Baby-Led Weaning with Katie Ferraro
Is your baby ready to start solid foods but you’re feeling overwhelmed or confused about baby-led weaning? Babies can eat so many more foods than we give them credit for and you don’t have to force-feed or spoon-feed to get them to eat real food! I’m Katie Ferraro, Registered Dietitian specializing in infant feeding and baby-led weaning. I’m a college nutrition professor and mom of 7, and my goal is to help you start solid foods safely using baby-led weaning. On this podcast I share practical tips on safe food preparation and starting solid foods, as well as in-depth interviews with other feeding experts.
Episodes
Peanut Butter Puffs for Safely Introducing Peanuts to Babies: A Conversation with @puffworks founder Greg Murphy
#136: Early introduction of peanut protein can help reduce the risk of peanut allergy, but how do you safely introduce peanut when thick globs of peanut butter can be a choking hazard for babies?
In this episode, I’m joined by Greg Murphy, founder and President of Puffworks and a food allergy dad. Greg shares how Puffworks Baby peanut puffs became a simple, food-first option for introducing peanu
Toddler Milks: Why You Don't Need to Buy These Formulas
#135: Does my baby need a toddler milk or a toddler formula after turning 1? What if you’re worried about growth or brain development or immunity, do these products make toddlers healthier? The answer is no, you don’t need to be buying these formula products and I’m breaking down every reason why.
In this episode we’re looking at toddler milks, the fastest growing sector of the US formula marke
Sauces, Dippers & Toppers for Making BLW Foods Safe with @babyledfeeding Aileen Cox Blundell
#134: Dry meats and breads can be a choking hazard...but adding sauces, dippers and toppers is an easy way to make these foods safer for baby-led weaning. I’m joined by Aileen Cox Blundell of @babyledfeeding who is sharing some super sauce ideas for BLW.
The commercial sauces you buy at the store also tend to be too high in sodium for babies to eat, so Aileen is dishing on making dips and homemad
Don’t Drip Food: How to Pre-Portion for Baby-Led Weaning
#133: What’s the deal with dripping food? Dripping food is our control-freak way of regulating the pace of baby’s eating...and while it may seem harmless (and cleaner!) dripping can actually interfere with your baby’s ability to learn HOW to eat independently and to recognize and respond to their own hunger and fullness cues.
In this episode we’re talking about the draw-backs of dripping food p
CPR Skills that can Save Your Baby's Life when Choking with Brandon & Caitlyn Doersken
#132: Before your baby starts solid foods, there is one thing I hope every parent does: take an infant CPR course.
While choking is rare, it is a very real risk. Knowing how to reduce choking risk…and what to do if your baby does choke, can give you the confidence to safely start solid foods.
In this episode, I’m joined by Brandon Doersken from Thrive Training Institute to talk about why infant
Dairy Free Cooking for Food Allergies Babies with Kathlena The Allergy Chef
#131: What do you do if your baby is diagnosed with a cow’s milk protein allergy just as you’re starting solid foods?
While most babies can safely eat dairy, cow’s milk protein allergy is one of the most common food allergies in infancy. If dairy is off the table, it can suddenly feel like everything you planned to feed your baby needs to change.
In this episode, I’m joined by The Allergy Chef,
Why Benadryl is Not the Best Idea when Introducing Allergenic Foods with @raisinggoodparents Phil Boucher, MD
#130: Do you really need to have Benadryl on hand before introducing your baby to the Top 9 allergenic foods?
In this episode, I sit down with pediatrician Dr. Phil Boucher to talk about why he no longer recommends Benadryl for babies, what he suggests instead, and how to be prepared (without being afraid) when starting solid foods. You’ll learn what allergic reactions can look like, when to call
Exploring the Eczema & Food Allergy Risk Link with Rebecca Hartman, MD MPH
#129: If your baby has eczema, you may have heard that it could increase their risk of developing a food allergy. But what does the research actually say, and what should you do when you’re introducing allergenic foods?
In this episode, I sit down with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rebecca Hartman to unpack the connection between eczema and food allergy risk. We talk about why the skin barrie
Introducing Allergenic Foods: Ask Me Anything
#128: Food allergies are serious…but the only way to help lower your baby’s risk of food allergy is to offer allergenic foods early and often. Easier said than done, right?
