What are some must haves for a 5 month old? (New mom here)

Question

I’m a first time mommy and wanted to know what are some must haves for a 5 month old? He’s starting purées soon, what are some mommy hacks for feeding/food prep?

Answer

Follow solid starts and gain all the knowledge behind feeding littles! Their Instagram, website, and app are all super beneficial!
Know the difference between choking and gagging! Gagging is good! 
Let babe feed themselves. Avoid spoon feeding. If babe can’t bring food to their mouth or don’t lean in for a bite, they may not be ready for solids. 
Make sure ALL signs of readiness are met.
Once you start cup training (after 6m with water) aim for open mouth cups or straw cups. Water is optional before 12m so don’t stress about consumption.

Answer

A magic bullet. You don't even need an expensive brand. I found this same one at Walmart on sale for $22 so always check Walmart for a personal blender like this. Little reusable baby food jars. I ate a lot of Oui yogurt during my pregnancy and ordered the lids that go on the little glass jars to reuse them. Blending small meals fresh was the best way to go for me. I didn't want to do a bunch at once putting it all in the freezer and risk it not tasting fresh or going bad in the fridge so I would just make enough for my baby's meals for that day and maybe the next day. 
After you get past the point of just trying one food at a time it's really fun to come up with different things to mix. 
To encourage eating well myself since I was breastfeeding I would make healthy foods that I could eat and blend up for my baby at the same time.

Answer

Maybe look into baby led weaning after checking out all the signs of readiness. They can eat what you eat just prepared a little differently. I don't think they need much but some little utensils so you can preload a spoon and let them learn to use it, maybe a little cup if you're feeling adventurous or a straw cup to keep the mess down. I've always started solids at 6 months.

What are some must haves for a 5 month old? (New mom here)

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