Introducing solids: essential gear (and what you can skip)

Introducing solid foods generally begins between 4 and 6 months, upon the advice of a pediatrician or doctor. Before filling a basket with 15 accessories, here is what is truly useful on a daily basis, and what ends up at the back of a cupboard.

The truly essential equipment

1. A stable high chair

This is the only big purchase on the list. Baby must be seated upright, with their back supported and feet resting on a footrest if possible: this is safer for swallowing and more comfortable for eating.

To check before buying:

• a 5-point harness (or at least a crotch strap);
• a wide base that won't tip over;
• a tray that is easy to clean, with no crevices;
• adjustable height and footrest, so the chair lasts for several years.

Never leave baby alone in their high chair during meals.

2. Adapted soft spoons

The first spoons should be small, with a shallow bowl and a soft edge so as not to hurt the gums. A handle long enough for the adult doing the feeding, or shorter and thicker for the baby to practice holding it themselves later on. Two or three are enough.

3. Easy-to-wash bibs

During the first few weeks, everything ends up on the baby. Two types of bibs cover almost every situation:

• a pocket bib (silicone), which catches what falls;
• a long-sleeved bib for very messy meals.

Five or six fabric bibs, for daily use, complete the rotation.

4. A non-slip plate or bowl

A suction base or silicone material prevents the plate from ending up on the floor after ten seconds. Also practical: models with compartments, for presenting several foods without mixing them.

5. A training glass or cup

Offer water from the very start of diversification, during meals. A small open glass or a training cup allows the baby to get used to drinking in a way other than from a bottle or the breast.

6. Storage containers

To prepare purees in advance and freeze them: small glass jars or silicone molds with lids that can go in the freezer. Always label the date on each container.

7. Cooking and blending tools

There is no need for a specialized food processor to start. A saucepan, a steamer basket, and an immersion blender (which you might already have) are enough. A combination steamer-blender becomes practical if you prepare a lot of homemade meals, but it is not mandatory.

What you can skip (at least at the beginning)

• "Complete" 20-piece kits: you will only use a small portion of the accessories.
• Multi-tiered bowls and specialized gadgets: a plate and a few containers do the same job.
• Highly decorative utensils: they are often harder to clean.
• A fully equipped food processor from day one: wait to see if you are cooking from scratch or if you are alternating with store-bought baby food.

Safety rules to know

• Baby should eat sitting up, never lying down or while walking.
• An adult must stay next to them throughout the meal.
• Avoid hard, round, or fibrous whole foods that present a choking hazard (nuts, whole grapes, raw carrots, for example).
• For allergens and the introduction of certain foods, follow the advice of your pediatrician.

Quick checklist before buying

FAQ

At what age should you start introducing solid foods?

Between 4 and 6 months in general. Every baby is different: seek advice from your pediatrician or doctor before starting.

Do you need to buy a high chair right from the start?

Not necessarily for the very first meal, but baby must be positioned securely and sitting upright. A high chair quickly becomes the easiest option.

Is store-bought baby food a bad option?

No. Homemade or store-bought, what matters is the variety of foods and adapting the textures to the baby's age.

What quantities should you plan for initially?

A few spoonfuls are enough: the goal of the first meals is discovery, not quantity. Milk remains the primary source of nutrition.