In this Ask Me Anything episode, I’m answering eight real questions from parents about safely introducing allergenic foods. We’ll cover how much to offer the first time, whether you really need to wait three to five days
How Do Vegan Families Introduce Potentially Allergenic Foods? with @plantbasedjuniors Alexandra Caspero, MS, RD and Whitney English, MS, RD
#127: Thinking about raising your baby on a vegetarian or vegan diet? Wondering if it’s possible to do baby-led weaning without meat?
In this episode, I’m joined by registered dietitians Alexandra Caspero and Whitney English of Plant-Based Juniors, authors of The Plant-Based Baby and Toddler. Together, we tackle some of the biggest questions plant-based families have when starting solid foods, in
What Dietitians Don't Know About Baby-Led Weaning: Bridging the Education Gap
#126: You spent years studying nutrition…so why can starting solid foods with your own baby still feel so overwhelming?
If you’re a dietitian who is also a new mom, this episode is for you. I’m sharing why so many RDs feel underprepared to counsel families on baby-led weaning, even though we are the nutrition experts. We’ll talk about the education gap around readiness, choking-risk reduction, al
Why are False Positive Results in Food Allergy Testing so Common? with David Stukus, MD
#125: Worried your baby might be allergic to a food you haven’t even offered yet? You’re not alone. Many parents feel anxious about introducing allergenic foods, and food allergy testing can seem like the safest first step…but unnecessary testing can actually create more confusion and fear.
In this episode, pediatric allergist Dr. David Stukus explains why false positive food allergy test results
Using an Egg Ladder for Babies with Egg Allergy with Carina Venter, PhD, RD
#124: What if your baby reacted to egg…does that mean eggs are off the table forever?
Not necessarily. In this episode, food allergy researcher and dietitian Carina Venter, PhD, RD, explains what an egg ladder is, how it may help some babies with egg allergy work toward tolerating egg again, and why this approach is used more often outside of the United States.
Carina also shares why egg white m
HELP! My Baby has a Contact Rash from a New Food with Ron Sunog, MD
#123 What should you do if your baby gets a rash around their mouth after trying a new food? Before you panic and assume it’s a food allergy, listen to this episode.
I’m joined by pediatrician Dr. Ron Sunog to explain the difference between a harmless contact rash and a true allergic reaction. You’ll learn why certain foods can irritate your baby’s sensitive skin, what signs actually matter, and
Non-toxic Household Cleaners that Actually Clean Food Mess with Branch Basics Co-Founder Allison Evans
#122: Starting solid foods can feel messy fast: food on the floor, sauce on the high chair, stains on your baby’s clothes, and sticky hands touching everything. In this episode, I’m interviewing Allison Evans, co-founder of Branch Basics, about how to clean up baby-led weaning food mess without relying on harsh household cleaners. You’ll learn simple ways to manage mealtime cleanup, what to look f
Acidic Foods for Babies: Does the pH of a Food Matter?
#121: Are acidic foods like tomatoes, strawberries, citrus, or yogurt too harsh for your baby? In this episode, we’re looking at whether the pH of a food actually matters when your baby is starting solid foods. You’ll learn why acidic foods are not automatically off-limits, what a little redness around your baby’s mouth might mean, and how to keep the focus on offering a variety of safe, nutritiou
Food Positivity: What to Say (and What Words to Skip) with Arielle Dani Lebovitz, MS, RD
#120: If you’re worried about saying the wrong thing when your baby is starting solid foods, this episode is for you. In this conversation with registered dietitian and Food Positivity co-author Arielle “Dani” Lebovitz, MS, RD, you’ll learn how everyday comments (often said with love) can shape your baby’s relationship with food and their body long before they can talk.
We cover simple, real-life
Premature Babies: How to Estimate & Adjust Age for Starting Solids
#119: Starting solid foods can feel confusing when your baby was born early. Do you go by your baby’s actual age or adjusted age? And what if someone told you to start early so your baby can “catch up” with weight gain?
In this episode, I’m breaking down how to calculate adjusted age for premature babies and why it matters for starting solid foods safely. You’ll learn when to begin looking for re
Why I Built a Better Bib with Bapron Baby Founder Kelsey Larsen
#118: A good bib can make starting solid foods feel so much more manageable…but not all bibs are designed with your baby’s development in mind.
