In some aspects, I have felt like a seasoned Mother this time round; able to enjoy more and worry less, but sadly weaning is not one of those areas. From what I can remember (which isn't alot), we did baby-led weaning with Archie, whereas we've gone down the purée route with Jesse (bar a few finger foods for snacks), and there are a number of things I'd completely forgotten about 2.5 years on, and here are but a few.

numero uno: the mess Oh, the mess! One of the main reasons I was not looking forward to starting weaning this time round. We did mostly baby-led weaning with Archie, so the mess you imagine, is kind of inevitable. They're attempting to feed themselves, so of course, it's going to be an absolute sh*t show, but liquidised food? Well, you're in control aren't you? You have the spoon, you aim it into the mouth, baby eats it. I mean, we're adults. What can possibly go wrong?

My 7 month old eats fairly well. He has his off-days but mostly he'll finish off each meal. That is, of course, if I allow him to have the bowl of food in front of him and let him attempt to feed himself. *facepalm* I know, I know, how fabulous that he already wants to be independent, to learn to feed himself, but we both somehow descend into a sticky mess, along with our Cosatto 3sixti2 highchair, the floor, his brother's face and somehow, the ceiling? Mr J and I have to take mealtimes in turns because there's only so much destruction one person can endure from a tiny human.

numero dos: the gagging The gagging becomes slightly easier to bear with each subsequent child, but is still one of the most terrifying parts of introducing solids, especially with finger foods. I'm terrified. Too big? Too small? What if he gets chunks off and chokes? I think every parent's heart stops when their little one starts gagging vigorously on anything, and lucky for us, this happens at least once every single day.

numero tres: the indecisiveness(?) Many a time, I find myself exclaiming Oh yes, he absolutely loves banana, it's his favourite thing to eat. We can't go wrong with banana at least! only to find the next day that it seems we can go wrong with banana as the mouth is now clenched very tightly closed and said banana is smeared all over his hands (and face, feet, willy). One day, spaghetti bolognese will be a roaring success, cue freezing about 20 pots of the stuff, to find that tomorrow it will be plastered all over the wall.

Thankfully, our beautiful Cosatto 3sixti2 has been an absolute lifesaver, as the top section clips on and off for a quick wipe down or both trays for a good scrubbing, and the fact that we can lower or higher the chair's height has been really handy for my back (I'm 30 next year, I'll have you know). The fact that the design is so bright and colourful is an absolute bonus and at least when mealtime's come around, I am lulled into a false sense of security because at least my highchair has my back (literally) even if my baby most certainly doesn't *leaves room to wash macaroni cheese from hair*.

So, that pretty much sums up weaning thus far for us. I must say, I forgot about the elated feeling when dinner and pudding are finished; there's something so maternal about your offspring devouring a huge meal. If you need any tips at all about starting solids or weaning in general, find a reputable source via Google because I am absolutely rubbish at it (but at least they get fed in the end, ey).

We were sent the 3sixti2 highchair in chopsticks by the lovely folks at Cosatto; all words and opinions are completely our own and what we actually think (pinky promise).

Did you know I'm a graphic designer too? If you're looking for help to brand your business or make your blog beautiful, check out my portfolio!