Many parents find starting solids an overwhelming and daunting experience, what do I do, what do I need, how do I start? It's another thing we have to learn as parents! But once you get started hopefully it will be a fun and stress free experience for you all!

Here is helpful checklist of essential items and equipment to help you on your weaning journey. Whether you are doing baby led weaning, purees or a mix of both, these products are tried and tested to help you and your little one navigate solids with ease and less mess (hopefully). 

One things I've learnt as a mum is to persevere and try as much as possible to make eating a positive and relaxed experience. Your little one is going to have good and bad days of eating, no bub is the same, they are not going to 'get it' overnight and yes your organic pumpkin puree might land up on the floor but they will gobble down the store bought pouch. 

What you will need

• High chair

Our two picks are the Stokke Tripp Trapp and the Bumbo. The Tripp Trapp is the chair that quite literally grows with your child. It's an investment but oh so worth it and we love the fact that you can bring bub right up to the table to join meal time plus it looks gorgeous in any home.

The Bumbo can be used as a floor seat, strap it to an adult chair for feeding time in place of using a highchair, and you can use it as a booster by removing the pad.

• Plate

We definitely recommend going with a suction design and don't forget to choose a style and size that will fit your high chair tray. We love the EZPZ range or the divided suction plate from Mushie.

• Recipe books

Be inspired by the experts, we love Annabel Karmel's Weaning and Food Babies Love.

• Freezer portions

Handy silicone freezer storage options by Haakaa and Beaba. These are great for freezing and reheating nutritious meals. The best part is you can pop out individual portions for your needs. 

• Feeder teether

The Haakaa Fresh Food Feeding Teether is the perfect way to introduce solids into your babies diet without the risk of choking and pair perfectly with the nibble trays for just the right portion.

• Subo

An absolute must! The non-squeezable & no mess food bottle.

• Beaba Babycook

Versatile and easy to use, the Beaba Babycook Solo Baby Food Processor lets you prepare healthy and nutritious meals for your little one - less to worry about and less mess. 

• Spoons

We love spoons that are easy to grab and hold like the EZPZ range, BIBS spoon set and the Beaba first age set. 

• Baby food dispensing spoon

Another spoon option from Haakaa for dispensing food without all the mess! Reusable and perfect for feeding on the go.

• Bib

We love Mushie's silicone bib designs that also keep your little one feeling comfy and clean with a deep front pocket to catch any mess. Another option is the long-sleeved, full coverage bibs like the ones from Done by Deer or Bumkins. 

• Splat mat

Starting with solids is bound to get messy. Protect your floors and carpets from feeding mess with the Bumkins machine-washable, waterproof splat mat. 

• Snack cup

Designed with two small handles for an easy grip for little hands, the Mushie silicone snack cup is spill-proof for any baby to take on the go.

• Cups

Don't forget to offer water when you are starting solids. Help make it easy for your little one to learn yet another new art with options from B.Box and Mushie.