Must-Have Weaning Essentials: A Guide for New Moms

If you're a new mom, the idea of starting your baby on solid food might feel like yet another big leap into the unknown. You've just got the hang of breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, and now it's time to move into the world of mushy carrots, split porridge, and sticky fingers. Weaning is exciting but also a little intimidating, right?

At Laadlee, we know how overwhelming it can be to sort through endless options of baby products while trying to understand what your child really needs. This guide brings together the signs that your baby is ready to wean, what to expect during the process, and most importantly, a checklist of must-have weaning essentials that are both practical and mom-approved.

Let’s start by figuring out if your baby is ready for this new adventure.

How Do You Know If Your Baby Is Ready to Wean?

Most babies show signs of readiness between 5 to 6 months, but it’s not just about age—it’s about readiness. Every child is different, and these signs are often more reliable than the calendar.

1. Sitting Up Without Support

One of the first signs to look for is whether your baby can sit upright with minimal support. This helps prevent choking and encourages safe swallowing. If your little one is still slouching or sliding over during mealtime, it might be a bit early.

2. Hand-Eye Coordination

Is your baby reaching out for your spoon or trying to grab food from your plate? That’s a green flag. This growing coordination is a great indicator that your baby is ready to try feeding themselves (with a little help from you, of course).

3. Fading Tongue-Thrust Reflex

Babies are born with a reflex that automatically pushes food out of their mouths. If that reflex is slowing down and your baby is starting to move food around in their mouth and swallow it, it’s a strong sign they’re ready to try solids.

What to Expect During Weaning

The weaning stage is full of learning—for your baby and for you. Some meals will be exciting and fun. Others? Not so much. And that’s okay.

You might find yourself celebrating a successful spoonful one day and cleaning it off the floor the next. This early stage is more about exploration than nutrition. Remember, breast milk or formula still provides most of your baby’s nutrition during the first year.

Want a deeper dive into this topic? Don’t miss our blog, “What to Expect During the Weaning”—a kind and detailed guide to help you prepare emotionally and practically.

The Weaning Essentials Checklist

When it comes to feeding your baby, a few thoughtful items can make the whole process smoother for both of you. Here's our Laadlee-approved list of weaning essentials that every mom should have:

1. Highchair

Investing in a quality highchair can make a big difference. Look for one with good back support, a footrest, and a wide, stable base. A detachable tray and washable seat cover are huge bonuses when you’re cleaning up after the tenth “oops!” of the day.

This isn't just about convenience—it helps your baby learn how to eat while sitting upright, safely and comfortably.

Check out our MoMi Kala Baby High Chair Green and Maxi-Cosi Nesta Wood High Chair - Natural, which ensure a stable posture for your little ones.

2. Bibs

You’ll go through plenty of bibs once your baby starts solids. Food will end up everywhere—trust us. Choose soft cotton bibs like BIBS Bandana Bib,  for daily wear and silicone pocket bibs for mealtimes. They catch spills and save you from changing outfits after every feeding.

Keep a few in the diaper bag, too. You never know when snack time might pop up on the go.

3. Sippy Cups

Introducing sippy cups around six months helps babies practise drinking on their own. Some babies prefer straw cups; others like soft spouts. Try a few and see what your baby responds to best. Look for ones with handles like our Mushie Silicone Sippy Cup and Trixie Silicone Sippy Cup—they make gripping easier for tiny hands.

Even if your baby doesn’t drink much from them at first, the practice will help them learn over time.

4. Baby Wipes

These are a weaning-time essential you already know and love. But get ready to double your supply. Baby wipes come in handy for messy faces, sticky fingers, tray spills, and even food-splattered walls (yes, really).

Choose fragrance-free wipes that are gentle on the skin, especially since they’ll be used so often during mealtimes. Check out our  Frida Baby - BreatheFrida Baby Vapor Wipes for Nose Chest Wipes, and Uni Baby Family Wipes for quick & easy hygiene.

5. Feeding Spoons and Bowls

Soft-tipped feeding spoons are gentle on little gums and perfect for beginner bites. Some even change color if the food is too hot—bonus! Combine them with non-slip bowls that won’t slide around on the highchair tray.

Bowls with suction bases are a total game-changer, especially when your baby starts grabbing at everything.

Here are some of our favourite sets: Babymoov Silicone Spoons, Pigeon Feeding Set, Babies Basic Feeding Set. Visit our website for more.

6. Food Storage Containers

Whether you’re puréeing carrots or storing extra fruit mash, small, airtight containers will become your best friends. Choose BPA-free ones like Melii Glass Food Storage Container, Canpol Babies Food Storage Container 180ml, that are freezer-safe and easy to stack. They make meal prepping easier and help reduce food waste.

Tip: Some moms find it helpful to label each container with the date and type of food.

Extra Tips to Make Weaning Easier 

• Take your time – Start with one meal a day and build up gradually.
  

• Let them play – Touching and squishing food is how babies learn.
  

• Eat together – Babies learn by watching. Try to eat meals together when you can.
  

• Offer variety – Introduce different textures, colours, and flavours.
  

• Don’t stress about the mess – It's part of the learning process.
  

Remember, you don’t need fancy gadgets or dozens of products. A few essentials, paired with patience and love, are more than enough.

Conclusion 

Weaning is a big step—not just for your baby, but for you, too. It marks the beginning of more independence, more exploration, and yes, more mess. But it’s also the start of a beautiful journey into shared mealtimes and sweet, sticky smiles.

With the right support and a few reliable tools—like a comfortable highchair, easy-to-clean bibs, beginner-friendly sippy cups, and always-handy baby wipes—you can make this transition smoother and even a little fun.

At Laadlee, we believe that parenting isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence. We're here to support you with thoughtful baby products designed for real messes, real challenges and real milestones that come with motherhood.

Take it one spoonful at a time; you’re doing beautifully.