In this episode, I’m joined by Kelsey Larsen, founder of Bapron Baby, to talk about why she created a pinafore-style bib that ties behind your baby’s shoulders instead of around the neck. Baprons help keep your baby clean without restricting movement, int
Why Your Baby Refuses Foods They Used to Like...and What to Do About It
#117: Is your baby suddenly refusing a food they loved yesterday? Food rejection can feel frustrating when you’re just starting solid foods, but it’s also a very typical part of how babies learn to eat. In this episode, I’m explaining why babies may accept a food one day and refuse it the next, what this behavior actually means, and how to keep offering foods without pressure so your baby can buil
Calm Baby, Safer Eating: Simple Regulation Tips Before Meals with Jennifer Berry, MS, CCC-SLP, BCS-S, CLC
#116: If you feel the tension rising before mealtimes with your baby, Jennifer Berry is here to help. She’s a feeding specialist with some really simple regulation tips to help you AND your baby feel calmer and safer before meals even start. Stop focusing so much on the food and start connecting with your baby for better mealtime outcomes.
Listen to this episode to learn:
1. Some simple regul
BRAT Diet for Babies with Diarrhea: Does it Work?
#115: When your baby has diarrhea, should you stop regular foods and switch to bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast? The BRAT diet is old-school advice that sounds safe, but it’s not the best roadmap for babies who are starting solid foods. In this episode, we’re breaking down what to do instead, why hydration matters most, and when diarrhea means it’s time to call your pediatrician.
Listen t
Revolutionizing Infant Feeding Gear with ezpz Founder & CEO Lindsey Laurain
#114:Do you ever watch Shark Tank and see a really good product that was born out of necessity by a new parent? That’s exactly the story behind ezpz. In this episode, Lindsey Laurain, founder and CEO of ezpz, shares how messy mealtimes with her own young kids led to the original silicone suction mat and eventually a full line of feeding gear designed to support your baby’s feeding and developmenta
4 & 5-Month Olds: Your Baby-Led Weaning Pre-Feeding Plan
#113: Your baby does not need solid foods at 4 or 5 months…but that does not mean there is nothing to do. In this episode, I’m walking you through the pre-feeding skills that help your baby get ready for a safer, smoother start to solid foods at 6 months. We’ll cover what to practice now, what not to rush, and how to use this waiting window to feel more confident before that first bite.
Listen t
Ditching Diet Culture: Fostering Your Baby’s Healthy Food Relationship with Vanessa Rissetto, MS, RD
#112: If you’ve ever thought, I do not want my baby to grow up with all of the messed up food stuff I grew up with, this episode is for you. In this conversation, registered dietitian Vanessa Rissetto joins me to talk about diet culture, the pressure parents feel around feeding, and how to start fostering a healthier relationship with food for your baby from the very beginning.
Vanessa breaks dow
Baby-Led Weaning Grocery Shopping: What to Buy & What to Skip
#111: What should you actually buy at the grocery store when your baby is getting ready to start solid foods? In this episode, I’m walking you through a simple first-week grocery list for baby-led weaning: what to buy, what to skip, and why you do not need special “baby” foods to give your baby a safe start. From produce to proteins, allergenic foods, dairy, and the baby food aisle, you’ll learn h
Catch-Up Weight: Why Starting Solids Early Will Not Help Your Baby Gain Weight with Rosan Meyer, PhD, RD
#110: If your baby is on the smaller side and you’ve been told to start solid foods early to help your baby gain weight, this episode is for you. That advice can feel scary and confusing, especially if your baby is not showing the signs of readiness to start solid foods yet. In this episode, pediatric dietitian Rosan Meyer, PhD, RD explains why starting solid foods early will not help with catch-u
Purees to Baby-Led Weaning: How to Transition to Finger Food
#109: Still stuck in puree mode, but know your baby needs to move to finger foods? In this episode, you’ll learn exactly how to transition from spoon-feeding to baby-led weaning, what to do if you started too early, and how to offer finger foods safely without second-guessing every bite. And even if finger foods still feel a little scary right now, if your baby is ready, I’m going to help you feel
Do Babies Need Probiotics? with James Marin, RD, EN and Dahlia Marin, RDN, LD
#108: Do babies need probiotics? If you’ve been hearing all the buzz about gut health, the microbiome, and supplements — and wondering whether your baby needs probiotics too — this episode will help you cut through the noise.
