Best Gear for Baby-Led Weaning

The Nomi ticks off all the boxes (and more) when you’re shopping for a baby-led weaning-friendly high chair and is one of the top high chairs Ferraro recommends again and again. It’s ergonomically designed to support your baby in the proper position for eating and is adjustable by height, seat depth and footrest position, all without any tools. There’s also a removable tray (sold separately). And while it’s an investment, the Nomi works from infancy (with the addition of a bouncer attachment) up to 330 pounds.

The Tripp Trapp is a design icon and a great choice for baby-led weaning. (It’s also LaBracio’s favorite high chair of all time and Ferraro’s other top pick.) Going strong since it debuted in 1972, the Tripp Trapp pulls right up to the table and features an adjustable footrest and a depth- and height-adjustable seat to ensure an ergonomic seat position. (Unlike the Nomi, however, you will need a simple tool to make the adjustments.) There are lots of accessories for younger babies like a Newborn Set, Baby Set, cushion and more. The seat holds up to 242 pounds so you’ll be able to use it for years.

With a modern look, easy-to-clean seat and adjustable footrest, this versatile high chair will take you from the first days of baby-led weaning until the big kid years. The seat can be used as a high chair, booster seat, tableside booster and a big kid chair. And speaking of seats—this one is smooth and crevice-free, a must-have feature for LaBracio in high chairs, especially if you’re doing baby-led weaning. It’s so easy to clean after even the biggest of messes. (And trust us, there will be messes.) Just note: the footrest on the Eon only has two positions, so you may need to modify it during the early days of weaning.

This super-affordable portable seat has three different levels, making it easier to find the most supportive position for your baby while eating. Ferraro recommends popping the seat up to the second level if you’re feeding your baby on the floor so their feet lay flat and form a 90-degree angle. (You’ll want to pop the chair up to level two as the baby gets older.) It also has straps to affix to an adult chair if you want to use it tableside, and it’s super easy to clean. Cons: the tray is small, and the seat doesn’t pack down very compactly.

Another budget-friendly (and more portable) choice, Ferraro loves this booster especially for eating outdoors. It’s lightweight and stows compactly, her two favorite features. The biggest drawback is that the canvas seat isn’t removable, so you’ll have to hand scrub every mess instead of removing the fabric and tossing it into the wash.

The priciest recommendation on the list, the Bombol is an investment but a worthwhile one thanks to its durability, sturdy construction and longevity, and is loved by both LaBracio and Ferraro. “This seat is so durable,” says Ferraro. “I’ve had little babies and bigger babies sit in it. It says it holds up to 165 pounds and I’ve sat in it and jumped on it and it really is indestructible.” Pros include a five-point harness (that can also be used as a three-point as baby grows), extremely easy to clean fabric and the biggest win: it folds completely flat and weighs a little over two pounds.

“I love a silicone bib, but they’re surprisingly hard to get right,” says LaBracio. “Some are too big and awkward on new eaters. Others are stiff and uncomfortable. Some have pockets that are angled incorrectly and don’t actually catch any food. But the Lalo Bib is just right. It’s the ideal size, is made from soft silicone and has a perfectly placed pocket to catch the mess.” Another perk: these bibs can be rolled into the catcher and compactly stored in their reusable bag (the same one it ships in) for mess-free transportation.

Bapron bibs are Ferraro’s top choice for baby-led weaning-friendly bibs. She loves the unique waterproof fabric and the bib’s design. “Bapron bibs use really unique waterproof fabric that you can rinse out under the faucet, dry on the drainboard and then reuse for meals later that same day. I also like that the bibs tie under baby’s shoulder blades (and not up high on their neck which can be a negative sensory experience)—plus they can’t rip them off like they can with other bibs. Another benefit is that it is sleeveless, allowing for full range of motion which babies need when they are learning how to eat.”

Another favorite baby-led weaning-friendly bib from LaBracio is from Bumkins. “These bibs are made from a unique waterproof material that can be wiped down or even washed right along with your dishes in the sink between uses, saving you from having to toss them in the washing machine after every single meal.” (They’re also machine-washable for when they get extra gross.) They’re lightweight and this starter size is just right for new eaters.

Ferraro is a huge fan of EZPZ’s tableware, cups and utensils. “All of their products are created by their feeding expert with developmentally appropriate design considerations,” she explains. This exclusive bundle comes with the ezpz Tiny Bowl, two Tiny Spoons and the Tiny Cup. Ferraro also recommends the brand’s eight-ounce Mini Bowl for larger strips of starter foods and the Mini Mat for reminding parents to offer baby a variety of foods and keep portions small.

If you’re on the hunt for a first cup, this silicone option from AEIOU is one of LaBracio’s favorites. “I love that you can use it as either a straw cup or as an open cup,” she says. It’s made from 100 percent food-grade silicone so it’s not only safe for tiny gums, it’s durable enough to last for years.

A favorite of parents and feeding specialists, these utensils were designed specifically to help your baby learn to self-feed. The short handles fit the natural grip you’ll see your little one use when they’re first learning to eat and use utensils. (It’s called the vertical grasp, and it’s the same grip you’d use to hold a pen.) There’s also a protective collar around the handle to help prevent choking and gagging, a feature LaBracio really likes.

“These are so much easier than a traditional spoon,” says LaBracio. “They’re light, really easy to grip and help babies catch on to the idea of self-feeding very quickly.” This pack comes with two designs, a stage one spoon with a dimpled head to help grab and hold thinner foods more easily, and a stage two spoon with a channeled head for thicker foods. Pro tip: these also make great teethers!

Best Splash Mat for Baby-Led Weaning

Made from the same waterproof materials as the Bapron bibs, these XL splash mats are Ferraro’s favorite choice to help minimize the mess from baby-led weaning. “They are massive (one splash mat fits under two Stokke Tripp Trapps, so they’re great for multiples ), they pack down super small (great for taking in your diaper bag to grandma’s house or on the go to minimize the mess) and they are SO durable. I’ve had some of my Bapron splash mats for five years, washing almost daily, and they still look as good as new.”