Starting solids: which tableware and cutlery to begin with?

Starting solids is an exciting chapter – and raises the question of which tableware and cutlery your baby needs. The good news: it doesn’t need to be much. Here’s what you really need 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 rather than ending up straight on the floor – a genuine help in the early days.
• Soft first spoons: with soft, rounded material, comfortable for a sensitive mouth and small hands.
• A good bib: ideally with a food catcher, which catches a lot. Silicone bibs wipe clean quickly.
• A training cup: for first swallowing practice – an open cup works well too depending on your approach.

What to look for in the materials

Tableware for babies should be robust, free of harmful substances and easy to clean. Silicone and high-quality plastic are unbreakable and sit comfortably in small hands. Look for BPA-free materials. Anything dishwasher-safe is a practical choice – it saves a lot of time in daily life.

Do I need special cutlery?

To start with, a soft spoon is enough. Over time, as your child wants to feed themselves, child-friendly forks and spoons with thick, easy-to-grip handles come in handy. Let your child try feeding themselves early on – even if more ends up around the mouth than in it at first, it’s an important learning step.

Less is more here too

You don’t need a full set of everything. A bowl, a few spoons, a bib and a cup are perfectly enough to get started. Add the rest as you discover what works for you.

In our cups, cutlery + plates collection you’ll find child-friendly tableware – particularly lovely are the silicone products from Mushie.