Feeding

Decoding Dinner Time: Real Talk on Feeding & Weaning Your Little One

Hey everyone! Today, let's dive into one of the biggest parts of baby's first year: feeding. In my book, "Baby’s First Year of Life", I open up about my personal journey, and for me, that meant bottle-feeding both my girls, Anna and Molly. As a Type 1 Diabetic, it was a natural choice for me, and I want you to know it's okay to choose what feels right for you without guilt!

If you're also on the bottle-feeding path, you'll soon discover the endless choices for a bottle kit – you'll need bottles and a sterilising unit. A bottle prep machine became a lifesaver for us, especially with Anna's silent reflux, though it's worth noting the NHS doesn't recommend them. You'll also learn that bottle teats come in different sizes and need to be adjusted as your baby grows, so keep an eye on that with your midwife or health visitor.

Winding (or burping) can be a real challenge in the early days. With Anna, it felt like an endless quest to find what worked, but don't give up! I eventually found that winding halfway through a feed, or when baby showed signs of discomfort, was more effective than winding after every ounce. The goal is to establish a routine that brings some order to the beautiful chaos, and I break down how to do that in the full book.

Fast forward to around 6 months, and it's time for weaning. This can feel scary, but knowing what signs to look for – like your baby sitting independently or showing interest in your food – is key. You'll need some essential equipment, from a highchair to full-body bibs (trust me on the bibs!) and suction bowls.

You've got two main methods for introducing solids: Spoon-Feeding or Baby-Led Weaning (BLW). I chose BLW for both my girls, as it encourages fine motor skills and helps babies self-regulate their intake. Remember, you can introduce water from 6 months, but tap water needs to be boiled first.

A crucial, often terrifying, part of weaning is safety. It's vital to know the difference between gagging and choking. Gagging is a baby's natural safety response, often noisy; choking is silent and terrifying. Proper food preparation – ensuring food is soft and cut to about ring-finger thickness – helps minimise risks. Seriously, consider an infant CPR class if you can.

My hope is that by sharing what worked for my family, you'll feel more prepared and less overwhelmed. For detailed feeding routines, timelines, and all my weaning hacks, dive into "Baby’s First Year of Life".

You've got this. And I'm here to help. With love, Emma

If you have purchased my book Baby’s First Year of Life. Real Advice. No Sugarcoating. I will list below many of the items mentioned in the book to help you prepare and support baby’s feeding routine and development. Beginning with bottle feeding and moving onto products used throughout the weaning process.

Bottle Feeds

ANTI-COLIC BABY BOTTLE. Anti-Colic internal vent system is clinically proven to reduce colic. Decreases spit-up, burping and wind.

I used this particular product with both my girls and found same very practical and straightforward to use. There was never any issue replacing parts or sterilizing items.

ANTI-COLIC BABY BOTTLE. Anti-Colic internal vent system is clinically proven to reduce colic. Decreases spit-up, burping and wind.

• CONSISTENT FLOW RATE. Vacuum-free feeding is closest to breastfeeding and Dr. Brown’s silicone teats provide a consistent flow so babies can feed at their own pace.

• PRESERVES NUTRIENTS. The anti-colic vent system is proven to help preserve bottle milk nutrients and aids in digestion for a better night’s sleep.

• WIDE-NECK BREASTFEEDING BOTTLE. The breast-like teat shape encourages a proper latch for a more natural bottle-feeding experience and eases the transition from breast to bottle and back again.

• BOTTLE GROWS WITH BABY. With three teat levels included, Slow Flow, Medium Flow and Medium-Fast Flow, bottle grows with baby! Dr. Brown’s Natural Flow Anti-Colic Options+ baby bottle works best with the internal vent system in place but can be removed as baby’s feeding develops – no need to introduce a different bottle.

