Here are some items not recommended during the weaning journey:

1) Mixer or Food Processor

As mentioned in the previous article, hand mashing (by fork or hand masher) is the way to go – no matter what weaning approach you choose. 

When we use a mixer, blender, or food processor, the result is a smooth and fine paste/puree, which does not allow babies to taste or feel any texture in the food. But when we mash by hand, granular/chunky/lumpy textures are retained in the puree. Having some texture in food is necessary for babies’ oral motor development.

2) Mesh feeder or nibbler

Using nibblers for babies is not recommended. The whole idea of weaning babies off at 6 months is to ensure that they start developing a liking and taste for different varieties of food, textures, and flavors.

When you put the food in a nibbler, a child is not able to experience the texture of the food; instead, they feel the texture of the mesh of the nibbler.

3) Processed baby food mixes (with preservatives and chemicals)

Avoid using processed baby food mixes that contain harmful chemicals, additives, or stabilisers. It’s not recommended for babies under 1. Look for baby food mixes that are junk free (no sugar, no salt, no preservatives).

4) Baby cook books

Baby cook books are also not necessary as we want to introduce our babies to traditional family-cooked meals. Once babies are used to eating family-cooked meals, feel free to try out these baby cook books 

Lastly, no fancy feeding equipment is needed to start your baby on their weaning journey.

As we have mentioned earlier, the one thing your baby absolutely needs is a parent who is present in the moment!

Babies can sense excitement (or stress) and love, and when a parent or caregiver is consciously and completely present during the baby’s meal time, it will only help create a more positive and joyful weaning journey.