Learning how to wean your baby, especially the first time, can feel pretty daunting, but with the best baby weaning products, such as a baby food maker, you'll be raring to go. Baby weaning is a huge milestone for your little one (not to mention a big learning curve for you, too) and is a chance for your baby to try one of life's simple pleasures - food!
There are many different ways to wean your baby onto solid foods. For some parents, spoon-fed weaning is the way to go using plenty of toddler-friendly cutlery. Other parents and tots prefer the baby-led weaning method, which can be much more fun for little ones. Whether you opt for baby-led weaning or spoon-fed weaning is really down to personal preference and how you want to introduce your baby to their first foods and what that method entails.
Either way, they're going to be making a whole lot of mess as they discover new flavours and textures, so finding the best baby weaning products, or even going for a matching baby weaning set will make your little one's journey onto solid foods a whole lot easier.
Editor's choice
• Best baby weaning product overall: Joyto Bamboo Bundle Bowl and Lion Plate – Buy now on Amazon
• Best weaning suction plate: EasyMat MiniMax – Buy now on Amazon
• Best baby weaning starter set: Bubba Bear® Baby Weaning Set – Buy now on Amazon
• Best baby weaning spoons: Tommee Tippee Easigrip Self-Feeding Weaning Spoons – Buy now on Amazon
From specially designed weaning bowls and plates to prevent messy mealtimes to kitchen gadgets and must-read books, here are the best baby weaning products for breakfast and beyond.
Best baby weaning products 2023
groceries.aldi.co.uk
Description
The Aldi Mamia Organic Apples, Carrots and Parsnips Fruit Pouch was awarded Gold for Best Feeding Product for Weaning at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.
These soft and smoothly blended Aldi Mamia Organic Apples, Carrots and Parsnips fruit pouches are perfect handy snacks when on the go or at home, for when your baby is starting their weaning journey and great for when your little one is introduced to feeding themselves.
Our mum tester said: "The Mamia Organic Apples, Carrots & Parsnips Fruit Pouch is great for food on the go for my baby. It’s practical and easy to carry around as a go to back up if needed or as a meal. With it being sweet and savoury ingredients it feels like it can be a meal for any time of day. My baby really enjoyed this meal."
Read our full Aldi Mamia Organic Apples, Carrots and Parsnips Fruit Pouch review.
Pros
- Tasty
- Organic
- Affordable
- Vegetarian
- Easily stored due to screw cap
Cons
- Big portions- could have different sizes for different ages.
Description
The How to Feed Your Toddler by Charlotte Stirling-Reed was awarded Silver for Best Feeding Product for Weaning at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.
For many parents, toddlerhood is where they can get derailed on the feeding journey, finding that their child, who happily ate colourful, creative, home-cooked meals, suddenly refuses anything but fish fingers! Starting at 12 months, and taking you right through to pre-school age, How to Feed Your Toddler brings together Charlotte's trademark approach of evidence-based advice, nurturing support and practical problem-solving to give you the confidence to help your toddler develop a positive relationship with food.
Our mum tester said: "How to Feed Your Toddler has been so useful! We’ve used it a lot. I initially expected to use it most with my one year old for some inspiration on how to move us on in his weaning journey but actually it helps reinvigorate mealtime for all of us, my five and three year old too! The flapjacks are now a staple and definitely feel more like a treat!"
Read our full How to Feed Your Toddler by Charlotte Stirling-Reedreview.
Pros
- Nutritional
- Simple to follow recipes
- It's not just a recipe book - provides advise and guidelines too
- Relatable
Cons
- More quick and easy recipes.
bibado.co.uk
Description
The Bibado Coverall Weaning Bib was awarded Bronze for Best Feeding Product for Weaning at the Mother&Baby Awards 2024.
The Bibado Weaning Baby Bib was specifically designed to help make the weaning journey easier and stress-free for parent and baby. Intended to make parents' lives easier by saving time cleaning up after mealtimes, it contains the mess and also keeps baby clean, dry and stain free - which is essential during the weaning period!
Our mum tester said: "An absolute game changer! The product is easily the best bib I have used for my children. My son has always been a really messy eater, so a bib like this is really helpful. It ensures that he is not getting covered in food, or soaking wet from his water, and makes the clear up after so much easier. I can simply catch everything in the bib and pop into the bin. Plus the fact that it is machine washable is SO helpful!"
Read our full Bibado Coverall Weaning Bib review.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Covers baby well
- Adjustable sizing
Cons
- Limited arm and neck hole sizes
- Limited range of designs
Best baby weaning product overall
Description
Award: Won Gold in the Mother&Baby Awards 2023 for Best Feeding Product for Weaning
This adorable weaning Joyto Bamboo Bundle Bowl and Lion Plate includes a bowl, lion-shaped plate and spoon made from 100 per cent bamboo. The bowl has a super silicone suction base to keep it firmly in one place, while the spoon has a silicone end that's gentle on your baby's gums and little teeth.
