Weaning can feel like stepping into the unknown, especially when your baby has extra dietary needs. With CMPA, reflux, and the ever-present worry about choking, every meal felt like a small challenge. Over the last few months, I’ve found that keeping things simple — and having a few trusted helpers — made the process a lot less stressful.
1. Starting with Purees (and Letting Go of Perfection)
When your baby has reflux and is prone to gagging, purees can feel like a lifesaver. I was terrified of her choking, so we took it slow, focusing on smooth textures. It wasn’t about hitting milestones — it was about safety and comfort, for both of us. Starting gently allowed her to explore food without any pressure, and taking that slow, mindful approach made mealtimes feel calmer than I expected.
2. A Baby Brezza One Step Food Maker
Making your own baby food can feel daunting, but the Baby Brezza One Step Food Maker simplified it completely. I didn’t realise how many hidden ingredients were in pre-made foods, which mattered a lot for CMPA. Being able to steam and blend in one step gave me confidence that every meal was safe and simple. Plus, it made experimenting with new flavours less stressful — I could try something small and know exactly what was going in.
3. Trusting Diary-Free Brands
Even with a food maker, there were days when I needed something quick and reassuring. Ellas Kitchen’s dairy-free range became a reliable fallback. Knowing that they were CMPA-friendly meant I didn’t have to agonise over labels or ingredients — and my baby could enjoy a variety of flavours without a reaction. It was a small comfort in a world full of “what ifs.”
4. Keeping Expectations Low
Some days, she ate a lot, some days barely anything. I tried to let go of the idea that every meal had to be perfect. Focusing on the little wins — a new food tried, a new texture tolerated — made the journey feel manageable.
5. TUM TUM Silicone Weaning Set
This silicone weaning set quickly became a staple at mealtimes. Its soft silicone made it easy for her tiny hands to grip, which meant she could start feeding herself safely and confidently. The design made it easy to scoop, and the little bowls and plates were just the right size for introducing new tastes. It might sound small, but having a tool that actually worked for her little fingers took a huge amount of stress out of those first messy meals.
6. Letting Baby Explore at Their Own Pace
Even with reflux and CMPA, she was curious about textures and tastes. I let her explore little bits herself — a spoonful here, a mashed veggie there. It didn’t matter if it got messy; the important part was letting her be in charge of her experience. It made mealtime more playful and less stressful, and helped her learn in a way that felt natural rather than forced.
7. Silicone Ice Cube Tray + Fruit Bite Tool
Teething and weaning collided in a big way for us, and this combo was a lifesaver. I could pop pureed fruit into the ice cube tray and let her explore the cold, soothing textures safely. The fruit bite tool made it easy for her to gnaw on small pieces without choking worries. Not only did it keep her entertained, but it also made teething more manageable — and let me feel a little less frazzled during those cranky, drooly moments.
8. Wearable Bibs
If you’ve ever survived a first week of self-feeding, you’ll understand why wearable bibs feel like a parenting miracle. These bibs actually catch the mess instead of letting it end up all over her clothes, the floor, or my lap. It sounds trivial, but having a bib that did its job meant less laundry, fewer stressed-out sighs, and a little more enjoyment at mealtimes for both of us. Honestly, this one small change felt like a tiny superpower in the chaos of early weaning.
9. Embracing the Mess
Messy mealtimes are inevitable, especially with self-feeding. Accepting spills and splats as part of the process can take a lot of pressure off. Sometimes the floor becomes part of the learning experience — and honestly, a little mess can make it more fun for everyone.
Weaning isn’t linear, and with CMPA, reflux, and all the extra considerations, it can feel overwhelming. But a few simple tools, a trusted food brand, and a willingness to go at her pace made it so much easier. Sometimes, making things simple, safe, and low-pressure is the biggest win of all.
Outdoor Adventure, Travel, and Family Editor.
I share stories from my adventures with my daughter, Daisy, practical gear advice, and tips for navigating family life from my experiences.
Follow Sam’s adventures on Instagram @sams_adventures_
