Auggie-Approved Gear for Starting Solids: What You Actually Need for Baby’s First Foods

Starting solids is one of the most exciting—and overwhelming—milestones of early parenthood. A quick search for starting solids gear can leave parents buried under product lists, conflicting advice, and the pressure to buy everything at once. At Auggie, we hear this all the time: What do I actually need to start solids with my baby?

Well, the right feeding tools support safety, independence, and calmer mealtimes for babies and parents. You don’t need a perfect setup or a dozen gadgets—you need a few thoughtfully chosen tools that support safety, development, and real-life family routines. 

So, we’ve rounded up a clear functional list of starting solids gear based on what parents in our community actually use and our experts consistently recommend. These essentials support your baby’s first foods without adding clutter or stress, and they grow with your family as feeding skills evolve.

Auggie-Approved Essentials for Starting Solids: 

Inglesina Fast Table Chair. This is one of those products parents always say they wish they’d bought sooner. It clips right onto most tables, sets up in seconds, and wipes clean easily. It’s perfect if you don’t want a bulky high chair taking over your space and great for travel or meals outside the house. 

Auggie tip: Get the optional cover, it makes cleanup even easier when things get messy.

Silicone and Stainless Steel Feeding Set. A durable, all-in-one mealtime set made for real life—this stainless steel bundle includes plates, bowls, snack cups, and kid-sized cutlery with removable silicone suction to support safer, easier meals at home or on the go. Simple, sturdy, and supportive of early self-feeding without adding unnecessary extras. 

Short-Handled Silicone Spoons. Short handles = easier control for babies. These spoons help support early independence and make self-feeding feel more manageable. Soft silicone is key here—gentle on gums and forgiving as babies learn. Great for first feeds.

Auggie Tip: Try one of these spoons to help baby self feed by easily preloading for them.

Open Cups and Straw Cups. Yes, you can introduce cups early—and you don’t need many. A small open cup and a straw cup with a soft straw are plenty to support early drinking skills alongside solids. This particular straw cup is soft, allowing you to assist your little one in sipping while they learn. 

Bibs That Actually Help. Mess is part of the process, but a good bib makes it easier. Look for silicone or wipeable fabric with a catch pocket and an easy closure. Less cleanup = less stress.

Bonus: Baby Food Maker. Ok, this one is totally optional, but helpful if you want it. An all-in-one baby food maker can simplify steaming and blending without taking over your kitchen. Use it if it supports you—not because you feel like you have to.

Need some starting solids guidance beyond gear? To learn how know when your baby is ready for solids, how to introduce allergens safely, and what matters most at the table—you can explore our Starting Solids expert events on Auggie TV, where pediatricians and feeding specialists walk parents through the process with clarity and confidence.