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Starting Solids: 16 of the Best Essentials For Your Baby in 2024
Introducing your little one to the world of solids is an exciting milestone in their early development. As a parent, you want to ensure that this transition is not only safe but also a fun and enjoyable experience for your baby.
To help you on this journey, we've compiled a list of the best tools and essentials for babies starting solids. From bibs and high chairs to innovative feeding gadgets, we've got you covered with everything you need to make this transition a smooth and delightful one. Let's dive into this listicle and discover the must-have items that will make your baby's first taste of solid foods a memorable adventure!
What to look for in products to assist with starting solids:
Safe for your baby
When deciding to start solids with your baby, it’s important to choose products and tools that are strong and durable, nutritionally sound, and not sharp or coarse. Choose trusted brands, produce and food that is organic, clean and natural. Hand wash and sterilise all items with care.
Easy to clean
Choosing tools and products that are microwave and dishwasher safe is essential when your baby starts solids. Making sure they are easy to thoroughly clean and sterilise is essential.
Designed to make life easier
Being a new parent can be hard enough, so when bringing solids into the mix, it’s important to choose products and tools that will help preparing, serving and tracking your baby’s solids easier.
1. Le Puree Baby and Toddler Food Range
What makes the Le Puree Baby and Toddler Food Range different?
Starting solids can be an incredibly exciting time for parents and baby’s alike. We are venturing into uncharted territory and experiencing a myriad of ‘firsts’. While it’s exciting and wonderful - it’s also awash with hours of steaming and blending to ensure your little one has the chance to try every food.
Enter Le Puree.
Le Puree has options for every baby and all feeding styles. In fact, over one million meals have been made across Australia, with over 10,000 babies fed!
Le Puree meals are made fresh, snap-frozen and delivered in their iconic cube trays and compostable style bowls and delivered straight to your front door! No nasties added, not ever.
Why try the Le Puree Baby and Toddler Food Range?
As we know, food in the first 1,000 days lays the foundation for healthy eating habits. Le Puree’s nutrient dense meals are expertly curated to support development and healthy habits for life!
Did you know your baby needs more iron than a full grown man? Le Puree’s Iron-rich meals are specifically designed for growing babies and toddlers.
Real customer reviews:
"Absolutely obsessed with Le Puree! The meals are fantastic, perfect size and flavour, and my toddler loves everything! It's made my life so much easier with always having the portions ready to go, directly from the freezer to the microwave, especially during the rush of week dinners!" - Luisa F
"These have been amazing! Such a life saver. I’ve been able to offer huge variety to my baby since starting solids without the pressure of cook ups. I’ve been telling everyone about them. Best money I have spent for my baby" - Danielle H
2. Sinchies Reusable Food Pouches, from $5.00
What makes Sinchies Reusable Food Pouches different?
Sinchies are the original, award-winning reusable food pouches voted number 1 by Australian mums! Designed for feeding on-the-run, with no bulky lunchbox, bowl or spoon required – think homemade goodness with store bought convenience! Designed to reduce waste, save money and encourage healthy eating.
Why try Sinchies Reusable Food Pouches?
Sinchies Reusable Food Pouches encourage healthy eating, reduce waste, cut food costs and provide an easy, fun, clean way to feed you and your family when out and about. Simply prepare your own homemade goodness (healthy snacks, sandwiches, wraps, muffins, baby food, yoghurt, smoothies or fruit crusher etc), pour it in, zip it up and go!
You can monitor exactly what goes into the pouches and ziplock bags, ensuring you and your children receive optimum nutrition that is free from preservatives, sugars or additives that are often found in pre-packaged foods. What more you know exactly where the food has been made.
"These bags are great.! Purchased because my little dude loves yoghurt and was going through the little shop packets like crazy, much cheaper to get 1ltr and put it in these." - Toni-Leigh B
"I purchased this product recently along with the full accessories kit in hope of saving some money with the rise of cost of living. We were spending between $20-$30 a week on individual pouches of custards for school lunchboxes. This week we spent not even $6 and these pouches were much bigger. Can’t wait to see how much we save over the longer term. Products are of great quality, better for the environment and quick to arrive. Thank you so much. Look forward to purchasing more products over time." - Karyn
3. Mumma's Little Helpers High Chair FOOD CATCHER™, $54.95
What makes the Mumma's Little Helpers High Chair FOOD CATCHER™ different?
Save your floors, time and sanity with the award-winning High Chair FOOD CATCHER™. This genius invention is the ultimate splat mat redefined for stress-free mealtimes! It works by keeping all the food off the floor - it’s a total game changer in mess containment. It’s time to say goodbye to floor mess and hello to enjoyable family meals.
