Dana Peters, RD

Kids & Family Dietitian

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Classes
  • LET’S WORK TOGETHER
    • Brands
  • Blog

The Best Feeding Gear for Starting Solids

March 4, 2020

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Starting solids with your baby can be exciting, messy, nerve-wracking and did I mention, messy? All of that being said, I encourage you to embrace the excitement and try not to sweat the mess — it’s all part of learning to eat! Like everything your baby is doing, eating is a new skill that requires practice and encouragement. 

While there’s no one method of feeding that works for everyone, having the right gear can make the process a bit smoother. I’m a firm believer in finding what works for your family and only investing in what you truly need (for all kid gear, not just feeding things!). Your baby likely does not need 5 different plates, spoons, etc. Usually, 1-2 tried and true options will do the trick. The following products are easy to clean, make eating more fun and attainable for little ones and are built to last. Our family has used and loved them all, so feel free to reach out if you want to chat about them further!

ezpz Mini Mat

Playing with food and tipping plates are normal behaviors in young eaters. See I told you — messy! This plate/placemat combination sticks well to the highchair tray or table which helps your baby grab at food while lowering the amount that ends up on the floor.

NumNum Pre-Spoon GOOtensils

It’s never too early to introduce utensils to your young eater. These pre-spoons are easy to pre-load for baby and double as teethers.

Nuby Garden Fresh Fruitsicle Frozen Pop Tray

Popsicles introduce a new texture, allow babies to self feed and can be incredibly soothing for sore gums. I love using fruit and veggie pouches to make quick popsicles to keep on hand. 

ezpz Tiny Cup

This small cup helps babies develop the muscles and skills needed to drink from an open cup. Offer a few sips of water with meals and let them explore the empty cup afterward.

Wipeable bibs and smocks

It’s easy to go through lots of bibs in a day which is why I love a wipeable option. These bibs and smocks are made of synthetic rubber making them easy to wipe off and reuse at the next meal. 

| Feeding Essentials

Stay in the Know

Sign up to get the latest news sent directly to your inbox

« 3 Tips for Shopping at a Farmers Market
What Does A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Do? »

Join me on instagram

danapetersrd

To be honest, this post felt really heavy to write To be honest, this post felt really heavy to write. My heart hurts for the MILLIONS of families & children who will lose benefits they rely on to meet a basic need. SNAP not only fights hunger, but malnutrition giving more children (& people) the ability to grow, learn & thrive. Please know that whether you think this affects you or not, it does. About 1 in 8 Americans receive SNAP benefits, so if you don’t, it’s likely you know someone that does. And if you can, consider helping out those in need, especially as we head into the holiday months. Because everyone deserves to have food on their table.
Run, don’t walk… @masienda blue corn masa now avai Run, don’t walk… @masienda blue corn masa now available at Target. Just in time for Hispanic Heritage Month 🇲🇽
Sobremesa — a word with no direct English translat Sobremesa — a word with no direct English translation and I can, unfortunately, understand why. In Spain, and other Latin American countries, they sobremesa, that is, spend time at the table after a meal, talking, connecting, laughing. In the US, we typically don’t, but I wish we did. So here’s my digital sobremesa — the first of many, I hope. 

Join me on Substack (link in bio) — there’s always room at the table 🥂
In my Madison era… part two Grateful to call this In my Madison era… part two

Grateful to call this city I love so much home once again ❤️
Food nourishes our bodies and our hearts. It feeds Food nourishes our bodies and our hearts. It feeds us nutrients, but also joy. And there’s no better way to enjoy it than sharing it with others. 

Making memories around the table has never been easier or more delicious than with @masienda new quesadillas available at @wholefoods. They come in three tasty flavors (classic cheese is my favorite!), are protein-rich and are made with the most amazing corn tortillas. Plus - the stretchy queso Oaxaca is sourced from a third-generation, family-owned Mexican cheesemaker 🇲🇽 

These are now a staple in our freeze & on our table!

#masambassador #masiendaquesadillas #partnership
Eat foods that feel like sunshine ☀️ what lights y Eat foods that feel like sunshine ☀️ what lights you up?

Ps - This plate has about 22g of protein and 8g of fiber (~ 1/3 of a women’s daily needs). Snack plates, as we lovingly call these in my house, are the perfect meal for busy adults and choosy kiddos. They are a great way to add variety, fun and lots of beneficial nutrients!
Follow on Instagram

Gather At Our Table

Sign up and you'll be the first to know our latest news and updates

Copyright © 2026 · Pink theme by Restored 316

Copyright© 2026 Dana Peters Nutrition