Review: "The Joyto bamboo Lion plate and bowl set is such a lovely, fun design. We couldn't wait to start using it. Both plate and bowl are a great size and very easy to wash. The suction is amazing on both the plate and bowl, which makes it very hard for my little girl to remove, which is a huge plus."
Read our full Joyto Bamboo Bundle Bowl and Lion Plate review
Pros
- Cute design, available in six colours
- Toxin-free, BPA-free, phthalates-free, PVC and lead-free
- Made from 100 per cent bamboo with high-quality food-grade silicone spoon end
Cons
- Not suitable for dishwasher
Best weaning suction plate
Description
Awards: Won Silver in Mother&Baby Awards 2023 for Best Feeding Product for Weaning
The EasyMat MiniMax suction plate has the strongest suction power on the market, retaining all the great features of the EasyMat Mini but with the addition of an extra-strong large central suction base, meaning that even if your baby beats the corner suckers, they will not move this plate! Made to fit most high chairs, it also doubles up as a lunchbox, perfect for at home and feeding on the go.
Review: "I love this product! My little boy is a messy eater and likes to throw everything off his highchair. We've tried lots of different suction plates and bowls, but he's managed to unstick all except the EasyMat MiniMax. We've used it for breakfast cereal, pasta dinners and loads more."
Read our full EasyTots EasyMat MiniMax review
Pros
- Comes with a lid
- No more mess
- Microwave and dishwasher safe
Cons
- Doesn't work well on textured surfaces
Best weaning bundle with open cup
Description
Awards: Won Bronze in the Mother&Baby Awards 2023 for Best Feeding Product for Weaning
The ideal weaning kit for both baby-led and traditional weaning. Designed together with feeding and swallowing specialist Stacey Zimmels and Dr Gill Rapley, pioneer of baby-led weaning. The TUM TUM Baby Weaning Bundle includes a 'foodie face' Baby Suction Plate and Lidded Baby Suction Bowl, Baby Cutlery and Trainer Cup with three stages, to evolve as your baby grows and help them develop fine motor skills.
Review: "The size and design of the cutlery encouraged my child to hold them as she could get a grip and try herself. It also meant that with the suction palates that the plate stayed still whilst she concentrated on picking food up."
Read our full TUM TUM Baby Weaning Bundle review
Pros
- Designed with experts
- Bright colours and faces add interest
- Promote baby-led weaning
Cons
- Doesn't stick well when liquids are spilt
Best baby weaning starter set
Description
Food going everywhere and cutlery on the floor can be expected during baby and toddler mealtimes, especially if you are baby-led weaning. But this Bubba Bear® Baby Weaning Set has been designed to withstand any mealtime madness. The silicone suction base on the plate and bowl (which is BPA-free) sticks firmly to any flat surface, while the silicone-ended spoon is gentle on teething gums. All items are also made from natural bamboo, which is more durable than most hardwoods, and has anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties.
There are so many weaning bowls and plates out there, so make sure you check out all of the ones we recommend.
Mother&Baby Commercial Writer, Samantha says: "We've saved so many meals from being thrown on the floor with this set. It sticks easily to high chair trays and tables, so we can encourage independent feeding without having to hold the plate, which also means we can all enjoy mealtimes together."
Read our full Bubba Bear® Baby Weaning Set review
Pros
- Made from natural bamboo and BPA Free food grade silicone
- Set comes in a range of colours
- Shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards 2022
Cons
- Best hand washed
Best baby weaning book
Description
There are so many baby weaning books to choose from, and this one, Wean in 15 by Joe Wicks from dad-of-three, contains 100 tasty and healthy recipes for your baby, from finger foods and purées to adapting your own favourite meals. Not only has he created it from his experience of weaning his daughter, Indie, but it's also combined with expert guidance from a leading registered nutritionist.
Mother&Baby Editor, Maria says: "Joe Wicks makes weaning so much fun and has helped me with plenty of quick-fire recipes that are full of nutrients and taste so good. Some of my favourite recipes are Joe's Butternut and Kidney Bean Quesadilla, Cheese and Tomato Orzo and Cheese and Broccoli Scones. The book has recipes that cater through every month of your little one's development through this journey and also includes lots of useful and important information on prepping meals, gagging vs choking, nutritional values and much more."