Why try the Mumma's Little Helpers High Chair FOOD CATCHER™?
The ingenious design!
The FOOD CATCHER™ from Mumma’s Little Helpers effortlessly attaches to most 4-legged chairs, as well as select 2-legged high chairs. It's also compatible with booster seats and toddler chairs, ensuring it adapts as your little one grows - wherever they sit to eat!
The dropped or thrown food and mess is completely untouchable by Bub - far out of reach. Cleaning is a breeze. Easily scoop away the mess and wipe down the waterproof catcher, or toss it in the washing machine for a more thorough clean.
Real customer reviews:
"Food catcher - BEST THING EVER INVENTED! LOVE THIS PRODUCT! My bubs have the tendency to throw food off from her high chair and this food catcher is a game changer! Easy to install, easy to clean, cute designs and definitely save us heap of time cleaning up the mess. Thank you! ❤️❤️"
"The absolute GAME-CHANGER Our high chair food catcher has been the best product so far for our feeding journey. There’s not a day that this isn’t used in our house! I love how easy it is to clean and how I can also attach it to my table. So far our catcher has caught everything from drink bottles, cutlery, bowls, plates and every last drop of food!"
4. Audrey & Alfie Finger Food and Bowls, from $7.99
What makes Audrey & Alfie Finger Food and Bowls different?
Audrey and Alfie offers a range of dietitian-designed bowls, finger food and lunchbox items for babies, toddlers and children. Their individual products and curated bundles are available for home delivery and also now available at a range of selected retailers.
From snacks, to more established meals, Audrey & Alfie food is also made using a wide variety of flavours and textures to encourage healthy exploration and help prevent fussy eating. Research shows that introducing your baby to a variety of tastes and textures early, and continuing to do so, can help to prevent fussy eating behaviours later in life.
(They also have a hidden veggie range for little people who prefer not to see their greens!)
Better still, Audrey & Alfie provides a high quality, healthy alternative to the existing supermarket offerings. Their food is made in Melbourne, using locally sourced and organic ingredients where possible. They use whole foods, with minimal processing, and the food is snap frozen to lock in nutrients and there are no nasties. They never add artificial preservatives or fillers, salt or refined sugar.
Their innovative approach has recently been recognised, with Audrey & Alfie being awarded 'Most Wholesome Children’s Nutrition Company' in the esteemed 2024 Australian Enterprise Awards.
Why try Audrey & Alfie Finger Food and Bowls?
As we know, feeding babies and toddlers can be a massive headache; from picky eaters, to the ultimate mess makers; there’s nothing more disheartening than seeing your culinary creations land on the floor. Plus, time-poor parents can save time on meal-prep and planning, as they've done all the hard work and thinking for you. There are so many reasons Audrey & Alfie Finger Food and Bowls are a must when it’s time to start your solids journey - and even if you’re well and truly established when it comes to solids, Audrey & Alfie can help!
Their range was designed to be eaten both at home and on-the-go, including quick breakfasts, nutritious snacks, baby-led weaning options, lunchbox items and meals.
Real customer reviews:
"My 18 month old is loving the Audrey and Alfie meals and snacks! The finger foods are the perfect weekend lunch and the bowls are a life saver with a hangry toddler when we get home from work late! I’ve just placed another order!" - Jess T
"The quality of products is amazing. My kids loved everything I put in front of them despite being the fussiest of eaters. I loved the ease and convenience of having healthy means ready to go. Would definitely recommend." - Steph K
5. MY PURE Silicone Suction Plate, $29.00
What makes MY PURE Silicone Suction Plate different?
MY PURE Silicone Suction Plates are made from premium food grade silicone, free from all the nasties, like BPA, phthalates, PVC and lead.
The unique, fun and playful design is also stylish! A real instagrammable moment at every meal time, but also stands as one of the most functional (and fun!) feeding must-haves out there.
The generous sizing means that parents and caregivers can provide more options at each mealtime, and the clever design ensures that foods are kept separate - for any fussy eaters out there.
Why try MY PURE Silicone Suction Plate?
MY PURE is a brand known for fun and practical silicone tableware and toys. With a clever suction base, MY PURE Silicone Plate is ergonomically designed to promote self-feeding and to help to develop fine motor skills.
The super strong suction cup and curved edges allow for easy scooping to ensure that mealtime is less messy.
Microwave, dishwasher, freezer and oven friendly, the Silicone Suction Plate is safe at mealtimes and free of toxins. All in all, it’s a great, environmentally sustainable alternative.