Tommee Tippee Perfect Prep Day & Night The Baby Bottle Maker Machine with Digital Display and Adjustable Volume

I purchased this bottle maker a few weeks after my first daughter was born. A few people had mentioned them to me previously but I had not same the same was necessary. But after a few weeks of boiling the kettle 30 minutes before you thought a feed would be due this particular item came in very useful. So much so I continued using the same with my second daughter. Highly recommend.

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Follows guidelines: Scientifically proven to make a fresh feed as safely ​as the NHS method and up to 10x faster*​

Antibacterial filter: The antibacterial filter is as effective as boiling water, and our patented hot shot kills bacteria in formula*​

Fast bottle prep: Prepares a fresh formula feed at the right temperature in just 2 minutes​

Sleep friendly: Soft glow lights, low volume and digital display make ​night feeds less disruptive

Award winning product: Designed to empower your parenting intuition

Hot Water Flask Stainless Steel 500 ML

For making bottles on the go this was amazing. You fill the flask before leaving the house and then you can check the temperature of the water before making baby’s bottle when out and about. Game changer.

DISPLAY ONLY the temperature gauge is accurate to 15 degrees so we advise the temperature display is for display only purposes. however, give the bottle a few shakes and the temperature display will give a more accurate reading

SHAKE IT OFF Shake the thermal flask to give the most accurate temperature reading. We do not advise using the display to give a precise temperature we advise it is up to 15C in accuracy

ONE HAND TO UNLOCK With the upgraded and leak-proof lock design(push up to unlock and push down to lock ), the bottle can be securely locked to prevent water leakage. It is the ideal companion whether you are traveling, at home, in the office or outdoors. Simple and practical, the travel mug is the best Christmas gift for friends and family.

WATER-RESISTANT LED DISPLAY No more risking burns with mouth checks. Our Thermobrew flask for hot drink features a water-resistant LED temperature display. By simply touching the screen, you can instantly view the temperature of the liquid.

EASY DISPLAY Tap the lid to display how warm or cold the temperature is we advise to tip the contents and shake to give the most accurate reading, Please note that the temperature display of the water bottle may have a slight deviation of up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, providing an approximate indication of the liquid's temperature

Bibs - will change throughout baby’s first year but here are a few options:

Lictin Baby Bandana Dribble Bibs Drool Bibs, 8pc Infant Teething Soft and Absorbent with Adjustable Snaps, Bib Set for Unisex Newborn Toddlers Aged 0-24 Months

You will require many bibs in the initial months so it is much easier to purchase multi-packs of same.

Weaning Process

PandaEar 3 Pack Silicone Bibs for Babies & Toddlers, Waterproof Baby Bibs 6-12-18 months for Weaning, BPA Free Adjustable Baby Feeding Bib with Large Pocket Food Catcher

I found these useful when introducing finger food. Not great when offering plates of food, those are linked below. But when offering one or two pieces of finger food at the beginning of the weaning process these where great.

100% SOFT SILICONE - Our 3 pack thick baby weaning bibs are made of 100% soft silicone and will help cut down on your laundry.

STURDY POCKET - The silicone pocket stays open to trap crumbs and mess. Our silicone baby bibs come with a deep and sturdy spill pocket that catches any stray food or liquids, easily wipes clean baby bibs.

ADJUSTABLE CLOSURE - The neck strap provides of toddler bibs for eating with four different sizes and is suitable for children ages 6 months to 6 years.

MOST AFFORDABLE - Our 3-pack reusable silicone toddler bibs will get you through the days at a best budget price. With an array of trendy colors, you are sure to find one that matches kids’ outfit of the day.

LIFETIME WARRANTY - We are incredibly proud of our craftsmanship and offer a lifetime warranty on all our products. If you are not happy with our baby food bibs, simply give us a shout.

ElecMotive Long Sleeve Bibs 5 Pack Waterproof Sleeved Bib Baby Toddler Soft Bib for 6-30 Months

Oh the full body bib. You will both despise and love these. Extremely necessary once baby progresses in the weaning process to plates of food. And believe me when I say you can never have too many.