Pros
- 100 quick and easy recipes that can be eaten by babies and parents
- Affordable
- Recipes make large quantities
- Guidance from an expert nutritionist
Cons
- Some recipes can take a little longer to make, but worthwhile
Best weaning coverall
Description
We all know that meal times with kids, more often or not, equate to mess, but you can expect a lot more when weaning. This BIBaDO Baby and Toddler Feeding Coverall will keep your baby and toddler clean and dry and comes in a range of cute prints to choose from. It's large enough to fit over highchair trays and machine washable too.
Mother&Baby Editor, Maria says: "I love to let my daughter explore her mealtime environment, but as a parent, you know that food can go everywhere! I love using a bib with sleeves, like this one from BIBaDO, as it keeps my little one completely clean, it catches food along the way, it's wipe clean and completely waterproof. I couldn't have gone on this weaning journey without it."
Read our Bibado Coverall Weaning Bib review here
Pros
- Grows with your baby — suitable from 6 to 36 months
- Machine washable at 40 degrees
- Adjustable neck hole and sleeves
- Comes in a variety of designs
- Waterproof
Cons
- Difficult to adjust
Best baby weaning storage pots
Description
Whether it's on-the-go feeding or storing your baby's food, these Babymoov Babybols Multiset Baby Food Storage Containers and spoons allow your little one to eat nutritious homemade meals wherever you go. They're ideal for homemade purees, finger foods such as cucumber pieces and seal easily and safely.
One parent review said: "These are by far the best baby food storage I have purchased. Really decent sizes, good lids, can go in the microwave and dishwasher. Excellent quality!"
Pros
- Dishwasher and microwave safe
- BPA free
- Markable and erasable surface, so you can write contents on the lid
- Graduated, so you can keep track of how much food you've given baby
Cons
- Quite small
Best kitchen gadget for spoon-fed weaning
Description
If you're spoon-fed weaning, then a hand blender or baby food maker is a must, but a Bosch ErgoMixx Hand Blender is also just a great little gadget to have in your kitchen. Whip up baby purees, soups, sauces and smoothies with this powerful blender from Bosch, which has 12-speed settings and also comes with a mini chopper and beaker to store your contents.
One parent review said: "What a great item this is in the kitchen. It's fast and very quiet, the best hand mixer I've ever had."
Pros
- Dishwasher safe parts
- Great value — blender, chopper and storage beaker included
- Anti-suction technology to prevent splashes
Cons
- Can be a little fiddly to clean
Best kitchen gadget for baby-led weaning
Description
This may not be the typical baby weaning product, but our commercial writer says this Salter 4-in-1 Snack Maker has been fantastic for baby-led weaning. With four interchangeable plates, it can easily make a range of snacks that your little one will love, from French toast to omelettes, while you can also enjoy sandwiches and waffles — it's a win-win for everyone.
Mother&Baby Commercial Writer, Samantha says: "We make a lot of flavoured omelettes, quesadillas and french toast, which both my five-year-old and 11-month-old love. It's easy and quick to use, and the plates can be changed so I can make breakfast and lunch quickly."
Pros
- Great for babies and adults
- Makes a range of snacks — waffles, omelettes, french toast, toasties, paninis
- Decent size, but not too big
Cons
- Takes a while to warm up
Best baby weaning cup
Description
Shortlisted for Best Feeding Product for Weaning in our 2023 Mother&Baby Awards, this MAM Starter Cup with Glow Handles is the bridge between bottle and cup for your baby. Suitable from 4 months, it has a soft spill-free spout and non-slip handles, comfortable for your baby to hold. They're also glow-in-the-dark too, so you can easily find it without disturbing your baby during the night.
One parent review said: "My little boy loved this starter cup, it is light for him to hold and easy to grasp. It has the added bonus of handles that glow in the dark, which is different to most on the market and helps make it easy to find at night. Would definitely recommend."
Review our MAM Starter Cup with Glow Handles review
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- Soft spill-free spout, so baby can control flow rate
- Small and lightweight
- Sweet design
Cons
- Doesn't come in additional colours
Best baby weaning spoons
Description
Whether you're letting your baby explore their own food, or you're feeding them yourself, spoons are a must-have. These Tommee Tippee Easigrip Self-Feeding Weaning Spoons are brightly coloured, BPA-free and suitable from 4 months onwards. They have chunky easy-grip handles for you or your baby to hold and have soft rounded tips to be gentle on their gums.
One parent review said: "Very nice feeding spoons. Lovely for little hands to hold, even my 6-month-old is able to hold them correctly and try to feed himself. Would purchase again."
Pros
- Affordable and great value for money — 5 in a pack
- Wide and flat spoon base for easy scooping
- Dishwasher safe
- BACSHIELD antibacterial technology reduces bacteria by up to 99.9 per cent
Cons
- Flat surface can cause food to slip off occasionally
FAQs
What do I need to buy to start weaning?
