Starting your baby on solids marks an exciting new phase for parents, though it can also feel nerve-wracking. While some techniques or foods may work for certain babies, others may not take to them so easily. This is where baby-led weaning can take some stress off your shoulders, making your baby’s foray into the world of solids more natural and much easier. But you won’t want to start empty-handed. Keep reading for the essentials you can get at Mothercare Malaysia for this approach known for fostering independence, fine motor skills, and adventurous eating habits.

Understanding Baby-Led Weaning

Baby-led weaning (BLW) is a method of introducing solids that puts babies in control of their mealtime. This approach is rooted in self-feeding with finger foods, completely skipping purées and spoon-feeding. Family meals play an important role in baby-led weaning, with babies sitting at the table and eating the same foods as the rest of the family. The key is ensuring the food is age-appropriate, cut into finger-size pieces, and soft enough to be easily squished with your fingers.

How to Know Your Baby is Ready for Baby-Led Weaning

It’s often recommended to introduce babies to solid foods around 6 months of age. But most parents would agree that it’s much more nuanced than that — babies develop at their own pace, so it’s best to follow their cues rather than rely solely on strict timelines. If your infant is ready for baby-led weaning, they:

• Can hold their head upright and sit up unsupported
• Welcome food to their mouth rather than pushing it away with their tongue
• Show interest in your food, by actively watching and reaching for what you eat
• Can grasp food using a palmar or pincer grasp to bring it to their mouth
• Have doubled their birth weight 

Don’t hesitate to reach out to your paediatrician to confirm if your baby is ready for solids or baby-led weaning. Once you’re confident, the following baby-led weaning gear will make the transition smoother for your little one and more manageable for you! 

1. High Chair

Featuring Tripp Trapp Chair (Classic Collection) by Stokke

A high chair provides a designated space for your baby to stay put during mealtime. Designed to keep your baby in an upright position for comfortable and safe eating, it also allows you to bring them to the table to join the family. Invest in a sturdy and adjustable high chair, ensuring it is secure enough to prevent tipping or your child slumping over. 

2. Baby Fork and Spoon

Featuring Easy Grip Spoon & Fork Set (4 Pack) by Mothercare

Around 10 to 12 months of age, your baby will be nearly ready to start using utensils. Soft-tipped forks and spoons with ergonomic handles will not only give your little one more success but also ensure safer manipulation with their tiny hands. Look for utensils with rounded edges, and are made with soft plastic or silicone. The first few months are guaranteed to be a bit clumsy (the journey from bowl to spoon to mouth is treacherous), but they will pave the way for improved self-feeding.

3. Baby Plate and Bowl

Featuring Big Weaning Bowl With Heat Sensor Spoon by Tommee Tippee

The last thing you want is for a bowl to go flying off the table or the high chair tray. These baby plates and bowls come with handy features like a shallow form and a suction base to keep them in place, minimising mess. Plus, some of them have deep scooped sides that make feeding easier, and are created to be easily held with one hand — perfect for your child, who’s exploring new skills. 

4. Spill-Proof Sippy Cup

Featuring Sippee Cup 190ml (4M+) by Tommee Tippee

Sippy cups, also called trainer cups, make the transition from bottle feeding to open cup drinking smoother. Babies can start using them for water after 6 months of age, once they begin solids. These cups are typically leak-proof, durable enough to handle drops, and designed with ridges and curved handles for easy grip. They support the development of fine motor skills and coordination, helping babies learn how to drink independently.

5. Storage Containers

Featuring Collapsible Silicone Snack Cup by Snapkis

You can prepare and store baby-friendly foods in advance, such as when you’re travelling, with food storage containers. Pre-cut fruits, vegetables, and finger-size foods fit right into these containers that are perfect for portioning. 

6. Silicone Bibs

Featuring Oh-So-Soft Silicone Bib (Panda) by Snapkis

Keep the messes from ruining your child’s favourite outfits with silicone bibs. These handy bibs not only catch dropped food, but also stay securely in place. Be sure to choose ones made from food-grade, BPA-free silicone. They’re lightweight, soft and water-resistant, making them a breeze to clean. And, you can roll them up and take them anywhere for mealtime on-the-go.

7. Baby Food Processor

Featuring Steamer Blender (The Clash) by Tommee Tippee

Need a hand with chopping and slicing? A food blender can be a real time-saver, helping you nail the right consistency for every stage of weaning. For baby-led weaning, you’ll want chunks that are soft enough to mash between your fingers but still big enough for your little one to grab in their fist. Going for a food maker that steams and blends at the same time allows you to whip up healthy, baby-friendly meals in no time. Pro tip: Increase the fun by using food cutters to create safe, fun shapes for your baby to discover. It’ll be like a treasure hunt on their plate!

8. Weaning Pots

Featuring Clevaportions Freezer & Storage Pots by Clevamama

Weaning pots, or storage pots, are super handy containers designed to make feeding your baby as easy as ABC. These perfectly portioned pots mean you can prep meals in advance and store them in ready-to-eat cubes, chunks and all. When it’s time to feed your little one, just heat them up—no extra hassle for the homemade meals on the go! And don’t worry about spills on bumpy roads, the dependable click-lock system has you covered.

9. Silicone Safe Feeder

Featuring Silicone Safe Feeder by Clevamama

Snacking is one of the joys of baby-led weaning, and nothing suits the task better than silicone safe feeders shaped like pacifiers—but filled with all the good stuff. The ClevaFeed Fruit Feeder features a soft silicone teat that lets your baby safely chew and gnaw on fruit, and with an easy-grip handle that encourages self-feeding, it transforms snack time into a prime opportunity for fostering independence. Plus, here’s a little secret: this self-feeder isn’t just for snacks, it can also soothe your baby’s discomfort during those challenging teething periods right around the corner at 6 months of age.

10. Clean-Up Supplies

Featuring Baby Wipes (80s) by Snapkis

Clean up! Clean up! Everybody, everywhere. Cleaning after mealtimes, especially during your baby’s transition into solids, can feel like a full-time job, but having the right supplies on hand makes it less stressful. Every parent’s toolkit should include disposable wipes, utensil cleaners, and good laundry detergent to tackle the unavoidable mess that comes with baby-led weaning. A stash of disposable wipes allows you to tackle any mess on the spot, utensil cleaners can sanitise spoons, forks, and baby food scissors anywhere quickly and efficiently, and quality laundry detergent keeps everything fresh and clean, even through multiple mishaps.

Learn about baby-led weaning and more parenting topics with Mothercare Malaysia’s blog. Or, connect with our Digital Nursery Advisors to get tips and recommendations personally and conveniently.

Mothercare Malaysia has experience stores at Suria KLCC and Mid Valley Megamall for mums and dads to get hands-on understanding of the baby products they desire. Visit us now.