Waterproof and Oil-proof,prevent food residue from staining baby clothes, and can be wiped clean and quickly dried Food catching bib features a bottom pocket designed to stay open to catch spills

Elastic cuffs:Fits your baby's wrist, helping prevent food debris from settling on sleevesOur long sleeve bibs provide full coverage for your child by ensuring that no food or liquid falls on their clothes

Fastening: Self-adhesive hook-and-loop closure, easy to wear

Can be also used as an art smock. Great for kids who love paint and draw and can protect them from staining clothe

5pcs Pack ,Cute animal unisex design printed in ElecMotive toddler bibs makes it suitable for baby boys and girls 6-30 Months

Mamas & Papas Snax Adjustable Highchair, Reclines, Foldable with Removable Tray, Happy Planet

Lovely neutral design. Safety buckles, adjustable height and tray position. Also easy to wipe clean, be mindful that highchair will be covered in food in all areas at some point so the ability to detach seating and tray are perfect for cleaning. And can be lined up to fit at your dinner table which is great for baby’s understanding and development of mealtimes.

HIGHCHAIR – Our baby highchair is perfect for keeping mealtimes comfortable

SPACE SAVER – This highchair not only has a storage basket for your essentials but the chair can be folded compactly with the tray still attached

ADJUTSABLE – This adjustable highchair has 6 height settings, 3 recline positions and 3 lockable positions for the removable tray

SAFETY – The snax highchair has a 5 point safety hardness to keep your little one safe and secure

INFO - Dimensions: H:120cm x W:60cm x D:36cm Approx. Tray Height: 83cm Approx. Weight: 8kg Approx. Suitable from 6 months to 3 years

Red Kite Feed Me Compact Folding Highchair - Tree Tops

Slightly more slimline option, which can also be folded away following use.

Compact fold

Suitable from 6 months

Design may vary

Compact fold

Suitable from 6 months

Design may vary

Munchkin Miracle 360 Sippy Cup, 6+ Months - 7oz/207ml, 2 Pack,Pink/Purple

Great beginner cup for the weaning process. I used same with both my girls. Simple cup for baby starting to use a cup, handles aid baby’s development and the design reduces mess and clean up for you.

MUNCHKIN 360 CUP SET: Set of 2x 7oz/207ml purple and pink toddler sippy cups with handles. Each baby cup with magic no-spill valve is the ideal size for little hands, for drinking on any side

360 EDGE NON SPILL CUP: Each leak-free Munchkin sippy cup, for toddlers and babies over 6 months, has a one-way valve with 360° edge for no spills. An ideal baby sippy cup or baby weaning cup for milk

FIRST CUP WITH HANDLES: The Munchkin cup set features our popular anti spill Miracle design. With easy to hold handles they're a great toddler training cup with dentist-recommended open cup-style edge

EASY TO CLEAN BEAKER: Our Munchkin straw cups, sipping cups and bottles are top shelf dishwasher safe and are great gifts for a boy or girl. The removable kiddy cup valve is easy to clean and assemble

PART OF THE MUNCHKIN BABY WEANING RANGE: Innovative baby sippy cups, toddler feeding accessories, baby weaning sets and kids cups - all designed with your little one in mind

PandaEar (2 Pack) Sippy Cup for Toddler Baby, 100% Silicone Tiny Weaning Open Cup Drinking Training Cup (Blue/Green)

If you wish to begin with an open cup these are a great option.

LITTLE HANDS Designed for little hands and mouth, our 360 cup with premium silicone collection not only is an alternative to traditional plastics, disposable or fragile dishware but also protects and aids developing teeth.

NON-SLIP Simple and elegant, our silicone baby drinking cup feature the non-slip grip bumps that will ensure a firm grip for tiny hands.

CONVENIENT Sippy cup for toddlers designed for everyday life and perfect for indoor or outdoor use. Stain resistant, gunk repelling, chip resistant, scratch proof, and top-rack dishwasher safe for quick cleanup.

