Which First Foods Set Matches Your Baby's Stage?
Starting solids is a big milestone, and the right set of tools can make the transition smoother for both you and your baby. Bumkins offers several mealtime sets designed for baby-led weaning and early self-feeding, each with a slightly different focus. The key is matching the set to your baby's current skills and the level of mess you're ready to handle.
All the sets below share a few important features: they're made from 100% food-safe silicone (LFGB or platinum grade), are dishwasher safe, and are safety tested to comply with US CPSC regulations for lead, phthalates, BPA, BPS, and cadmium. The differences come down to the number of pieces, the type of utensils included, and whether they support open-cup drinking or sensory exploration.
First Foods Set vs. Deluxe Set: What's Included
The main choice for early eaters is between the 5-piece essential set and the 7-piece deluxe set. Both are designed for babies starting baby-led weaning, but the deluxe adds pieces that support more advanced skills.
- First Foods Essential 5-Piece Mealtime Set: Purple Jelly: This set includes a silicone suction bowl with a sloped interior and snap-on lid, a silicone dipping spoon, and a pair of Silicone Chewtensils with built-in choke guards. It's designed for babies taking their first bites: the Chewtensils soothe sore gums while introducing safe utensil use, and the bowl's suction base helps prevent tipping. The bowl is microwave and oven safe up to 400°F.
- Baby-Led Weaning Deluxe 7-Piece Set: Blue: This set includes everything from the essential set plus a silicone sensory placemat, two silicone accessory tethers, and a silicone starter cup. The placemat's raised textures encourage tactile exploration, and its grippy surface helps prevent sliding. The starter cup is sized for tiny hands to practice open-cup drinking. The tethers keep cups, utensils, or toys off the floor.
Key Differences at a Glance
- First Foods Essential 5-Piece Mealtime Set: Purple Jelly: The First Foods Essential 5-Piece Mealtime Set includes a silicone suction bowl, lid, dipping spoon, and a pair of Silicone Chewtensils with choke guards. Chewtensils are ideal for teething babies who are just starting to hold utensils, as they double as a safe chew toy.
First Foods Essential 5-Piece Mealtime Set: Purple Jelly - Baby-Led Weaning Deluxe 7-Piece Set: Blue: The Baby-Led Weaning Deluxe 7-Piece Set adds a silicone sensory placemat, two accessory tethers, and a starter cup to the essential set pieces. The extra pieces support open-cup drinking, keep accessories within reach, and provide a sensory play surface that also catches spills.
Baby-Led Weaning Deluxe 7-Piece Set: Blue
Toddler vs. Infant Grip Dish Sets: What Changes
For older babies and toddlers who have moved past purées, the Grip Dish sets offer a divided plate with suction base and utensils designed for scooping and stabbing. The key difference between the infant and toddler versions is the utensil type.
The Grip Dish Essential Infant 4-Piece Set comes with Silicone Chewtensils (short handles, choke guard, teething-safe), while the Grip Dish Essential Toddler 4-Piece Set includes a silicone spoon and fork set with ergonomic handles and concave heads that help keep food on the utensil. Both sets include a divided Grip Dish with suction base and a silicone stretch lid that can be written on with wet or dry-erase markers for dating leftovers.
Grip Dish Sets: What Each Includes
- Grip Dish Essential Infant 4-Piece Mealtime Set: Blue: The Grip Dish Essential Infant 4-Piece Set includes a divided silicone Grip Dish, a pair of Silicone Chewtensils, and a silicone stretch lid. Chewtensils are designed for infants who are teething and just starting to hold utensils, with a built-in choke guard for safety.
- Grip Dish Essential Toddler 4-Piece Mealtime Set: Gray: The Grip Dish Essential Toddler 4-Piece Set includes a divided silicone Grip Dish, a silicone spoon and fork set, and a silicone stretch lid. The spoon and fork have ergonomic handles and concave heads that help toddlers scoop and stab food more effectively.
How to Decide Between the Sets
Start with your baby's current stage and the skills you want to encourage. If your baby is just starting solids and still teething, the First Foods Essential 5-Piece Set gives you the basics for first bites and utensil exploration. If you want to introduce open-cup drinking and sensory play from the start, the Baby-Led Weaning Deluxe 7-Piece Set is the more comprehensive choice.
For babies who are ready for a divided plate and more independent eating, choose the Grip Dish Infant set if they're still in the teething stage and benefit from Chewtensils. Move to the Grip Dish Toddler set when they're ready for a dedicated spoon and fork with better food-gripping heads. All sets are dishwasher safe and made from food-safe silicone, so care is consistent across the board.
