Baby Registry Mealtime Checklist
Although you're not going to need the mealtime goodies right away, six months will go by like a flash and you'll be happy that you're prepared. In this article, we'll walk you through a checklist that will make dinnertime a snap, that includes your high chair, bowls and plates, sippy cups, cutlery, splat mat, food maker, and storage containers you'll need as well as any other accessories you may need.
TLDR
Your mealtime checklist comes down to eight categories: a high chair, bibs (both stages), plates and bowls, utensils, cups, a splat mat for your floors, optional food prep tools and storage for homemade purees. Although you won't need these until month four or five, it's nice to register for them so you'll have what you need when the time comes.
The Mealtime Checklist: What You Need:
Highchair
The central part of your mealtime setup is a high chair. There are lots out there made of various materials, with different features such as newborn readiness, foldability, dishwasher safe trays, and more. Look for one that fits your space and is easy to clean, as babies can be messy. Check out our article How to Pick a High Chair before you settle on one.
Bibs
Although you have some bibs that we've suggested you register for in the "feeding" section of your registry, those are bibs for breastfeeding, and anticipate a very young baby. For that, we suggest a soft fabric bib. But as your child grows and starts to eat solids, you may want to transition to silicone bibs that have "catchall" features (a little pocket to catch errant Cheerios), or are easy to wipe down and don't require laundering.
Putting both types on your registry is a great strategy.
Plates & Bowls
Once your baby is eating solids, they'll need some plates and bowls. Look for options that suction to your high chair tray or are no-slip so that they don't get knocked to the ground (see Splat Mat below!)
Utensils
You'll also need some baby spoons which are typically made of a soft silicone, as well as a set of age-appropriate cutlery for when they start feeding themselves.
Cups
Your baby will also need some sippy cups to drink from. Try to find something that's no-spill.
Splat Mat
As we hinted, babies can be messy and will inevitably accidentally (or purposefully) knock their food, plates, spoons on the ground. What a fun way to learn cause an effect! (not). A splat mat will save your floors.
Food Prep Tools
If you want to make your own meals for baby, you may also need a baby food maker which can help you steam cook, blend and puree food, defrost, and reheat.
Storage
If you're making your own food, you'll also need somewhere to store it like silicone, glass, or stainless steel containers.
Shop the Edit with Babesta
When your baby graduates to solids, you'll be ready with a high chair, dishware and cutlery and a baby food maker so that you can try your hand at chef de cuisine.
At Babesta, we offer everything you need for mealtime now and as your baby grows. You'll never have to lose your cool shopping for your baby. Babesta has your back. Bon Appetit!
Frequently Asked Questions
When do babies actually start eating solids or use a highchair?
Most babies are ready for solids around six months (the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC both point to that age, alongside readiness signs like sitting with support, steady head control, and genuine interest on what's on your plate. That's usually when a high chair goes into regular use, though some parents bring one into rotation a little earlier just for supported sitting during family meals.
Do I need a separate highchair for home and a portable one?
Not necessarily. A full size high chair at home covers daily use. A portable or hook on chair is a nice-to-have for travel, grandparent's houses, or restaurants, not a requirement. If that's useful for your family, our Best High Chairs for City Living article has a portable pick.
How many bibs do I actually need?
Plan on 4 to 6 silicone catchall bibs once solids start. They get rinsed and reused constantly, so a small rotation goes a long way. You'll need far fewer of the soft fabric newborn-stage bibs, since that stage passes quickly.
What's the difference between a splat mat and just using a towel?
A splat mat is wipeable and non-slip, covers a wider mess radius than a towel and doesn't need to go in the laundry after every meal. It also protects rugs and hardwood in a way a towel just can't.
Can I skip plates entirely and just use the highchair tray at first?
Yes: That's actually common, and often recommended early on. Very young self-feeders do just fine eating straight off a clean tray. Plates and suction bowls become more useful once your baby understands food is meant to stay put rather than get tossed, usually somewhere around 9-12 months.
