Baby Food Supplies Checklist

Getting ready to start solids? You'll need some cooking tools and feeding gear. Here's a complete checklist organized by category.

Cooking Equipment

Essential

• ☐ Immersion blender: Perfect for small batches, easy to clean
• ☐ Small saucepan: 5-6 inch size (14-16cm), non-stick preferred
• ☐ Fine mesh strainer: For pureeing early-stage foods
• ☐ Measuring cups & spoons: For accurate ratios
• ☐ Silicone spatula: Heat-resistant, gentle on cookware

Nice to Have

• ☐ Baby food maker (steams and blends in one)
• ☐ Steamer basket or steamer pot
• ☐ Small cutting board and knife
• ☐ Mortar and pestle (for mashing small amounts)

Storage Containers

Essential

• ☐ Silicone freezer trays: 0.5oz (15ml) and 1oz (30ml) sizes for portioning
• ☐ Freezer-safe containers: With date labels
• ☐ Freezer bags: For storing frozen cubes

Optional

• ☐ Glass storage containers (microwave-safe)
• ☐ Baby food storage set with lids
• ☐ Label stickers or masking tape

Tip: Silicone trays are easier to pop out frozen cubes than rigid plastic ones!

Feeding Gear

Essential

• ☐ Baby spoons: Silicone, small and shallow (3-5 spoons)
• ☐ Suction bowls: Stays in place on high chair tray
• ☐ Bibs: Silicone catch-pocket bibs + cloth bibs for backup

Later Stages (8+ months)

• ☐ Baby fork
• ☐ Suction divided plate
• ☐ Straw cup or 360 cup
• ☐ Snack cup with handles

Cleaning Supplies

• ☐ Bottle/dish soap (baby-safe, fragrance-free)
• ☐ Bottle brush set (with small nipple brush)
• ☐ Drying rack
• ☐ Bottle sterilizer (can use the one from infant stage)

On-the-Go Supplies

• ☐ Insulated food jar (keeps food warm/cold)
• ☐ Portable food containers
• ☐ Travel spoon case
• ☐ Disposable bibs
• ☐ Food scissors (for cutting soft foods - later stages)

High Chairs & Seating

• ☐ High chair: Adjustable height, removable tray
• ☐ Portable booster seat: For dining out or travel

High Chair Selection Tips

• Footrest is important (supports good posture)
• Easy-to-clean material (wipeable surfaces)
• 5-point harness for safety
• Grows with your child (adjustable seat and footrest)

Supplies by Stage

Early Stage (4-6 months)

• Immersion blender
• Fine mesh strainer
• 0.5oz (15ml) freezer trays
• Small silicone spoons
• Small bowl

Middle Stage (7-8 months)

• 1oz (30ml) freezer trays
• Suction bowls
• Silicone catch-pocket bibs
• Straw cup

Later Stage (9+ months)

• Baby fork
• Suction divided plate
• Food scissors
• Open cup (for practice)

Product Recommendations

Immersion Blender

Brand-name blenders like Braun or KitchenAid work great, but a budget-friendly option is perfectly fine if you're only using it for the baby food stage.

Freezer Trays

Look for silicone trays with lids. Make sure each cube pops out easily - check reviews before buying.

Baby Spoons

Silicone spoons with a small, shallow bowl are best for beginners. Consider buying a set that includes different sizes for each stage.

Money-Saving Tips

• Stick to essentials: You don't need a baby food maker - a blender works fine
• Use what you have: Small pots, strainers, even ice cube trays
• Buy secondhand: High chairs and baby food makers
• Check dollar stores: Storage containers, freezer trays
• Buy as needed: Don't purchase everything upfront

Food Storage Guidelines

• Refrigerator: Use within 24-48 hours
• Freezer: Use within 1-2 weeks (up to 1 month max)
• After thawing: Use within 24 hours
• Never refreeze: Once thawed, don't freeze again