Weaning is one of those parenting milestones that everyone tells you about — but no one really prepares you for. It’s exciting, a little messy, and sometimes downright overwhelming. Having gone through it myself, I know how easy it is to make small mistakes that can make the process harder than it needs to be.
Here are five common weaning mistakes parents make (and how to avoid them).
Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Plates and Bowls
If your baby’s plate tips over, slides around, or leaves food tasting odd, mealtimes become stressful for both of you. Silicone plates often hold onto soapy smells, while bamboo can split after a few washes. Investing in a safe, sturdy suction plate makes all the difference.
Mistake 2: Expecting Your Baby to Eat “Properly” Straight Away
Weaning isn’t just about food, it’s about discovery. Babies will squish, throw, and play with their food long before they “eat” it. It’s all part of the process.
Mistake 3: Offering Too Much Variety Too Soon
It’s tempting to want your little one to try everything in the first week. But offering too many foods at once can be overwhelming. Start simple - a single fruit or vegetable at a time and build from there.
Mistake 4: Stressing About the Mess
Here’s the truth: mess is unavoidable. But the right setup helps. Plates that actually stay put and spoons that are easy for little hands to grip go a long way.
Mistake 5: Forgetting to Enjoy the Journey
Weaning can be stressful, but it’s also a time full of memories: funny faces, messy hands, and those first bites of real food. Don’t forget to laugh and enjoy it.
Final Thoughts
Avoiding these simple mistakes makes weaning far smoother. And the right tools like suction plates that stay put can make all the difference.
💡 That’s why we created Tots & Me: stainless steel suction plates that don’t absorb odours or slide around, giving parents one less thing to worry about.