Starting solids: which tableware and cutlery to begin with?

With solids, an exciting chapter begins – along with the question of which tableware and cutlery your baby needs for it. The good news: it does not take much. Here is the essential kit for a relaxed start at the family table.

What makes the start easier

• A bowl or plate with a suction base: stays on the table instead of landing straight on the floor – a real help in the early days.
• Soft first spoons: made of soft, rounded material, gentle on the sensitive mouth and easy for little hands.
• A good bib: ideally with a catch pocket, which catches a lot. Silicone bibs wipe clean in seconds.
• A sippy cup: for the first sipping practice – depending on your approach, an open cup works too. Later, a good water bottle for on the go is worth it – such as the water bottles by Bink.

What to look for in the material

Baby tableware should be robust, free from harmful substances and easy to clean. Silicone and high-quality plastic are shatterproof and sit well in little hands. Look for BPA-free materials. Anything dishwasher-safe is practical – it saves a lot of time in everyday life.

Do I need special cutlery?

At the beginning, a soft spoon is enough. Over time, when your child wants to eat independently, child-friendly forks and spoons with thick, easy-to-grip handles come into play. Let your child try early on – even if more lands next to the mouth than in it at first, it is an important learning step.

Less is more here too

You do not need a complete set. A bowl, a few spoons, a bib and a cup are perfectly sufficient for the start. You can add the rest once you see what suits you. By the way: the solids phase often coincides with teething, when babies put everything in their mouths anyway – what helps then is covered in our guide When to start with a teething ring?

Frequently asked questions

When do you start with solids?

The start is usually recommended between months 5 and 7 – when your baby shows signs of readiness: sitting with support, showing interest in food and no longer reflexively pushing the spoon out with the tongue. If in doubt, discuss the timing with your paediatrician.

How much tableware do I really need?

For the start: one or two bowls, two to three soft spoons, one or two bibs and a cup. More accumulates by itself – and by then you will know what works for you.

Open cup or sippy cup?

Both have their fans. The open cup trains drinking directly (with practice and spills), sippy cups with a soft spout are more leak-proof for on the go. Many families simply use both – open at the table, sealed for the bag.

In our Cups, Cutlery + Plates collection you will find child-friendly tableware, especially lovely the silicone products by Mushie – read more about the brand in our Mushie portrait.