has stable legs or a base to ensure no tipping. The adjusted tray should have minimal crevices so that it is easy to clean and no food gets stuck in. Also features like adjustable height and footrest will help you use it long-term.

Where to buy: Monowa Mart

Price: From Tk6,400 - Tk12,500

Protective bib with pocket and sleeves

In the beginning, the tiny hands of your child are exploring foods, touching different textures, and learning to grab. So there will be a lot of mess and spills. Take a deep breath! They are just learning. 

Get a waterproof silicone bib with a deep pocket or "crumb catcher" that will catch the spilled food, which will be less messy to clean and your child's clothes will not get wet from the food. You can also get full sleeve bibs to protect their clothes.

Before buying one, make sure that the material is silicone or waterproof, which is easy to wipe clean. Also, adjustable fastenings allow you to use it for a long time; you can change the length as their necks grow. 

Where to buy: Daraz

Price: Tk200-500

Suction bowl and plate

Suction-bottom bowls and divided plates are game-changers when food meets gravity: they stick to high chair trays and reduce knocks and spills. Because your child is going to throw food and sometimes the bowls at you, on the floor. Do not worry, it is a part of their development process.

You do not need a whole set of plates and dishes; just one or two is enough. Also, shallow, wide shapes allow easy scooping. Durable materials like silicone, hard plastic or stainless steel make it easier for you to clean and harder for your child to crack. 

Where to buy: Daraz

Price: Tk400-Tk800

Sippy Cup

Once solids begin, babies need water or liquid to keep them hydrated and avoid constipation. They would often sip water or thin liquid mixtures between bites. Training cups or soft spout sippy cups support your baby to try sipping at their own pace without choking.

Start with soft material like silicone that does not hurt their gums even if they bite. Cups with a straw and/or open cups are a great time for your little one to start learning new oral motor skills that are different from breast or bottle feeding.

Where to buy: Unimart 

Price: Tk900

Feeding spoons

A set of soft, ergonomic baby spoons designed with gentle tips makes spoon-feeding safer and more enjoyable for both caregiver and the baby.

Opt for spoons that are made of soft, food-safe silicone or have rounded edges for gentle gums. Short, thick handles make it easy for tiny fingers or for helpers to grip. 

Where to buy: Accessories Park

Price: Tk250