It’s been approximately three months since we started little sister on solid food, and two months since I shared my baby feeding favourites for six month olds.
Man, oh man, time sure flies.
Now that the little one is eight months old, her feeding habits have definitely changed.
We’ve gone from strictly breast milk to adding cereal and purees to now teaching her to self-feed with baby-led weaning.
I will admit, baby-led weaning can be scary for parents - not knowing how baby will react to feeding themselves, if they’ll know to chew or not put so much in their mouths, etc. But, nervousness aside, it is also a great opportunity to develop their hand-eye coordination, independence and confidence while eating. While the mess they make may not be fun to clean up, it is fun to watch them discover this new “skill” of feeding themselves.
Before I share our baby feeding favourites for eight months, make sure to check out my breastfeeding journey (and how we taught our toddler what it means) here. I know I’m not alone in the struggle, and am thrilled that my second time around, I have been able to breastfeed this long. But, I am also glad food has now been introduced, because mama (and her boobs) need a break!
Ok, and now to the point of this post…
When it comes to feeding the babe, the products you use are definitely important to making it a comfortable and positive experience for both the feeder and the eater.
I am not an expert. Every baby is different. What we do and the products we love may not work for others. Because of that, this post does not contain advice on how to start eating solids. Instead, this post contains the current products we use and love for feeding our eight month old.
While this drying rack has an almost permanent place on our kitchen counter, when not in use, it folds for easy storage. It is also easy to clean. Since the babe doesn’t really use a pacifier anymore or take bottles (it’s a real struggle), we mostly use this for drying sippy cups, toys, etc.
This handy dishwasher caddy fits pacifiers, spoons,nipples and bottle tops, sippy cup lids, etc. so that they don’t get lost in the dishwasher. It comes in blue, pink and green. Like the drying rack, we mostly use it for zippy cups, spoons, toys, etc.
This highchair offers offers convenience and functionality in the form of an ultra-compact high chair. It fits perfectly in our small space because when not in use, it folds compactly and with little effort. It can be used from birth because of its full recline and the 7 height positions enable the high chair to grow with child. The removable tray cover is also dishwasher-safe, which is key for the self-feeding babe.
This all-in-one placemat and plate suctions to the table, and is perfect for the self-feeder (age 6+ months). It is made from 100% food-grade silicone that is BPA, BPS, PVC, latex and phthalate-free. One of the things I love about it is that portion sizes (i.e., the eyes and smile) are catered to infants at 2oz, 2oz and 4oz. It also comes in a variety of colours, and fits most high chair trays. We use the mat at home (to try and keep things a bit tidier) but we have also used it at restaurants and at a resort on vacation, to help keep food off the table.
The babe is not a fan of bottles, so when she started drinking water, we moved right to this spout cup (for babies 6+ months). This BPA-free spill-proof 7 oz. sippy cup comes with soft touch handles that make it easy for your little one to comfortably take their first sips without the mess. The handles are also good to chew on for that teething babe.
Whether your babe is eating purees or finger foods, these bibs are handy to have around. They will keep clothes clean, have a handy pocket to catch the castaways, are easy to clean and can be rolled up to be packed away in the diaper bag.
These infant spoons contain the patented White Hot System - the spoon tip turns white when baby’s food is too hot so you know exactly when to feed and when to wait and let it cool. The tapered spoon bowl is comfortable for little mouths, and the soft tips are gentle on gums. These spoons are BPA-and phthalate-free and top rack dishwasher-safe.
The lid allows us to pack food in the diaper bag without having to worry about spills.
9. Baby Mum Mum Rice Rusks
These “cookies” are not only a snack for the babe, but also help with their hand-eye coordination.
10. Gerber Puffs
An alternative to the rick rusk cookies, these puffs are good to help develop hand-eye coordination, and some in a variety of different flavours.
And since babes learning to self-feed aren't the tidiest eaters, you may also want to invest in this upholstery cleaning tool that we swear by to clean up after both the babe AND toddler.
And since babes learning to self-feed aren't the tidiest eaters, you may also want to invest in this upholstery cleaning tool that we swear by to clean up after both the babe AND toddler.
What Is She Eating and How Much?
I have had a lot of people ask what she is currently eating at 8 months old. Let's just say, she has a pretty hearty appetite and palette to go with it.Here is what she is currently eating:
- Avocado
- Banana
- Blueberries
- Broccoli
- Carrot
- Cauliflower
- Chicken
- Corn
- Cous cous
- Egg (scrambled or hardboiled)
- Mango
- Oats
- Pear
- Peas
- Quinoa
- Rice noodles
- Salmon
- Star pasta
- Strawberries
- Sweet potato
When we are at home, I have moved away from purees. Usually I will save those if we go out for dinner, to make less of a mess. When I cook the food for her, I will usually make enough to last a few days, and store it in small containers in the fridge. I don't have a set menu for her, I kind of just pick and choose at meal time, making sure to switch it up each time. She is eating three times a day - around 8am, 12pm and 6pm, with breastfeeding sessions before nap and bedtime and puffs/rice crackers as snack in between.
*Always remember, to check with your family physician/paediatrician before you start feeding your baby solids.