SAFE These baby water cups are BPA-, PVC-, and phthalates-free, lightweight, and shatter-resistant. Suitable for hot and cold foods and liquids.

bamboo bamboo Baby Plate & Baby Bowl Set, for Feeding and Weaning Elephant Plate, Toddler Bowl & Baby Spoon, Suction Plates for Babies from 6 Months (Grey)

Great beginners set, with suction on both the bowl and plate makes it easier for baby to explore, lift, grab food.

BAMBOO WEANING SET – this charming Elephant sectioned baby plate, suction bowl and weaning spoon set transforms mealtimes into an exciting experience, captivating children with fun characters and encouraging independent eating and exploring of new foods

BABY SUCTION DISHWEAR FOR TODDLERS - the bamboo bamboo suction grip is near enough impossible for little ones to remove, but parents can simply lift the release tab. Our suction plates and bowls for babies weaning prevents flips, tips and spills, with rounded edges ideal for learning to scoop - helping children develop their eating skills with ease

BABY WEANING SET 6 MONTHS - our baby weaning sets are specially designed for babies going through the weaning phase and are baby weaning essentials, facilitating the transition to solid foods

PandaEar 3 Pack Silicone Baby Suction Plates for Toddler Kids Self Feeding, Stay Put Divided Feeding Weaning Plates for High Chair Tray, Unbreakable Portable Non Slip

I used this product for quite some time during the weaning process. Great for portion control and again suction cups at the base making it easier for baby to use. Different colours are also lovely.

TODDLER PLATES – give your little one more independence at mealtimes with their very own silicone plate featuring 3 divided sections. The non-slippery with suction design will prevent plates from skidding.

EASY TO CLEAN - only the best materials have been used to make these kids plates as easy to clean as possible. They can withstand high heat making them suitable for microwave use and can be cleaned easily in the dishwasher

100% SILICONE BABY PLATES - we have used BPA Free silicone in our silicone baby plate production so flavor and taste isn’t affected as well as giving you complete peace of mind

Yum Yum's Baby 10 Pcs Pink Weaning Set - Complete Toddler Feeding Kit w/Sectioned Plate, Suction Bowls, Cutlery with Mouth Guard, Straw Cup, Bib & Mat - Non-Slip - for Toddlers & Baby Gift

Fantastic weaning bundle with all needs catered for. Different cutlery sets to use at beginning and later stages of the weaning process. Plate and bowls with suction cups. Bib and mat. Brilliant all-in-one set for baby.

COMPLETE 10-PIECE WEANING SET: Yum Yum's Baby Weaning Set includes a divided suction plate, deep easy-scoop suction bowl, silicone catching bib, wooden spoon and fork, 2-in-1 snack and weaning cup, silicone mat, and mini fork and spoon. This comprehensive baby feeding set provides everything your baby needs for comfortable and enjoyable meals.

MODERN DESIGN AND VERSATILE FIT: The sleek and modern design of our suction plate and bowl set ensures they securely attach to any flat surface, fitting most baby tables and high chairs. The adjustable silicone bib fits babies aged 4 to 48 months, growing with your child for a comfortable and mess-free feeding experience.

PROMOTES SELF-FEEDING SKILLS: The ergonomically designed spoons and forks are perfect for small hands, helping your baby learn self-feeding skills. The divided suction plate helps your baby pick up and eat different types of food with ease, and the cup is ideal for drinking water or juice.

EASY TO CLEAN AND DURABLE: Dishwasher-safe and microwave-friendly, this baby weaning set is designed for easy cleaning and meal prep. The smooth and polished surfaces make it easy to wipe clean between uses. Made from durable baby silicone feeding set, this set is built to withstand the wear and tear of daily use, making it a great long-term investment.

Munchkin Stay Put Baby Suction Bowl Set| Baby Bowls for Weaning| Baby Feeding Suction Dish Pack| for Babies & Toddlers 6 Months+|BPA Free Weaning Set for Babies| Microwave/Dishwasher Safe | 3 Pack

I used these bowls once the girls where a little older and feeding independently for e.g. cereal or soup. Still has suction cups beneath, they can choose the colour they want and again great for portion control as you have three size options.

