💕 Momma Reviewed

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So, your baby is finally ready to eat solids and drink from a cup. Congratulations—you’ve officially unlocked a new level of parenting. Think less “Instagram-worthy avocado toast” and more “mushed bananas in your hair at 7 a.m.” But don’t worry, I’ve rounded up the top feeding essentials that will help keep you (mostly) sane, your kitchen (somewhat) intact, and your baby happily eating (and hopefully not throwing) their meals.

1. The Throne: A High Chair

Get it here

This isn’t just a high chair—it’s your baby’s first dining throne. It’s where they’ll learn to fling food, pound fists, and drop Cheerios like royal decrees. Bonus: it’s easy to clean, which is the only thing that matters because, spoiler alert, spaghetti sauce stains are forever. It also comes with two trays and the ability to be pushed right up to the table! I have used this through two kids and I love it.

 

2. The Damage Control: High Chair Mat

Grab one here

Unless you enjoy crawling around your floor after every meal like a crime scene investigator (“Is that sweet potato or something worse?”), you’ll want this mat. It catches the avalanche of crumbs, yogurt blobs, and mystery goo that will inevitably fall—saving your sanity and your floors. I recommend getting 2, they can go right in the washer also which is great. I also travel with these to family members or friends homes so I’m not destroying any of their floors either.

 

3. The Plates: Because Regular Dishes Don’t Stand a Chance

Option 1 | Option 2

Babies have a sixth sense for knowing if a plate is breakable. These unbreakable, suction-y plates are your new BFFs. They stick to the high chair tray (mostly) and come in fun, kid-friendly designs. Translation: fewer “plate flips” and more actual eating. I’ve linked two options for you, one ceramic and silicone and one just silicone. I personally like the ceramic much more (I feel like these will last longer even through multiple kids), howeverrrr the silicone ones (do not last as long) but they have a lid which is great if you have to bring your own food places for a *picky eater* 😳

 

4. The Cups: Training for Adulthood Hydration

Open Cup 1 | Open Cup 2

Because apparently your baby needs to learn how to drink like a “big kid.” These cups are designed for tiny hands and make the transition from bottle to cup slightly less dramatic. I like these because they are easy to clean and they grow with them. Bonus tip: take them into the bath and let the clean water run at the end of bath time and let your little ones practice drinking water from the open cup! (because let’s be honest, these kids drink the bath water either way, might as well seize the moment) 🫧

 

5. The Utensils: For When they want a taste of independence

Shop them here

Tiny forks and spoons that won’t stab anyone? Yes, please. These utensils are easy to grip, soft enough for little mouths, and make self-feeding look adorable—even if most of the food ends up everywhere but their mouth. These are also very long lasting, and dishwasher friendly! I have had mine through multiple kids.

 

6. The Water Cups: Because One Is Never Enough

Option 1 |
Option 2 |
Option 3 |
Option 4

Pro tip: you will need multiple water cups because you’ll lose them. One will roll under the couch, another will be left in the car, and one will mysteriously vanish forever. These options are (mostly) spill-resistant (IYKYK) and toddler-approved. If you haven’t figured this out yet – most if not all cups are not fully leak proof. These are my go-to’s and from my experience leak the least. I’ve included stainless steel ones and plastic ones.

 

7. The Snack Cups: Snack Time = Sanity Saver

Option 1 | Option 2

The Holy Grail of car rides and stroller walks (these also attach with the busy baby bungee – keep reading). These snack cups are designed so baby can reach in for puffs without dumping the whole thing in your backseat. Will they still find a way to crush snacks into dust? Absolutely. But at least you tried. The mushie cup is easier to use for first timers. The skip hop cup is a tank of a snack cup, it can be pre-loaded and it has a lid. A diaper bag any time you leave the house essential. 

 

8. The Snack Box: Mom-Level Organization

Get it here

When you’re officially in “bring snacks everywhere or else” mode, this divided snack box will be your lifesaver. Pack different foods, keep them separate, and instantly feel like the Pinterest mom you always swore you wouldn’t become. They are also see through and they have a hard outside – no one wants crushed cheddar bunnies – especially not your toddler.

 

9. The Bibs: Your First Line of Defense

Option 1 | Option 2

Look, bibs won’t save their clothes completely, but they’ll help. These are easy to clean (just rinse and reuse), and some even have a handy little food-catching pouch. Because yes, your baby will drop spaghetti in their lap on purpose. The silicone ones are a little bulky but dishwasher friendly. The fabric ones can also be put in the dishwasher but I usually hand wash these or throw them in with the laundry. they also fold up nice and compact for eating out in the wild 🥣

 

10. The Disposable Helpers: For Travel & Chaos

Disposable Placemats |
Disposable Bibs

Eating out with a baby is… an adventure. Disposable placemats and bibs will be your “I actually planned ahead” moment. Use them, toss them, and feel like a genius for avoiding a sticky public high chair tray. Store them right in your snack holder/diaper bag. These have never let me down!

 

11. The Busy Baby Heroes: For Distraction During Meals

Busy Baby Mat |
Busy Baby Bungee Option 1 |
Busy Baby Bungee Option 2

Babies love dropping spoons (again and again and again). These genius products keep things attached to the high chair, so you’re not stuck playing fetch every two seconds. Bonus: your lower back will thank you.

The Bungee’s also attach to the stroller and personally, my bungee’s just live on my stroller always and forever. trust me you’ll be saying “thank god for that bungee.” 🤣

 

Final Thoughts: You Got This, Mama

Starting solids is messy, chaotic, and absolutely hilarious. With the right feeding essentials, you can survive the flying blueberries, the spaghetti face masks, and the inevitable Cheerios in your bra. (Yep, it’ll happen.)

Happy feeding—and may your coffee always be strong enough to power through mealtime chaos

If there are any products you would like to share leave it in the comments below!

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As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This just means if you click through one of my links and buy something, I may earn a tiny commission (at no extra cost to you). It helps keep Momma Reviewed running—so thank you, mama! 💕