9 Feeding Products That Turn Weaning Into A First Step Toward Independence

Let me start by saying: I love my son and would do anything for him. But in those early days of solids, I dreaded mealtimes — he was the messiest eater alive, and a marinara hair mask was not part of my parenting vision. I say this because I get it, and I commiserate with anyone about to embark on the baby-led weaning (BLW) journey.

But fear not! OXO Tot has an entire line of BLW-specific products, so there’s a good chance your sanity will actually survive. Each piece is tested to handle all the drops, splats, and dramatic food rejections that come with those first meals. Take it from someone who’s been there: stock up and thank yourself later.

Before we dive into the gear, here’s a quick overview of what BLW actually is: It’s simply a way of introducing solids that lets your baby take the lead. Instead of spoon-feeding purees, they grab, chew, and learn to feed themselves. (This is where your patience gets tested.) To master biting and chewing, babies need lots of practice with real food, which makes BLW great for oral-motor development and hand-eye coordination. It also folds baby into family mealtimes, boosting social interaction and exposure to new flavors without requiring you to cook a second dinner.

So, how do you know when your baby’s ready? Around six months is typical, but every kid is different. Look for signs like sitting up with little or no support, reaching for food, bringing hands to mouth, and solid head control. Ready to roll? Let’s talk about the tools that’ll make BLW a breeze.

1. A Non-Negotiable Grape Cutter

You’d be surprised at the amount of time you’ll spend slicing and dicing fruit for a little one. Make things easier on yourself with this grape cutter that quickly quarters grapes, small tomatoes, and pitted olives into baby-friendly pieces.

2. A Nifty Crinkle Cutter

Wavy cuts aren’t just for looks — the ridges give slippery foods extra grip for tiny hands. This crinkle cutter holds like a regular knife, so it’s easy to chop without wreaking havoc on your wrist. And no need to worry about hand-washing between the grooves because it’s dishwasher safe.

3. An On-The-Go Chopping Buddy

Travel scissors fall into the category of food items you never knew you needed. Rather than hacking at grilled chicken with a plastic knife, these cut straight through food smoothly. They have handy measuring lines, and the blades come apart so you can actually clean them (because crusted-on food is not the vibe).

4. A Smart Utensil Set

Keep baby’s grip on track with the one-way handle of this soft silicone fork and spoon set made with little hands in mind. There’s even a dimple on the back that keeps them from rolling off the table mid-meal. Your back will thank you.

5. A Dipper Spoon Duo

Think honey dipper, but make it baby-friendly. Designed to help babies learn to self-feed, these spoons easily grab onto purees and soft foods without all the awkward scooping and balancing.

6. A Suction Plate That Entertains

Keeping your baby’s attention while eating can be tough, which is why this suction plate is ideal. The rainbow grooves not only prevents food from slipping around, but they also provide a fun texture for little hands to explore. The two zones encourage interaction and the raised outer wall helps keep food mostly on the plate.

7. A Sturdy Bib

Finding the perfect bib is a bit like Goldilocks — cloth ones get soaked through, silicone ones are hard to travel with. This hybrid version is the must-have middle ground. The waterproof fabric top provides complete coverage with a silicone pocket catch-all. It even rolls up small enough to hardly notice it in your diaper bag.

8. A Mighty Strong Food Storage Set

I wish I knew about these containers sooner because they truly do it all: portion, store, heat, and serve. The glass is strong enough to go directly from the freezer into a microwave, and the snap-tight lids won’t leak in your bag. They’re even, dare I say, stackable.

9. A Spill-Proof Straw Cup That *Really* Works

Bid adieu to the pricey straw cup shopping game because this one actually delivers. The spill-proof, almond-shaped straw only works when your kid sips. And yes, the whole thing can go straight into the dishwasher.