Introducing solids is one of the most exciting milestones in your baby’s first year, but it can also be one of the messiest. From rejected spoonfuls to bowls that end up on the floor, mealtimes with little ones rarely go exactly to plan. The good news? With the right approach (and a few thoughtfully designed tools!) feeding your baby can become a calm, enjoyable routine rather than a daily battle. Here are some simple ways to make mealtimes easier for both you and your little one.
Start with the right expectations
When babies begin weaning, food is just as much about exploration as nutrition. Squashing avocado in their hands or smearing yoghurt across the tray might look chaotic, but it’s actually how babies learn. Allowing children to interact with food in their own way supports sensory development and helps them build confidence around eating. Accepting a little mess is often the first step towards calmer mealtimes.
Choose tools designed for little hands
One of the biggest challenges during weaning is that babies want independence long before they have the coordination for it. Plates that slide around, cups that are difficult to grip and spoons that are too big can quickly lead to frustration.
Baby tableware designed specifically for early eaters can make a huge difference. Features such as suction bases, easy-grip handles and soft edges help babies practise self-feeding while reducing spills and dropped dishes.
Brands specialising in early childhood design are increasingly focusing on products that make the weaning stage simpler for families. Danish brand Done by Deer, known for its safety-first approach and Scandinavian aesthetic, has introduced a new range of thoughtfully designed feeding essentials as part of its SS26 collection, from easy-grip cups to practical tableware created to support babies as they learn to feed themselves.
Let babies take the lead
Many parents feel pressure for their baby to eat a full portion straight away, but weaning is a gradual process. Some days your child may eat everything on the plate, while on others they might barely taste it. Allowing babies to guide the pace of feeding helps build a healthy relationship with food and encourages them to listen to their own hunger cues. Offering small portions and letting them explore at their own speed often leads to more relaxed meals for everyone.
Create a calm mealtime routine
Babies thrive on routine. Sitting down at roughly the same time each day helps them recognise when it’s time to eat and prepares them for the activity. Try to keep the environment calm and distraction-free. Turning off screens, sitting together at the table and modelling eating behaviour can all encourage babies to engage with food.
Make mealtimes enjoyable
Playfulness can transform feeding time. Beautiful colours, friendly characters and engaging designs can help turn the high chair into a place babies look forward to sitting. Thoughtful details in baby tableware, from easy-to-hold cups to plates that stay firmly in place, can also help little ones feel more confident as they develop their skills. Thoughtful design can make a real difference during the weaning stage, helping babies gain confidence while making everyday routines a little easier for parents, something that sits at the heart of Done by Deer’s approach to children’s products.
Tips: five weaning hacks for parents
1. Expect mess
A good bib or wipeable mat can make cleaning up much quicker.
2. Offer variety, not pressure
Babies often need to see a food many times before accepting it.
3. Keep portions small
Large portions can feel overwhelming for little eaters.
4. Let them practise
Self-feeding might be messy, but it’s key for developing coordination.
5. Stay consistent
Regular mealtimes help babies understand routines and build healthy habits.
Final thoughts
Weaning doesn’t need to feel stressful. With patience, realistic expectations and a few well-designed essentials, mealtimes can become one of the most enjoyable parts of the day and a chance for babies to discover new tastes, practise independence and share everyday moments with their family. And while the occasional bowl may still end up on the floor, the right approach makes it far easier to enjoy the journey.
This is Paid Partnership with Done by Deer