Real customer reviews:
"Adorable silicone plate, amazing quality. The food finally stays on the table not on the floor! And I just pop it in the dishwasher after the meal." - Alex K
"The plate is much deeper than any others I’ve got or have seen at the shops. And way cuter of course." - Kathryn L
6. Mushie Silicone Tableware, from $24.95
What makes Mushie Silicone Tableware different?
Mealtime is more than just food; it's about learning and exploration. With Mushie's stylish tableware, your little ones can enjoy their first meals in style. The silicone bibs, dinner bowls, and spoon sets are designed to make mealtime easy and fun. Plus, they're all made from food-grade silicone, so they're safe for your baby.
Why try Mushie Silicone Tableware?
The colours, the quality - the cuteness! No bright pinks or typical ‘boy blue’ here. In fact, all you’ll find are tonal, earthy hues, quality silicone utensils and tableware in a size that is perfect for little eaters.
Exclusive offer for One Fine Baby visitors:
Use code: OFBMUSHIE15- 15% Off all Mushie products - One discount code per transaction.
7. Jae + Bae Long Sleeve Bib, $34.95
What makes the Jae + Bae Long Sleeve Bib different?
Jae + Bae was created by two Melbourne-based mums who started their baby feeding journey together. Their experiences with products in the market led them to design their own signature bib with unique features that many parents agree are absolute game changers. From eye-catching designs, to easy-to-clean material and a durability that means they last mess, after mess, after mess - Jae + Bae are the go-to for parents at home and on the go.
In addition to the signature bib, Jae + Bae have also developed waterproof pouches and mess mats in the same colours and prints to support the messy times journey at home or on the go! While the founder’s journey was inspired by mealtime mess, Jae + Bae products are perfect for those messy play times as well.
Why try the Jae + Bae Long Sleeve Bib?
The Jae + Bae Long Sleeve Bib (also available in sleeveless) has been designed with unique features to Jae + Bae that set their products apart in the current marketplace, which include:
- A signature neckline flap that has been created to seamlessly tuck into necklines to keep them clean
- Weighted pocket that pops out to catch spills and does not get lost beneath the highchair tray - Perfect for bubs learning to self-feed!
- Adjustable neck sizing to grow with your child
- Waterproof material to make clean up a breeze
- Colour palette and prints that have been designed with both parent and bub in mind
Fab design, great for on the go!
"We love our Jae and Bae long sleeve bib! Catches all those clothes staring spills, especially the nasty collar stains. It’s great for when I am out and about and can zip it up in my waterproof pouch and not leave mess all over my bag and clothes, and Bub stays clean!" - Laura Grech
Game changer
"I no longer dread messy meal times!! These bibs are so easy to clean and I love the shorter length of them because it actually catches food that drops. The neck flap has saved my buds necklines which are usually so stained and need hours of soaking." - Amy S
Exclusive code for One Fine Baby visitors:
Use code OFB20 to enjoy 20% off!
8. Nutra Organics Brekkie Hero, $44.95
Brekkie Hero by Nutra Organics was made for fussy eaters who don’t get enough fruit and veg in their diet - which is a whopping 9 in 10 kids according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The new breakfast booster can be added to any bland or nutrient-void cereal for a nutritional transformation. In just seconds, the likes of cereals, oats, smoothies, yogurts and spreads can get a potent boost of 14 fruits, veggies and greens designed for kids’ taste buds and parents’ peace of mind.
What makes Brekkie Hero by Nutra Organics different?
Brekkie Hero contains 18 bioavailable vitamins & minerals from pure, organic wholefoods, including vitamins A, C, D, E, B vitamins, zinc, folate & iodine. With a gentle fruity flavour that is fussy kid approved, this breakfast booster from Nutra Organics is said to set kids up for a healthier start to their day, as well as support kid’s immunity, growth and development, daily wellbeing and fruit and veggie intake.
Why try Nutra Organics Brekkie Hero?
- New Brekkie Hero by Nutra Organics is an Australian first nutritious breakfast booster for kids that can transform any ordinary breakfast (such as weetbix & cornflakes) into a nutritious one containing 14 fruits & veggies.
- Only 6% of children aged 2–17 years met the recommended intake of fruit and vegetables.
- Aussie parents claim Brekkie Hero has saved them from “parent guilt” for their kids not getting enough breakfast nutrition.
10. Taste Bubs Allergen Starter Pack, from $49.95
What makes the Taste Bubs Allergen Starter Pack different?
Did you know Australia has the highest rate of food allergies in the world?
The Allergen Starter Pack from Taste Bubs is an Australian-first, easy 4-week cycle program to introduce the most common food allergens to your baby. Reduce the risk of food allergies with easy, regular and early introduction.