Plates, bowls and sets
With so many different plates, bowls and trays on the market, it can feel like an impossible choice. If you're wanting to make a more sustainable choice, we'd recommend bamboo plates and bowls. If you're wanting everything in your kitchen to match or want your tot to get used to a similar kind of plate or bowl, then we'd recommend opting for a set. Most kids prefer their food to be separated at first, which is why many parents go for divided plates or trays that allow your little one to pick and choose what they want to try first.
One thing we'd recommend thinking about is how easy they'll be to wash. Opt for plates and bowls that are dishwasher safe ideally that won't stain or break easily. We'd also always recommend opting for plates and bowls that can stick with suction to the table or high-chair tray to avoid any accidents or spillages.
Cutlery
Obviously a sharp metal knife and fork would be dangerous to give your little baby so a soft silicone set of cutlery that's soft on gums but also dishwasher and steriliser safe is essential. Especially if you're trying spoon-led feeding or if you want to encourage baby to use their cutlery from an early age. A few BPA-free spoons should be enough to get you started.
Food prep kit
For parents wanting to try their baby on puree food combinations to kick-off their weaning journey, you'll need a good food processor or blender to make sure the food is nice and smooth.
If your plan is to prep the food while your baby is sleeping, then you might want to go for a quiet blender so you don't wake them. You'll also want one that's easy to clean after each use as in those early months of weaning, you'll likely be using this a lot.
As well as a food processor, a sandwich maker is a popular prep choice for mums and dads of weaning babies. These can help you make tasty wraps, toasties and hot sandwiches for your tot as they grow and are able to chew more textures and flavours.
Sippy cup
Having some water by them is a must when they're eating, but you'll need a good sippy cup that's easy to drink out of. We love sippy cups with a suction cup underneath so your little one will find it harder to pick their cup up and throw it across the room.
What are the best weaning foods?
Your baby should be able to consume similar foods whether you're doing spoon-fed weaning or baby-led weaning, as whatever you give your baby should be soft to avoid choking.
Particular foods that are great for weaning (and packed full of vitamins and nutrients) at around six to seven months include avocados, bananas, mashed potato (or sweet potato), soft-cooked carrot, steamed broccoli florets and porridge.
As well as the vegetables mentioned above, it's also a good idea to get your baby used to bitter tasting veg such as courgette, aubergine or spinach, as babies naturally prefer sweeter tastes, therefore it can take them longer to adjust their palate to bitter tastes.
If you're baby-led weaning, you can also give your baby soft, boiled egg and toast soldiers, then, once they're older, you can offer additional foods such as unsalted rice cakes, blueberries (chopped up) and minced chicken, turkey or beef.
Foods you should avoid until your baby is one include honey, salty foods and certain soft cheeses.
What are the best weaning methods?
There are two main weaning methods, baby-led and spoon-fed.
Baby-led weaning gives your baby the chance to play with their food and become familiar with it as you're putting small chopped-up items in front of them. However, with this can come lots of mess, and when this happens, it can be hard to determine how much food your baby has actually eaten.
Spoon-fed weaning requires a little more prep and patience, as you have to cook the food, turn it into a puree then feed it to your baby. You'll also get a better idea of what they've eaten.
When should you start weaning your baby?
The NHS advises that you can start weaning your baby at around six months old. The reason the term 'around' is used is because all babies are different, and some may be be ready to start their weaning journey a little earlier (or later) than others. Remember, never compare your baby's progress against another person, as everyone is different.
How to start weaning
When your baby reaches six months, they are ready to think about trying solid foods. There are a number of ways to approach feeding, either with baby-led weaning or spoon-led weaning. You can always try both and see what suits you and your baby best, but we'd recommend reading up on both methods before you start.
In terms of the foods to start weaning with, most parents decide to start with different vegetables. Many weaning experts suggest starting with more bitter vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli before moving onto sweeter veg like carrots or parsnips a few weeks after you start.
Begin in the first week or two by offering your baby food once per day then increase to twice per day then a few weeks later three times a day. In this time, keep your baby's milk feeds up with breakfast, lunch and dinner slotted between milk feeds.
How we chose the best baby weaning products
We studied the parent reviews for each of these products, making sure we only selected weaning products with more than a 60 per cent five-star rating to ensure the products we select deliver customer satisfaction. Our mums on the Mother&Baby team also helped contribute their top weaning products to this round-up too.
Once we’ve recruited our pool of testers we ask them to consider four areas while testing, including usability, design, quality and value for money. They also are asked to provide feedback on their experience with the product and whether they would make any changes to improve it.
Find out more about how we test and what considerations we take into account in our testing process.