In this episode, registered dietitians James Marin, RD, EN and Dahlia Marin, RDN, LD of Married to Health break down what parents actually need to know about probiotics for
Back to Work & Baby-Led Weaning: How 3 Moms Did It
#107: Heading back to work and wondering if baby-led weaning can still work for your family? In this episode, you’ll hear from three real moms who share how they balanced work, daycare, and starting solid foods…all without giving up on their goal of raising an independent eater. And if daycare is the part you’re most worried about, grab my free guide How to Be a Baby-Led Weaning Advocate at Daycar
One Pot or Pan Dinner Ideas for Baby-Led Weaning with Ellie Krieger, MS, RDN
#106: Want your baby to eat modified versions of the same meals the rest of the family is eating…without making separate food? In this episode, Ellie Krieger, RD shares practical one-pot, one-pan, and sheet pan meal ideas that make baby-led weaning easier, faster, and less stressful.
You’ll learn how to adapt family meals for your baby, offer real flavor without relying on salt, and make wholesom
5 Survival Skills for Managing the BLW Mess
#105: If the mess of baby-led weaning feels overwhelming, you are not alone. In this episode, I’m breaking down 5 practical survival skills to help you manage the mess without getting in the way of self-feeding.
Listen to this episode to learn:
1. How to handle the baby-led weaning mess without getting in the way of self-feeding
2. What bibs, mats, bowls, and cleanup strategies actually make
How the Lucky Iron Fish Can Increase Iron Absorption with Founder & CEO Gavin Armstrong, PhD
#104: Iron is one of the nutrients parents worry about most when starting solid foods, and this episode introduces a surprisingly simple tool that may help. I’m joined by Gavin Armstrong, PhD, founder of Lucky Iron Fish, to talk about how this iron cooking tool works, how families use it in real life, and what parents should know about safety and iron intake for babies.
Listen to this episode
Week 1 Syllabus: First 7 Days of Starting Solid Foods
#103: Not sure what to feed your baby in the very first week of starting solid foods? In this episode, I’m walking you through a simple 7-day syllabus featuring 5 easy baby-led weaning foods every baby can easily eat. I call it a syllabus because, just like any good course, this week gives you a clear structure, a logical starting point, and a step-by-step roadmap so you can begin with less overwh
The Future of Baby-Led Weaning with its Founding Philosopher Gill Rapley, PhD (Part 2)
#102 In Part 2 of this conversation with Gill Rapley, PhD, the founding philosopher of the baby-led weaning approach, we look ahead at the future of baby-led weaning. Gill shares where she hopes the research will go, how social media has both helped and complicated the conversation around baby-led weaning, and why trust, respect, and shared family meals remain at the heart of the philosophy. We al
Straw Cup vs. Open Cup: Which Comes First? with Dawn Winkelmann, MS, CCC-SLP
#101: Should your baby learn to drink from an open cup or a straw cup first? In this episode, pediatric swallowing specialist Dawn Winkelmann, MS, CCC-SLP, explains why open cup drinking comes first, how it supports feeding and speech development, and when to introduce a straw cup. You’ll learn the developmental reasons behind both skills and how to help your baby build confidence with drinking at
The History of Baby-Led Weaning with its Founding Philosopher Gill Rapley, PhD (Part 1)
#100: Gill Rapley, PhD helped give baby-led weaning its name, and more importantly, its philosophy: feeding led by your baby, not done to your baby. In Part 1 of our interview, Gill shares how baby-led weaning took shape, why waiting until babies are truly ready matters, and what she says to the skeptics who still doubt a baby’s ability to self-feed.
Listen to this episode to learn:
1. How Gi
Are Organic Foods Better for My Baby?
#99: Organic foods can feel like the “best” choice for your baby…until you’re staring at the price tag and wondering if you’re cutting corners if you buy conventional. In this episode, I break down what the word organic actually means, what it changes (and what it doesn’t), and how to shop confidently on any budget, so that your baby can eat more fruits, veggies, and real foods without you feeling
Where did Picky Eating Come From? with Helen Zoe Veit
#98: Picky eating can feel like it comes out of nowhere…one day your baby eats everything and then the next day - boom - you have a picky eater on your hands. But did we maybe make picky eating up?
