Skip to main content
Feeding Expert's Must-haves for Starting Solids
MP
Created byMonica Phillips

Feeding Expert's Must-haves for Starting Solids

All my favorite products as a speech therapist and feeding therapist with 15 years of experience. From getting your baby ready for their first bites, through to toddler years, these items are expert selected and mom-tested.

Recommendations (15)

Munchkin Any Angle Weighted Straw Trainer Cup with Click Lock Lid

Munchkin

Dishes & Utensils

Munchkin Any Angle Weighted Straw Trainer Cup with Click Lock Lid

$10.16

Two (2) weighted straw sippy cups with 7 ounce capacity for water, milk or juice Flexible, weighted straw is gentle on gums and allows your toddler to hold the cup at any angle Improved straw to reduce leaks Flip-top lid covers straw while on the go. Includes straw brush for easy cleaning. BPA free, top rack dishwasher safe and 6 plus months

Buy from Amazon

1 recommendation

Monica PhillipsCan't live withoutThis cup is great but not perfect. The weighted straw reduces frustration as you baby figures out how to hold a straw cup, but the straw is a nightmare to clean. Stick with water in this cup.
Special Supplies Honey Bear Straw Cup

Special Supplies

Dishes & Utensils

Special Supplies Honey Bear Straw Cup

$7.99

Smart Therapy Sippy Bottles – A squeezable honey bear design with long, flexible straws, this Juice Bear bottle with 3 reusable straws makes it easy to squeeze out liquid and get a drink even if a child or adult has low suction or special needs. Wide, Easy-Flow Drink Straws – Our straws are wide to let liquid pass through more effortlessly and to help the squeeze push it more readily into your mouth. This makes it easier and faster to get a drink with far less effort. Leak-Resistant, Spill Proof Lids – We’ve added screw-on lids that feature silicone seals to help protect against leaks or messes. This makes them better for everyday use around the house or when you’re traveling in the car. See-Through Body Design – Each juice bear cup is transparent to make it easier for kids to see the liquid inside and watch it pass through the straw at the same time which helps reduce spills or over-drinking. Heavy-Duty BPA Free Plastic – Special Supplies plastic bear bottles are crafted with premium food-grade safe materials which makes them perfect for water, juice, milk, or other favorite beverages. Dish washer safe, but we recommend hand washing for long-term use. Designed in the USA

Buy from Amazon

1 recommendation

Monica PhillipsCan't live withoutPerfect for helping babies learn to sip from a straw.
Grabease Baby Utensils

Grabease

Dishes & Utensils

Grabease Baby Utensils

$8.49

Buy from Amazon

1 recommendation

Monica PhillipsCan't live withoutThese adorable utensils are great for when your baby is first learning to stab and scoop their food. Beware the silicone copy-cats, the fork tines aren't study enough to really poke into food.
NumNum Pre-Spoon GOOtensils

NumNum

Dishes & Utensils

NumNum Pre-Spoon GOOtensils

$12.99

DESIGNED FOR LITTLE HANDS AGES 6-18 MONTHS: This clever Pre-Spoon, tailored for tiny hands, eliminates scooping and balancing struggles. Best of all, there's no wrong way to hold it, thanks to its secret: a thick contoured handle that provides a secure, no-slip grip. EASY SELF-FEEDING FOR THE FIRST STAGE: Make the starting solids transition easier (and more fun!) for baby. Each set comes with a pre-spoon perfect for purees, doubling as a teether for sore gums, along with an open-channel spoon designed to grip soft solids. These spoons help teach the skills and motions needed to graduate to a traditional spoon, without requiring wrist rotation to use - a skill children typically don’t develop until 2 years old.PERFECT FOR ALL TYPES OF FOOD: These versatile spoons, designed for babies aged 6+ months, are a mealtime must-have as your child’s eating habits mature. Add this essential to your baby registry now for when baby’s ready to start soft solids. Unlike traditional spoons, GOOtensils grip the food to help keep things less messy. EASY TO HOLD FOR BABY LED WEANING: Let baby lead the way. Our innovative, patented Pre-Spoon has a unique all-flat design that empowers your little one on their baby-led weaning (BLW) journey. While other baby spoons are too long or too flexible, this one is just right—allowing little hands to self-feed with ease and without frustration. SIMPLE TO CLEAN & PEDIATRIC OT RECOMMENDED: Approved and tested by baby care experts, our spoons are incredibly durable, ensuring long-lasting use. Made with food-grade silicone, they’re free from harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates so you can feel good about giving them to your little one. Clean up is easy in the dishwasher. Microwave or steam-sterilizing is not recommended (and not needed).