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Why try the Taste Bubs Allergen Starter Pack?
Each box contains:
28 sachets containing the seven most common food allergens:
4x Almond Powder Sachets
4x Cashew Powder Sachets
4x Walnut Powder Sachets
4x Peanut Powder Sachets
4x Soy Powder Sachets
4x Egg Powder Sachets
4x Sesame Seed Powder Sachets
11. Milk to Meals: A Guide To Starting Solids
What makes Milk to Meals: A Guide To Starting Solids different?
Considering the countless baby food options available and the seemingly endless list of feeding strategies, it’s natural to feel anxious about starting your baby on solids.
But what if there was an easier way to cut through the noise? A trusted resource to guide you as you embark on this exciting new chapter of motherhood? This book could be the answer.
Written by Luka McCabe of highly notable instagram account @boobtofood and the Boob to Food podcast, Milk to Meals is an essential for any parent who is beginning the solids journey with their child and wants to ensure they are providing optimal nutrients in an easy and obtainable way.
A note from Luka:
“When we first started researching this topic, we found a surprising lack of clear information. The advice we did unearth included outdated advice that conflicted with our evidence-based research.
That’s when we joined forces and pooled our years of professional experience to create a resource we knew the world needed.
The result? This book! It was created for parents looking for a better way to nourish their babies — holistically and sustainably.”
Real customer reviews:
"I just wanted to send you the biggest thank you. I’m an RN as well and a recent, first-time mum. Your book is the best thing I’ve ever read. My girl is only 7 weeks and I wanted to fill my brain with useful and reliable info for when it’s time to transition to solids. This book has made things less overwhelming for me!" - Jess
"The best book! I’ve been following all the recipes for our 7-month-old and he absolutely loves it. He eats better than hubby and me! Thank you!" - Dana
12. Catchy - The Food and Mess Catcher for High Chairs, $54.95
What makes Catchy - The Food and Mess Catcher for High Chairs different?
Catchy is a world-first food catcher, compatible with over 20 high chairs. It has been expertly designed to make mealtimes a breeze for parents, and fun for your little one.
Why try the Catchy?
Waterproof, durable and easy to clean, Catchy is made from a non-toxic material so you can safely re-offer dropped food to your little human, or pop it in a Silicone Bowl With Lid and in the fridge for another time. Say goodbye to constant cleaning, back-breaking, wasted food, and ruined floors.
Save your food, save your floors and save your sanity with Catchy!
Real customer reviews:
"My husband laughed at me when he saw I'd bought this product, but now I'm having the last laugh! We have carpet in our dining room and I'd resigned myself to the idea that we would need to feed our little one in the kitchen until she stopped making a mess. The Catchy has changed everything for us - hardly a crumb hits the floor and we are able to salvage sooo much food that ends up over the side, rather than having to throw it in the bin. Super impressed. If you are on the fence about buying it, just do it." - Yvette
"Catchy is saving my floor, my back, and my sanity. Less food wasted and more time to play instead of cleaning! I love it and tell everyone with babies to get one, worth the investment!" - Sarah Tino
13. Wild Indiana Wild Silicone Bib, $17.95
What makes the Wild Indiana Wild Silicone Bib different?
Are you ready to minimise mess and a chance to keep those cute outfits clean?!
The Wild Indiana Custom Silicone Bib has been designed by the team themselves, in Australia!
Why try the Wild Indiana Wild Silicone Bib?
Features:
* EXTRA Wide shoulder coverage to keep baby clean
* Convenient scoop bib to keep outfits clean and mess to a minimum
* Adjustable neck and reinforced neck clasp to grow with your babe
* BPA Free and FDA approved silicone.
* Dishwasher safe 🎂
* "This Bib belongs to:" on the back - so you never lose your babies bib again!
Available in Sage, Duck Egg, Lemon, Blush, Dusty Rose and Jett.
14. Nourishing Bubs Solids Starter Pack, $29.95
What makes the Nourishing Bubs Solids Starter Pack different?
The Nourishing Bubs Solids Starter Pack is designed to make it easy for the busy parent to expose their child to a wide variety of vegetables (and nutrients) from the moment they start solids.
The small portions are perfect size for tasting, to save parents the frustration of peeling, cutting, cooking and pureeing 10 different vegetables which may be initially rejected.
Why try the Nourishing Bubs Solids Starter Pack?
