Weaning Essentials: How to Set Up Your Baby's First Meals

Starting solids is as exciting as it is messy. Between the first purées, flying spoons and upturned bowls, the right gear really does make everyday life easier. Here's how to prepare your baby's first meals, step by step, without turning the kitchen into a battlefield.

When should you get equipped?

Weaning usually begins somewhere between 4 and 6 months, at your baby's own pace and following the advice of the health professional who sees them. There's no need to buy everything months in advance: a few well-chosen accessories are enough to get started, and you can add to them over the following weeks.

Step 1: a stable, secure set-up

Before even thinking about tableware, think about position. Your baby should sit upright, with their back supported, facing you.

• Use a stable high chair or an age-appropriate booster seat, with the harness fastened.
• Rest their feet on a footrest if the chair has one: they'll sit better and stay more focused.
• Never leave your baby alone while eating, not even for a few seconds.
• Keep a small towel or a muslin within reach.

Step 2: choose a suction plate

A suction plate is your best friend in the early days. Its base grips smooth surfaces (a high chair tray, a varnished table) and stands up to curious little hands. Look for:

• a divided design, handy for keeping purée, starchy foods and finger foods apart;
• food-grade silicone, soft and unbreakable;
• a plate that is dishwasher and microwave-safe to save time.

Tip: place the suction base on a clean, dry surface, then press down on the centre of the plate. To remove it, lift the small release tab.

Step 3: a spoon that suits little mouths

First spoons should be small, light and soft-tipped. Silicone feels gentle in the mouth and doesn't clink against teeth. Have two spoons on the go: one for you and one for your baby, who will very quickly want to join in.

Step 4: a bib that actually catches things

A silicone pocket bib catches dropped food and rinses clean in seconds under the tap. It's far easier to live with than a fabric bib that needs washing after every meal. Our silicone baby feeding set brings together the suction plate, soft spoon and pocket bib in matching colours.

Step 5: learning to drink from a cup

From around 6 months, you can offer a few sips of water with meals. A straw cup with handles is easier to manage than an ordinary cup and helps limit spills. Start with a small amount and let your baby explore: they'll soon get the hang of it.

Caring for silicone feeding gear

To keep your accessories looking good for longer:

1. Rinse them straight after the meal so food doesn't dry on.
2. Wash them in the dishwasher or in hot soapy water.
3. Avoid abrasive scourers, which scratch the surface.
4. For carrot or tomato stains, leave them to dry in the sun: the colour often fades on its own.
5. Let everything dry completely before putting it away, especially the cup's straw.

Your first-meals checklist

• A stable high chair with a harness
• A divided suction plate
• Two soft-tip spoons
• A silicone pocket bib
• A straw cup
• A wipe or a muslin for little accidents

With this simple kit, every meal becomes a moment of discovery and sharing. And remember: a bit of mess is all part of learning!