BLW Supplies: 14 Recommendations From An OT
“Just prep the food safely and let the baby do the rest,” they said. Twenty minutes later you’re frustrated, your baby is wailing, and the dining room looks like the aftermath of the food fight scene in Animal House.
There’s a reason that baby-led weaning (BLW) is so popular and recommended by many pediatricians and therapists (including me). The benefits have proven to be worthwhile but the implementation isn’t always easy—especially at first. This is where some tried and true product recommendations come in handy to smooth out the process.
Criteria For BLW Supplies
When I went down this road of buying up BLW supplies or any baby feeding supplies I set some basic parameters, all of which apply to the products below.
It has to be safe. For products, this means silicone only (no plastic, even if it’s BPA-free) and for the two foods at the bottom, it means no inflammatory ingredients like sugar or seed oils.
It has to be simple, easy to implement, and functional (spiralizers are out of the question)
It has to be durable and able to withstand years of abuse
It has to be affordable (although this category is relative for products like high chairs which have a higher market price)
While there are some baby-led weaning gadgets, I try to stick with what I’ll use for a longer period of time instead of just for a few months.
Before we begin, let’s take a step back. If you’re new to this whole baby led weaning thing then start with BLW: What It Is & How To Do It. And if you’re still not sure which foods to start with then read this: BLW First Foods
Okay, let’s dive into my list of BLW essentials.
BLW Supplies
1. Mini Suction Bowl & Cover (ezpz)
Suction bowls are a must-have. Grab the cover for easy clean ups and storage.
2. Suction Plate (ezpz)
3. Mini Cups & Straws Training (ezpz & Elk and Friends)
4. Tiny Spoon Twin Pack Utensils (ezpz)
5. Bibs & Aprons
Don’t go cheap on these ones like I did initially. GO higher quality and have better meals and cleaner clothes.
6. High Chair (Tripp Trapp)
As durable and adaptable as they say.
7. Spat Mat for Under High Chair (ezpz)
This is a huge time saver and is especially important if you don’t have a dog.
8. Crinkle Cutter
Use this to allow your baby to get a better grip for soft and boiled foods like carrots.
9. Durable Cleaning Supplies (ezpz)
10. Stasher Bags
11. Steamer Insert
12. Cosori Air Fryer
13. Instant Pot
14. Puff Works Organic Peanut Butter Puffs Allergen Introduction
Which BLW supplies worked the best for you and your baby?
