9 Baby-Led Weaning Products To Help Your Kid Learn A Sense Of Feeding Independence

Whether you’re a first-time mom or a seasoned pro, a lot of feelings come up when it’s time for your baby to expand their very limited menu of breastmilk and/or formula. Chances are you didn’t stumble into this stage blind — your internet history probably proves you’ve been deep-diving forums and blowing up chats with every baby-led weaning (BLW) question under the sun. But never fear, mama — we’ve got the nitty-gritty.

So, what is BLW? It’s a method of introducing solids that fosters independence at mealtime. Instead of spoon-feeding purees, your baby takes the lead, learning to feed themselves. To build the skills needed to bite and chew, babies need practice with real food, which makes BLW a great way to promote oral-motor development along with hand, arm, and eye coordination. And bonus: Since baby eats what you eat, you’re not stuck making separate meals (and you save cash by skipping prepackaged baby food). Plus, it boosts social interaction and exposure to new flavors.

Most babies are ready for BLW around six months, but every child is different. Look for signs like sitting upright with little or no support, reaching for objects, bringing hands to mouth, and solid head control. To start, serve your baby what you’re eating — just be sure to cut it small enough to minimize choking risks.

If you’re ready to give it a go, it’s time to stock up on the non-negotiables, aka the OXO Tot baby-led weaning line. Each piece is extensively tested to withstand the messiest meals, making the transition smoother for both you and your tiny diner. Here are our favorites.

1. The Best-Of-The-Best Grape Cutter

It’s all fun and games until you almost slice your finger while trying to keep up with the amount of grapes one tiny human can consume. This grape cutter is an absolute game-changer for your food prep. Quickly and easily quarter grapes, small tomatoes, and even pitted olives in one simple push.

2. The Crinkle Cutter That Serves A Purpose

Yes, crinkle cut food is fun, but it also makes a big difference in BLW — the jagged edge provides a better grip on slippery foods like fruit or soft veggies. This crinkle cutter has a familiar knife grip position, so it feels comfortable when chopping, and it’s dishwasher safe.

3. The Restaurant Bag Necessity

Cutting food on the go can be tricky and time-consuming, but not with these travel food scissors. Measure markings can be used to help check for even pieces and portioning, and the blades separate for thorough cleaning.

4. Utensils That Fit Perfectly in Little Hands

Having the proper utensils for your baby’s BLW journey is key. This spoon and fork set’s unidirectional handle encourages correct orientation, plus the handles are made of grippy silicone for easy holding. The best part? There’s a dimple on the back to prevent them from rolling away.

5. The Must-Have Dipper Duo

Akin to a honey dipper, these nifty spoons are designed to help baby learn to self-feed without the need to scoop and balance. Purees and soft solids will easily cling to the head of the spoon, so baby can explore new flavors and textures with ease.

6. The All-In-One Placemat

Be prepared to use this suction placement at every meal. It’s got everything: a low bowl that aids in scooping and lets baby see what’s inside, a rainbow texture to help them practice grasping food, a two-zone approach that encourages interaction, and a raised outer wall to keep food from spilling over the sides.

7. A Compact Bib That Provides Coverage

Bibs are tricky — what’s better, fabric or silicone? These guys are the best of both worlds — a waterproof fabric upper section that provides ample coverage and a silicone pocket that catches crumbs. It even rolls up neatly into a compact design for easy portability and storage.

8. Containers That Can Do It All

Portion, store, heat, and serve baby food in one container? Um, yes, please. Made of thermal shock-resistant glass, these containers can go directly from freezer to oven or microwave. The easy snap lids are leakproof so they’re ideal for a diaper bag and they’re stackable. *Adds 100 to cart*

9. The No-Spill Transition Cup

Finding the perfect straw cup requires a lot of trial and error (and money...). Stop your searching and reach for this one — the almond-shaped, spill-proof straw conforms to baby’s mouth and only opens as soon as they start sipping, which means no unnecessary water drips. Toss the entire cup in the dishwasher and call it a day.