Starting solids is a big, messy, joyful milestone — and the right gear makes it far easier. But a baby feeding set is about more than looks: the materials touch your baby's mouth and gums every day, so safety and quality matter most. Here's what to look for when choosing bibs, spoons and forks.
Material safety comes first
Before anything else, check what the set is made of. The safest baby feeding products use food-grade silicone and high-grade stainless steel — both non-toxic, free of BPA and phthalates, and safe against delicate gums. Avoid cheap, flimsy plastics, which can leach chemicals, scratch, and harbour bacteria over time. If a product doesn't clearly state its material grade, treat that as a warning sign.
Material matters more with feeding gear than almost any other baby product, because it's in direct contact with your baby's mouth at every meal, often for months on end. Food-grade silicone is heat-resistant and stays soft and safe even after repeated washing and sterilising, while good stainless steel won't rust, stain or hold odours. Both are worth the small extra cost over throwaway plastic that degrades within weeks.
Soft, gum-friendly tips
A baby's gums are sensitive, and early feeding often happens before or during teething. Look for spoons with soft, rounded, gum-friendly tips that won't hurt if your baby bites down — and forks with gentle, blunted tines that let toddlers spear food safely as they learn to self-feed. The goal is cutlery that's effective but forgiving.
The right size for the stage
Feeding gear should match your baby's age. First-stage spoons are small and shallow for early purees, while toddler or “big size” cutlery has a slightly larger bowl and an easy-grip handle for little hands learning independence. Choosing the right size makes self-feeding less frustrating and less messy — for both of you.
The bib that actually helps
A good bib saves you laundry and clean-up. The most practical choice is a waterproof, wipe-clean bib with a crumb-catching pocket at the bottom that catches spills and dropped food before they reach the floor or clothes. Soft, food-grade silicone bibs are ideal: they're comfortable, adjustable at the neck, and rinse clean in seconds.
Fabric bibs may look softer, but they soak through, stain and need washing after every meal — and weaning means a lot of meals. A silicone bib wipes down at the table and is ready for the next feed, which quickly makes it the more practical everyday choice. Look for a rounded, wide pocket that holds its shape rather than collapsing flat, since that's what actually catches the mess.
Easy to clean and hygienic
Whatever you choose should be genuinely easy to keep clean. Dishwasher-safe, one-piece designs with no awkward crevices are best, because bacteria hide in seams and joints. Silicone and stainless steel both wipe and wash easily and last far longer than cheap plastic, which stains and degrades.
How many pieces do you actually need?
You don't need an elaborate 12-piece set. For everyday feeding, the essentials are simple: one or two soft-tip spoons, a toddler fork for when self-feeding begins, and a good waterproof bib. A small bowl with a non-slip base is a useful addition. Keeping the set minimal means less to wash, less to store and less that can go missing — and it's easier to make sure every piece is genuinely high quality.
Putting your feeding set together
A complete, safe set is simple: a soft-tip Baby Spoon & Fork Set in stainless steel for self-feeding, plus a waterproof silicone bib with a catch pocket for mess. Both are made from the materials that matter most and are built to survive daily use and washing. You can find both, along with more mealtime essentials, in the Baby Feeding Range.
Frequently asked questions
When can a baby use a spoon and fork?
Most babies start practising self-feeding with soft-tipped, toddler-size cutlery from around 9 to 12 months, always with supervision.
What material is safest for a baby feeding set?
Food-grade silicone and high-grade stainless steel, both free of BPA and safe for a baby's gums and mouth.