Buy from Amazon

1 recommendation

Monica PhillipsCan't live withoutThe grooves in these help food stay on the utensil while it makes its (often meandering) journey to your baby's mouth, making them a great first utensil for self-feeding.
Munchkin Polish Stainless Steel Toddler Utensils

Munchkin

Dishes & Utensils

Munchkin Polish Stainless Steel Toddler Utensils

$16.40

Buy from Amazon

1 recommendation

Monica PhillipsCan't live withoutLooks like adult cutlery and handles are short (which is easier for motor skills).
The First Years Take & Toss Straw Cups

The First Years

Dishes & Utensils

The First Years Take & Toss Straw Cups

$14.91

Buy from Amazon

1 recommendation

Monica PhillipsCan't live withoutSuper simple straw cups.
BapronBaby Food Prints Bapron

Bapron Baby

Bibs

BapronBaby Food Prints Bapron

$19.99

RECOMMENDED BY PEDIATRIC FEEDING EXPERT: Baprons come highly recommended by pediatric feeding experts. Our unique design ties around the body, prioritizing safety and comfort for infants and toddlers. Baprons are intentionally pocket-less, eliminating extra weight that could otherwise pull on your baby's neck and cause potential neck injury or skin irritation. Baprons are safe for sensitive skin, children who dislike traditional bibs and/or have hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli. WATERPROOF & SECURE: Bapron bibs provide full coverage and crafted with BapronBaby's distinctive, soft-yet-waterproof fabric. Our bibs feature a polyester material fused to a luxuriously soft waterproof layer that remains intact and won't peel. Plus, Baprons are free from BPA, BPS, PVC, latex, and phthalates, ensuring a safe and worry-free experience for your little ones. DESIGNED WITH LOVE & DURABLE: From fun, stand-out bolds, to classic solids - our exclusive Bapron prints are stylish and sure to match your personality. BapronBaby baprons are designed to be lightweight, exceptionally durable, capable of withstanding the rigors of everyday use. These bibs are quick-drying and stain resistant, making them a baby essential for active growing infants and toddlers. PORTABLE & VERSATILE: Whether you're at home or dining out, traveling, or sending your little one to daycare, these bibs are a convenient and versatile choice. Baprons­ are designed with growing babes in mind. From 6m-3T, the same Toddler Bapron shifts as they grow, allowing the same Bapron to fit comfortably throughout their entire toddlerhood! Likewise, our Preschool Bapron fits from 3-5 years old and is the perfect companion for messy meals and crafting. QUICK DRYING & EASY TO CLEAN: Baprons simplify your life with their easy cleaning process. For a swift clean-up, simply wipe them down, and they'll be ready for use again (just allow them to air dry). For a deeper clean, Baprons can be machine washed and tumble dried on any heat setting. Ironing should be avoided, as it may harm the waterproof layer. GREAT FOR GIFTING: Baprons make for delightful presents on various occasions, such as baby showers, birthdays, Mother's Day, and even as charming stocking stuffers for Christmas. Their practicality and style make them a thoughtful and appreciated gift choice.

