From Milk to Munchies: Our Baby-Led Transition to Solids 🍓

Starting solids felt like a big milestone… and a little overwhelming.

I had no idea where to begin. Purees or baby-led weaning? How much food? What kind? Was she even ready? It felt like a whole new world of pressure I wasn’t ready for.

So instead of following a strict plan, I kept things simple.

I’m not an expert—just a mom trying to make this stage less chaotic (and maybe even fun).

We started solids in the mornings when she was rested and more curious. That made everything feel easier. I kept the foods basic at first—avocado, steamed carrots, pear. One food at a time, for a few days each. It gave me peace of mind and helped me watch for reactions without feeling like I was juggling too much.

Water helped too. We used the Ali + Tings cup from day one. She loved chewing on the soft lid, and I loved that it didn’t spill when she threw it—which happened a lot. It quickly became part of every mealtime and still lives in our diaper bag.

Bananas were a n absolute fail. Mango too. Which felt sad considering how many babies supposedly love both. But that’s the thing about feeding—every baby’s different. What works for one doesn’t always work for another, and that’s okay.

A few tools helped me feel more prepared and way less overwhelmed. The freezer tray was a quiet MVP. I’d prep and freeze tiny portions of purées or breast milk to use later . No waste. No pressure. The pacifier feeder helped a lot too, especially during teething. I’d fill it with a frozen cube of mango or milk and let her explore it herself. It gave her something to do and gave me a few quiet moments to breathe.

Our silicone bibs saved me from laundry piles, and the spill-proof cup gave her independence without the mess. These tools weren’t just practical—they made me feel more confident. Like I actually had a rhythm to this stage, even if it didn’t look perfect.

That’s the heart behind Ali + Tings. Products designed with intention, to help moms like us move through the messy moments with more calm and less chaos. No loud colors. No complicated instructions. Just smart tools that look good, feel good, and actually help.

Starting solids is a season. It’s going to be messy and imperfect, but also kind of magical. You don’t need to follow anyone’s rules. Just trust yourself, keep it simple, and take it one bite at a time.

This is the first of many journal entries from our experiences at Ali + Tings. Our goal is to offer thoughtful support, practical tools, and a sense of calm as you navigate motherhood—your way.

You’re doing great.

— Ali + Tings Mama