Starting Solids - The Gear

My baby is starting solids soon so I'm trying to buy stuff that will be useful for this momentous occasion.

1. High chair - I was spared of having to buy a high chair since a relative gave us their old Peg-Perego Prima Pappa Best High Chair. I saw this chair through my research and learned that it was one of the more high-end chairs. My husband said it was like a spaceship with its recline features and seven height positions. Although it had good reviews, it had quite a few negative reviews, mainly about how the tray was too high (indeed it was) and the seat cover was hard to clean. Since this was given to me used, I had to clean it well before letting my baby sit on it. I found out just how hard to clean it was. And food wounded up in the weirdest places. But after the major cleaning, I put baby in it and he was happy. He can sit with us while we eat lunch/dinner and he was high enough to see me do things around the house so I'm also very happy :)

2. Seat Cushion - I was told to buy a new seat cushion for the high chair since the cushion is falling apart. Researching online, I saw like to 2 people that sell these cushions that they sew themselves. Cool business since Peg Perego probably charges an arm and a leg for replacement cushions (I think about $70, didn't bother calling them since the fake ones were expensive enough $30-$50). Anyway, I found this: Messeez High Chair Cover. This solves the problem of the cushion falling apart (i just duct taped it! LOL) and it being hard to clean. It's a seat cover you put on top of the existing cushioned cover. It's also cheaper :) Anyway, I already ordered it online but I haven't gotten it yet.

3. Utensils - Someone gave me Meal Mates Colored Soft Bite Spoons as a gift. And I bought The First Years Meal Mates Toddler Suction Bowl With Lid. Will review how good these products are once we use them.

4. Splat Mat - I need something like this: Mommy's Helper No Mess Splat Mat to protect our hardwood floors but I'm thinking of just buying something similar from the dollar store.

5. Rice Cereal - The pediatrician told me to start with Rice Cereal but to wait until he's 6 months old. I'm so excited, I'll probably buy the cereal right after our 6-month appointment.

6. Bibs - I'm not yet sure what kind of bib to get. I'm looking at the waterproof ones. Is it also time for the bib with crumb-catcher? or is that later on?

7. High Chair Toy - Since baby's hanging out in the high chair but he's still not eating, I make him play with the Sassy Illumination Station. He loves it!