BABY FOOD BOWL SET: This cute Munchkin stackable baby bowls set includes 3 bright toddler dishes with a strong suction base on the bottom. The ideal suction bowl for babies weaning from 6+ months

SUCTION BASE STAYS IN PLACE: Each non-slip Munchkin bowl features deep sides for easy scooping, encouraging independent feeding. The ideal toddler bowls or baby food dishes for baby led weaning

SAFE AND NON TOXIC: BPA free baby food bowl. The silicone suction base adheres to most surfaces, so the snack bowl - and meal - stays in place, for (almost) mess-free dinners, at home or away

EASY TO USE AND CLEAN: Quick-release tab on our suction plates and bowls' bases for simple removal. Strong, durable plastic dishes are top-shelf dishwasher safe for easy cleaning. For 6+ months

PandaEar 6 Pack Silicone Baby Weaning Spoons and Forks Set| Toddler Cutlery Self Feeding Spoons for Baby| Anti-Choke Design for Baby Led Weaning 3 Months Plus (Blue Green Tan)

Great beginners cutlery set when introducing same. I provided cutlery form Day 1 od weaning not expecting baby to use them but to have cutlery associated with mealtimes. Then help baby to use same throughout the weaning process.

100% Silicone SAFE NON-TOXIC Our baby feeding spoons are BPA-free, BPS-free, PVC-free, phthalate-free, cadmium-free and lead-free

PROTECTIVE BARRIER The choke barrier offers extra safety, stopping babies from sticking the entire spoon and fork in their mouth. These baby spoons self feeding are hand wash and top-rack dishwasher safe.

INDEPENDENT FEEDING Our baby baby weaning spoons are ideal for little ones to learn how to feed themselves, simultaneously encouraging motor skills development.

ERGONOMIC HANDLE ] The baby spoons 4 months 6+ months with short and rounded handle make it easier for babies to get food in their mouth.

100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE We want you to purchase your MOST popular baby led weaning spoons knowing you will be fully satisfied. It’s that simple. If for any reason you are not happy with your purchase, we will completely refund your order.

PandaEar 6 Pack Toddler Cutlery Set| Baby Fork and Spoon Set| Stainless Steel Childrens Kids Cutlery| Baby Cutlery Self Feeding 12 Months Plus with Silicone Holding (Blue Pink White)

Great option once baby is 1 year old. They will be much more able and confident in self-feeding and this is a fantastic toddler cutlery set. Still has grip handles to support baby’s development.

PERFECT FOR BABIES AND TODDLERS Each cutlery in our stainless-steel set comes with rounded edges and tines to ensure the safety of your little one during their meal time.

TOTALLY SAFE The PandaEar Stainless-Steel toddler cutlery set is made with the highest-quality 100% stainless-steel. In addition, this cutlery set is also dishwasher-safe, non-toxic, and free of all BPAs. With our special safety precautions, you can rest easy knowing that your child is eating off of only the highest-quality cutlery

COMPLETE CUTLERY SET The PandaEar Stainless-Steel baby fork and spoon set comes with everything you and your child could ever need for mealtime, including: 3 smooth and rounded spoons, 3 rounded and safety-proofed forks. This baby spoons 12 months plus has everything you need in one compact set

EASY TO CLEAN This self feeding spoons for baby is dishwasher safe, making clean up time a complete breeze. Made with high-quality stainless-steel, every single piece is easy to wipe down, clean, and keep sanitary. The plastic carrying case is also easy to wipe down and keep clean, ensuring that your baby weaning cutlery stay sanitary

PERFECT SIZE These kids cutlery were especially designed to fit in the hands of little ones. With the perfectly shaped handles, these Baby cutlery are perfect for toddlers and young children learning how to eat on their own. Their miniature size also makes them ideal for traveling and eating on-the-go