Each Pack Contains:
40 x 15g Frozen Puree Vegetable Portions (4 of Each) including Carrot, Pea, Capsicum, Cauliflower, Zucchini, Sweet Potato, Parsnip, Beetroot, Broccoli, Pumpkin)
Features:
Suitable from 4 months
100% Australian produce
100% Australian made
10 single vegetables
40 first taste size portions
Product preview window
Frozen to lock in nutrients
Smooth texture
BPA free packaging
Created by an Accredited Practising Dietitian
15. Beaba Babycook Neo - Eucalyptus, $399.00
What makes the Beaba Babycook Neo different?
The Beaba Babycook Neo makes up to 1250 ml of food in a sleek, patented countertop appliance that steam cooks, blends and reheats/defrost all-in-one, in 15 minutes or less. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers, then simply defrost and reheat right in the Babycook Neo.
Why try the Beaba Babycook Neo?
Beaba Babycook Neo's four settings eliminate the need for pots, a blender and a microwave so that making baby food is as simple as possible. Create everything from a fine pure to a chunkier pure and everything in between - the unique pulse-blend feature ensures that your baby is getting the correct consistency of baby food every step of the way. The patented steam cooking system turns off automatically, so you never have to worry about watching over the Babycook Neo or overcooking your baby's food.
Features:
The only baby food maker with a glass bowl & a stainless steel steam basket
Intelligently designed with four settings: steam cook, blend, reheat or defrost
Easily accessible reservoir
Unique, one-handed operation
Unique blend feature to control consistency
Patented steam cooking system
Large 1250ml dishwasher safe bowl
BPA, Lead & Phthalate free
16. Nibble and Rest Baby’s First Food Tracker Fridge Magnet ®, $27.95
What makes the Nibble and Rest Baby’s First Food Tracker Fridge Magnet ® different?
Starting solids is amazing fun but also a lot of work! What food should I serve today? What did my baby like yesterday? Was it sweet potato or carrot that was the safe food? The mental load on parents is neverending.
Insert the Nibble and Rest First Foods Tracker Fridge Magnet®, which is here to make starting solids that much easier.
Studies have shown that trying a wide assortment of flavours with your baby can minimise picky eating and will ultimately make them more willing to try (and accept!) other new foods in the future.
This Food Tracker is a large fridge magnet checklist of common first foods. You can use this to keep track of your babies food journey easily in the kitchen when planning your next meal. Snap a photo of your tracker before heading out shopping to pick up some new foods to try with your baby.
The Nibble and Rest Food Tracker lists the most common foods to try with your baby. You’ll see that it’s full of suggestions for nutritious foods to serve your child – from fruits and veggies, to grains, dairy and proteins.
Why try the Nibble and Rest Baby’s First Food Tracker Fridge Magnet ®?
Features:
- Each food has 5 “check boxes” next to it, so as you serve it to your baby, you can check off one of the boxes.
- Black and red magnetic markers are included so you can log if the food was a hit or not with your baby. As it can take multiple exposures for a baby to decide if they like a certain food, this will help you track your attempts and serve as a reminder to be patient and keep trying.
- If there’s any special notes, for example, reactions to certain foods you can mark them down in the “Other notes” section.
- Reusable for multiple children.
Warnings:
Please consult with your doctor or paediatric nutritionist about what age is appropriate to introduce certain foods. For example: cow’s milk in general is recommended over 1 year of age.
Many paediatricians recommend waiting 3-5 days between trying each new food so if your baby develops any reaction, it will be easier to pinpoint the culprit. Others will waive this waiting period except with higher-risk foods like peanut butter or eggs. Discuss with your child’s Doctor the length of time their practice recommends waiting.
Saving Grace
"The first food tracker has been a blessing, 6 months is a busy time when introducing foods , this is an awesome way to keep on track, I'm very pleased with product and advise new mums/busy mums and grandparents who may be apart of there grandchildren's care to purchase this easy to use fridge magnet food tracker, it's worth every penny :)" - Andrea K
My go to baby shower gift!
"I loved using the fridge magnet to track my baby's first foods. It's easy to read and use, especially if you are a visual person like me. It was convenient to keep it on the fridge, and there is lots of room to add other foods that aren't listed. I loved using it so much that I now gift it to all of my friends who are having babies!" - Mel K
Exclusive discount for One Fine Baby visitors:
Use the code ‘OFB10’ for 10% off at the Nibble and Rest website.
Disclaimer:
The One Fine Baby team are first and foremost mums - between us we have 25 children, and decades of experience in all things bump, baby and beyond. We regularly bring together our tried, researched and recommended products in a review style format such as this post. The articles include some paid inclusions which goes to helping us keep our audiences informed on the top products happening right here, right now in the parenting space. Please be sure that no product will ever be included in our articles, paid or otherwise, if it doesn’t deserve to be there.
