tried & true BLW tableware
Parenting means teaching a brand new human how to do things I never considered teaching someone how to do - like eating. I’ve done BLW with my son since he turned six months old and in that time I’ve gone through so many products to figure out what works for us - these are the ones that made the cut!
Plates - these plates are by FAR my favorite that we’ve tried. They’re silicone and easy to wash, have three separate compartments, and have four suction cup feet to keep the plate firmly in place and not thrown onto the floor. They also have lids which makes lunches so much easier - my husband and I usually have dinner after my son’s bedtime so this lets me go ahead and make him a portion for the next day’s lunch, then I can just pop the lid on and chill it til it’s time for him to eat!
Spoons - this one has two winners, but we use them differently so I wanted to include both. The first are the chunky silicone baby utensils. These work well for my son feeding himself - both ends of the utensil are textured differently so food sticks better without having to be “scooped” since we haven’t mastered that skill yet. He’ll stab the spoon into yogurt or oatmeal and get enough for a bite, and it still works on developing the fine motor skills he’ll need to use actual spoons. I do also give him a traditional baby spoon when he eats, so this is where the second winner comes in. He doesn’t use this one to feed himself as much but he uses it if he gets food stuck in his cheek or in the roof of his mouth. The silicone spoons are great for self feeding but he didn’t seem to be able to get them where he needed to dislodge stuck food.
Cups - I saw the honey bear cups recommended in a BLW group I’m in on Facebook and decided to give them a try. I love this thing! It’s easy to suck from and doesn’t have any valves or anything. It’s my son’s favorite cup, plus I just think it’s cute!
What are your favorite feeding essentials?
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Embarking on the baby-led weaning journey is incredibly rewarding, but let's be honest, it can also be a messy adventure! From my own experience, having the right tableware isn't just about convenience; it's a huge factor in empowering your little one to master self-feeding skills. When I first started, I was overwhelmed by choices, but I quickly learned that certain features truly make a difference in fostering independence and reducing frustration for both baby and parent. For instance, those fantastic silicone suction plates aren't just a gimmick. They've been a game-changer in preventing mealtime acrobatics! My little one loves to explore, and a plate that stays firmly put means less food on the floor and more in their tummy. I've found that multi-compartment designs are also brilliant for offering a variety of foods without them mixing, which can be great for picky eaters. And as mentioned in my original post, the lids on some of these plates have been a lifesaver for meal prepping, allowing me to get ahead and save time during busy evenings. Next up are spoons – navigating the world of toddler self-feeding with a spoon can be tricky! I started with chunky, textured silicone baby spoons that were easy for small hands to grip. The texture really helped food adhere, making it easier for my baby to get food to their mouth without needing perfect scooping technique. It's amazing to watch their fine motor skills develop! As they got a bit older, I introduced a traditional baby spoon with soft tips. While they might not use it for full self-feeding right away, it's perfect for practicing and for those moments when food gets stuck in their cheeks. Finding a spoon that's comfortable and safe for them to explore is key to encouraging independent utensil use. And let's talk cups! The honey bear-shaped straw cup was a recommendation I stumbled upon, and I'm so glad I tried it. It's fantastic for teaching straw drinking, which is an important oral motor skill. The design helps control the flow, making it less overwhelming than some other straw cups, and it's surprisingly durable. I found it especially useful for encouraging sips of water during meals, and it transitioned smoothly from milk to water. It’s also often recommended for its benefits in oral motor development, making it a great tool for 'therapy baby' needs even if your child doesn't have specific therapy requirements, but simply needs to develop those muscles. Beyond the specific items, remember that patience is your best friend when it comes to baby led weaning self-feeding. There will be messes, and that's perfectly normal! I always lay down a mat under the high chair to make cleanup easier. Offering foods in appropriate sizes and textures for their age is crucial, and always supervise. Celebrate every small victory – whether it's getting a pea to their mouth with a spoon or successfully drinking from the straw cup. Providing stimulating utensils for baby led weaning isn't just about feeding; it's about fostering independence, building confidence, and creating a positive relationship with food from an early age. Watching my baby explore new tastes and textures with these tools has been one of the most rewarding parts of our BLW journey!
such good essentials!!