Baby Feeding Favourites: 8 Months

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.

1. Munchkin Folding Bottle Drying Rack 

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.

2. Munchkin High Capacity Dishwasher Basket 

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.

3. Peg Perego Prima Pappa Zero 3 

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.

4. ezpz Mini Mat

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.

5. Philips Avent Spout Cup

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.

6. Tommee Tippee Easi-Roll Up Bib 

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.

7. Munchkin White Hot Infant Safety Spoons 

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.

8. Munchkin Love-A-Bowls 

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.

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.

Am I missing anything? What are your favourite baby feeding essentials? I’d love to hear!

And as always, if you have any questions about what she is currently eating, etc., please reach out!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. View To & Fro’s full disclosure policy, here.

Baby Feeding Essentials: 6 Months

The 6 month mark in a baby’s life is an exciting one. Not only are they growing in size, ability to move and vocalness (those baby giggles, cue heart explosion), but chances are, they’ve also started eating solids!

Since she was 5 months old, Baby B has been an eating champ. I mean, she was before when I was exclusively breast feeding, but now that real food has been introduced, she has become an animal. There is no turning back.

Before I share our baby feeding essentials, 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. 

Before you start feeding your baby solids, you should definitely discuss it with your family physician/paediatrician. If you’re nervous to get started, there are many great courses that you can take. If you’re in the Toronto-area, check out this Starting Solids class offered by my friend and registered midwife Care, from With Care. 

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 6 month old.

Baby Feeding Essentials: 6 Months

Breast Feeding:

1. Philips AVENT Natural 9 oz Bottle 

We’ve been a Philips Avent family since our first was born in 2016. (You can read more about our love of the brand here.)

2. Philips AVENT Comfort Single Electric Breast Pump  

3. Philips AVENT Fast Bottle Warmer 

4. Lansinoh Breastmilk Storage Bags 

I have tried a few different brands of milk storage bags, and have sadly also lost a few bags of frozen milk due to spoiling. The Lansinoh brand bags were recommended by a few different friends, and I have not had any issues.

5. Munchkin Folding Bottle Drying Rack 

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.

6. Munchkin High Capacity Dishwasher Basket 

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.

Eating Solids:

1. Peg Perego Prima Pappa Zero 3 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.

2. Munchkin White Hot Infant Safety Spoons 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.

3. Playtex Sipsters Stage 1 6 oz. Sippy Cup The removable handle allows this cup to grow with your babe and teach them how to use an actual cup.

4. Munchkin Love-A-Bowls The lid allows us to pack food in the diaper bag without having to worry about spills.

5. OXO Tot Baby Food Freezer Tray Most of the time, I make my own puree. This tray helps to freeze the puree into the perfect portion size. Once frozen, I remove from the tray and place in a labelled freezer bag.

6. Tommee Tippee Easi-Roll Up Bib 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.

7. NutriBullet PRO 900 Series Nutrient Extractor, Blender and Mixer This full size blender can also be used for smoothies, soups, etc.

8. Baby Mum Mum Rice Rusks These “cookies” are not only a snack for the babe, but also help with their hand-eye coordination.

9. PC Organics Baby Food Most of the time, I make my own purees. However, when we are planning to be out and about, I will toss a few pouches in the diaper bag.

10. Nestle Gerber Organic Oatmeal Baby Cereal (Also comes in rice.) I like this baby cereal because it comes in a plastic container with a snap lid. I find that much easier to store and even carry in our diaper bag than a bag and cardboard box (like actual cereal) - it’s less likely to spill.

Am I missing anything? What are your favourite baby feeding essentials? I’d love to hear!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. View To & Fro’s full disclosure policy, here.

PIN IT:

My "Oh, Shit" Moment

Earlier this week, we made the executive decision to remove our toddler from full time daycare, while I’m on maternity leave.

In simple terms, that means that I will be home, alone, with a 2 1/2 year old and an infant. All by myself, 5 days a week, 8+ hours a day, until I go back to work next August.

Just me, myself and I, and my two gals.

I have spent hours trying to justify the decision - with my husband (who was 100% on board), with my parents, with his parents and most importantly, with myself. Was it the right thing to do? 

Financially? Absolutely. Daycare isn’t cheap, especially when you’re down to one income and still have loads of other bills to pay. But what about socially? Academically? For my own sanity? Well, that is where I’m struggling…

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have a wave of anxiety rush over me, followed by an “oh shit, what have I done?!” moment, as I hit send on the email to the daycare supervisor.

But, what’s done is done. No take backs now. 

Oh, shit. 

As an informal educator by career, I’ve done my fair share of writing curriculum, leading programs, running day camps and managing entire classrooms. My summers growing up were spent babysitting the neighbourhood kids. And while they by no means prepares you for motherhood, my point is, I’m used to working with little ones. 

However, those kids weren’t MY kids. It becomes a much different ball game when they’re YOUR kids. The rules change. (And you can’t give them back at the end of the day…)

Morley has fully embraced her role as a big sister since miss Berkley entered the world mid-August. In the month since little sissy’s arrival, she has become this loving, helpful and independent little girl. However, she has also started to discover the attention is no longer all on her. Some days, it’s a full on whine and cheese party in our place. The drama is real. And now, I’m tasked with keeping her occupied and stimulated all day - finding a balance between giving her the attention she needs, while taking care of both baby and, if time permits, myself. 

So yes, I’m over here panicking a little bit. 

I’m also over here feeling guilty. That goddam mom guilt. The guilt I felt when we initially sent her to daycare over a year and a half ago, is back. In full force. 

You really can’t win, can you?

While she has only been at this specific school since June, she has completely settled into her new role as the now older kid in the toddler room. I feel guilty for removing her from her friends. But, I also feel guilty from removing her from learning. She’s 2 1/2, she will get over the other kids and teachers. But, what about the learning? Will I be able to do what her teachers could do?

The answer is, no. No, I won’t. 

But, can I do it? 

The answer is, yes. Yes I can.

I know I don’t need to be super mom. I know I don’t need to have a laid out lesson plan, themed weeks, Pinterest-perfect crafts or even an organic menu. I also know that it may take me losing my patience a handful of times before we get there, and maybe even putting on an episode or two more of some god awful YouTube video or TV show. But, we will get there. 

We can do it. I can do it.

I do love a good challenge.

Mommy daycare, here we come. 

Are you a stay at home mom? How do you do it? I’d love to hear ALL of your tips and tricks!