Buy from Amazon

1 recommendation

Monica PhillipsCan't live withoutThis bib is perfect if your baby hates bibs. Its super lightweight, and ties behind the back instead of at the neck, so its much less cumbersome for babies. Plus its machine washable!
ARK's proMini Early Intervention Sensory Oral Motor Massage Brush

ARK Therapeutic

Toys & Activity

ARK's proMini Early Intervention Sensory Oral Motor Massage Brush

$12.99

Buy from Amazon

1 recommendation

Monica PhillipsCan't live withoutGreat teether for getting baby ready for solid food. Teethers can be helpful in practicing chewing, bringing objects to the midline, and in desensitizing baby's mouth!
Tovla Jr. Knives for Kids

Tovla

Tovla Jr. Knives for Kids

$9.95

Buy from Amazon

1 recommendation

Monica PhillipsCan't live withoutSafe for even the youngest chefs, these knives are great for getting your toddler to help prep food. They'll probably sneak some bites while they chop, so hand them a veggie they're still learning to like!
Zak Bluey 12oz Stainless Steel Tumbler

Zak Designs

Zak Bluey 12oz Stainless Steel Tumbler

Buy from Target

1 recommendation

Monica PhillipsCan't live withoutStainless steel, spill proof, and super easy to clean, these cups are magic.
BEABA Babycook Solo 4 in 1 Baby Food Maker, Baby Food Processor, Steam Cook and Blender

BEABA

Formula & Food Prep

BEABA Babycook Solo 4 in 1 Baby Food Maker, Baby Food Processor, Steam Cook and Blender

$159.95

Buy from Amazon

1 recommendation

Monica PhillipsCan't live withoutBaby food makers aren't necessary, but they can be really helpful if you're choosing to make purees. This one is great, the baby brezza is great too.
Ten Little Toddler Tower

Ten Little

Activity Centers

Ten Little Toddler Tower

Buy from Ten Little

1 recommendation

Monica PhillipsCan't live withoutA toddler tower is a must have for including your little one in meal preparation, which is great for reducing picky eating! This one folds into a toddler activity table, making it a great two-in-one product that lasts for years.
Cloud Island Silicone Placemat

Cloud Island

Playmats

Cloud Island Silicone Placemat

Buy from Target

1 recommendation

Monica PhillipsCan't live withoutWhen you remove the highchair tray and bring the highchair up to the table, you'll want to get your baby a placemat. Placemats are perfect to teach your baby "this is where my plate and cup go (and stay!) on the table," which is the beginning of understanding table manners. Bonus: these silicone mats are easy to clean and work well to protect your table.
Little Chompions Feeding Kits

Little Chompions

Miscellaneous Nursing & Feeding

Little Chompions Feeding Kits

Buy from Little Chompions

1 recommendation

Monica PhillipsCan't live withoutThese expert backed and super simple feeding kits take all the stress and guesswork out of starting solids. In addition to booklets explaining exactly what to do, Little Chompions kits include all the feeding products you need to get started (utensils, plates, cups, etc) and tell you exactly when, how and why to use them.
Abiie Beyond Junior Convertible Wooden High Chair

Abiie

High Chars & Boosters

Abiie Beyond Junior Convertible Wooden High Chair

$208.00

EZ-Seat: The High chair can be transformed to any height position to use as a Toddlers chair or as a traditional dining chair for all ages, all within less than 20 seconds! It's economical and instantly provides an extra chair to your home when needed. No tools needed for adjustment. Safety: Heat Sterilization. The High Chair wood went through a state-of-the-art pressure-assisted high-temperature sterilization at 248 °F (120 ° C) ensures a hygienic environment for your child. Dual Restraint System: The restraint system can be adjusted for a 5-point harness or a 3-point harness, keeping your loved one secure and comfortable. Ease of Cleaning: The chair is designed with several easy access points for parents to clean up. The stain-resistant cushions make cleaning a breeze. Just a quick wipe with a damp cloth will remove any mess or dirt left by your child. The cushion is waterproof so unexpected spills aren't absorbed. The one-hand removable tray cover is dishwasher safe. Warranty: 3-year Manufacturer’s Warranty included with optional lowcost 1/2/3 years extended protection plans.

Buy from Amazon

1 recommendation

Monica PhillipsCan't live withoutLove everything about this highchair! Similar to the very popular Stokke Tripp Trapp but I've always found the Stokke to be tricky for adjusting. This has an upright angle, super easy to adjust foot plate, lasts forever, easy to clean, and you can pull it right up to your table so your baby can eat with you.
Babylist promotional banner