Baby Feeding Supplies Guide: Bibs, Suction Plates & Straw Cups
At 6 months, when solids begin, you need feeding supplies. From bibs and plates to spoons and straw cups — there's a lot to prepare.
In this guide, we'll cover essential feeding supplies by age and how to choose them.
Feeding Supplies by Stage
| Stage | Age | Essential Items |
|---|---|---|
| Early | 5–6 months | Silicone bib, soft spoon |
| Mid | 7–9 months | Suction plate, straw cup |
| Late | 10–12 months | Handled spoon, spill-proof cup |
| Completion | 12–18 months | Regular cup, fork added |
1. Bibs (Top Priority)
The most-used item from early solids through completion. With 3 meals plus snacks, you'll use at least 4–5 per day.
Silicone Bib (Pocket Style)
Advantages
- Pocket catches dropped food
- Waterproof — just rinse with water
- Dishwasher safe
- Long-lasting: usable from 6 months to 3 years
Disadvantages
- Heavier (150–200g)
- Stiff neck area may chafe skin
Best For
- Early to mid solids (lots of spills)
- Mealtimes at home
Fabric Bib (Absorbent)
Advantages
- Soft with no skin irritation
- Lightweight (50g)
- Machine washable
Disadvantages
- Not waterproof — liquids soak through
- No pocket, so food falls to the floor
Best For
- On-the-go (portable)
- Completion stage (fewer spills)
2. Suction Plates (Anti-Flip)
From mid-stage solids (7–9 months), babies start grabbing and trying to flip plates. Suction plates stick to the table and won't tip over.
Selection Criteria
1. Suction Power
A vacuum suction base keeps the plate in place even when baby pulls hard. Works best on smooth table surfaces.
2. Divided Sections
We recommend plates with 3–4 compartments. Separate main dish, sides, and soup.
3. Material
- Silicone: soft and safe even if baby chews on it
- Plastic (BPA-Free): lightweight, affordable, dishwasher safe
4. Microwave Safe
Being able to heat food directly on the plate is convenient. Most silicone products are microwave safe.
3. Straw Cups (From Mid-Stage)
From 7–8 months, start transitioning from bottles to straw cups for water. The AAP recommends weaning off bottles after 12 months (to prevent tooth decay).
Spill-Proof Feature (Essential)
Babies shake, flip, and throw cups. Without a spill-proof valve, water goes everywhere.
Handles vs. No Handles
| Feature | With Handles | Without Handles |
|---|---|---|
| Recommended age | 7–12 months | 12+ months |
| Advantage | Easy for baby to grip | Transition to regular cup |
| Disadvantage | More parts to clean | Harder for baby to hold |
Straw Material
- Silicone straw: soft and gentle on gums
- Plastic straw: durable but rigid
We recommend silicone straws. They won't tear even if baby chews on them.
4. Baby Spoons (By Stage)
Early Spoon (5–6 Months)
Silicone material with a shallow bowl shape. Won't hurt gums and makes scooping food easy.
Mid-Late Spoon (7–12 Months)
Switch to a short-handled spoon. This is when baby starts trying to hold and self-feed.
Completion Spoon (12+ Months)
Transition to a regular toddler spoon. Start introducing a fork as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How many bibs do I need?
A. At least 4–5. With 3 meals + 1 snack per day, you need enough to rotate before laundry day.
Q. My suction plate won't stick.
A. If the table surface is rough or wet, suction weakens. Clean the table, then slightly dampen the suction base before pressing down.
Q. How long should we use straw cups?
A. Until about age 2–3. After that, switch to a regular open cup. Prolonged straw cup use can affect dental alignment.
Q. When should baby start holding the spoon alone?
A. From about 9–10 months, babies try to grab the spoon. At first they just wave it around, but by 12 months they'll bring it to their mouth. Be patient and let them practice.
Recommended Products
Conclusion
Feeding supplies are the foundation of independent eating. Good tools make mealtimes easier for parents and more fun for baby.
With just bibs, plates, straw cups, and spoons — you're all set for solids. Enjoy watching your baby grow through happy mealtimes!