The Top 6 Baby-Led Weaning Essentials Every Low-Stress Mom Needs

Feeling a little stressed about the task of having to clean more mealtime mess because of  baby-led weaning? We understand the worry, and we’ve got you covered. Here are the tools you need to protect your baby’s clothes at each meal, keep the cleanup as quick and simple as possible for you, and to get them on the right track toward mealtime independence by 12 months….

1. An easy to wipe down high chair

You will be wiping down every nook and cranny after each meal, everyday. Make it easiest by skipping chairs with added padding or material. Opt instead for a chair that cleans completely within a few wipes. If you want to have added cushion for those first few months while they’re still bobbing around and not in full control yet, try draping a towel or designated baby blanket over the back of the seat. Easy to wash and provides added padding for the short months that you might need it. 

Here are 3 examples of easy-to-clean high chair options:

• Oxo Tot
• Abiie
• Weesprout

2. A bib that catches food and liquid drippings

A bib that catches food and liquids that will drop on lap and soak baby’s clothes will save you mountains of headache and inconvenience. Choose one like the baby bjorn. When selecting an bib, keep in mind that you don’t want to restrict your child’s natural movements. We want them move comfortable and naturally, without getting frustrated. You can easily roll up sleeves when needed, and a little sleeve stain is better than a completely wet lap. So, for the most low-stress experience, always opt for one with a catch-all pouch over one that covers sleeves.

3. A set of utensils that they can grab at correctly and actually practice using

Soon enough, they will master using utensils, as you and I use them. We are allowing them the opportunity to learn and hone mealtime basics and independence. You won’t have to teach different aspects of eating properly at different phases. You can simply provide them the tools, model, and let them explore, learn, then master.

The only utensils I recommend starting with are:

• Grabease. As the name states, these utensils are easily grabbed and used correctly by babies even on the very first try. Incredible.

4. Two cups: open and covered.

An open cup for practical life practice and skill-building, and a covered cup for unmonitored moments and times where parents want more mealtime freedom themselves. 

Here are some brands that have great options for open cups:

• mushie
• Olababy
• ezpz
• eZtotZ

5. A positive mindset about the benefits of BLW

You understand the many benefits of this feeding method, why you chose it for your baby, and you accept the pros and cons that come along with the journey. Having this mindset will keep the beginning stages of this process more low-stress for you and your family.

Grab a FREE Low Stress Baby Led Weaning Starter Guide here, to learn everything you need to know before starting baby-led weaning, so you know what to expect, how to serve foods, which foods to avoid, how to introduce allergens, even how to protect your baby from future diseases and more. 

6. A baby toothbrush

They now have more things in their mouths, they’re chewing, and more teeth are coming in. Let’s keep those teeth free of sitting food. And you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that you are getting them comfortable with and in the habit of using a toothbrush so when it becomes more imperative to do so, the skill is built and the habit is formed.

Simply offer the toothbrush. Set it out where they can reach it if they prefer to grab it themselves. Model teeth brushing and assist them in gentle scrubbing. 

You’re equipped with the tools you need! Have fun with mealtimes, and if you need more support on how to go about feeding your baby with baby-led weaning, drop you name and email here to get a free copy of The Low-Stress Baby-Led Weaning How-To Guide Cheat Sheet.