In this episode, I’m talking with food historian Helen Zoe Veit, author of Picky: How American Children Became the Fussiest Eaters in History. Helen helps us zoom out and understand how picky eating be
Mushrooms: How to Offer Mushrooms Safely to Babies
#97 Mushrooms are one of the trickiest textured foods to offer safely to your baby…because that rubbery, spongy texture can make it hard for early eaters to manage. In this episode, I’m breaking down why sautéed mushrooms don’t reliably pass the squish test for 6–7 month olds, when your baby can try mushrooms, and why they’re worth working in early and often. Then I’ll walk you through two of my
How to Talk to Your Pediatrician About BLW with @pedsdoctalk Mona Amin, DO
#96: If you want to do baby-led weaning but you’re worried your pediatrician won’t support it, this episode will help you walk into that conversation with more confidence. You’ll learn what to say when a doctor raises concerns about choking, gagging, allergenic foods, or “what to feed,” plus how to tell the difference between a true medical red flag and a provider who just isn’t up to date. Pediat
Make Slippery Foods Easier to Pick Up (+ Add Iron) with these 5 Ingredient Hacks
#95 Slippery foods like avocado, ripe pear, banana, and cooked apples can be frustrating for your baby to pick up…especially early on before that pincer grasp kicks in. In this episode, I’m sharing 5 quick “roll it in this” ingredient hacks that add traction and help you sneak in a little extra iron while your baby practices self-feeding.
Listen to this episode to learn:
1. How to make slipper
From 3 Naps to 2: The 8-Month Routine Reset for Sleeping + Eating with Alejandra Zuniga
#94 Around 8 months, many babies start eating more confidently, drinking a little less milk, and transitioning from 3 naps to 2…so it can feel like your whole routine suddenly stops working.
In this interview, pediatric sleep specialist Alejandra Zúñiga explains what’s happening during this “8-month reset,” how sleep impacts your baby’s attention at the table and family mealtimes, and what to twe
Reintroducing Familiar Foods Back on Your Baby's Plate
#93 If you offered a new food once and your baby wasn’t into it, that doesn’t mean it’s a “no”...it just means it needs to come back around in your rotation. In this mini training episode, I’ll show you a simple, realistic system for reintroducing familiar foods while you keep moving forward with one new food a day, including my easy plate formula and rotation routine. You’ll leave with a concrete
How to Choose a Safe Seat for Your Baby to Eat with Kirsti Vandraas
#92: Ever wonder why some high chairs seem to “work” for starting solid foods while others leave your baby slumped, feet dangling, and frustrated? In this episode, I’m joined by physiotherapist and ergonomist Kirsti Vandraas to break down what a safe, supportive baby seat should actually do.
We cover the key features that matter most for independent eating—like a stable base, an adjustable footre
Pantry Planning for Baby-Led Weaning
#91: Starting solid foods doesn’t mean buying special baby food, or adding weird ingredients to your shopping list.
In this episode, I’m showing you how to use pantry staples you already have to support baby-led weaning. You’ll learn what to look for on labels, which shelf-stable foods actually work for babies, and how pantry planning can make offering new foods feel less overwhelming and more re
A Big Sister’s Perspective on Picky Eating with Molly Ferraro
#90: If you’re starting solid foods with your baby and feeding an older child who’s more selective, this episode is for you.
In this throwback conversation, I’m joined by my oldest daughter Molly, who was six years old at the time of this recording (and is now eleven). As the big sister to six younger siblings who learned to eat using baby-led weaning, Molly had a front-row seat to what it looks
Freezer Aisle Finds for Baby-Led Weaning
#89 The freezer aisle isn’t off-limits when you’re starting solid foods…you just need to know what to look for. In this episode, I’m breaking down 5 freezer aisle finds that actually work for baby-led weaning, including what to check on labels and how to serve these foods safely to your baby. If you’ve been avoiding the middle of the store because you thought frozen foods were packed with junk you
Writing Your Family's Food Story with Chef Julia Nordgren, MD
#88: Many parents come into starting solid foods carrying their own food baggage harboring worries about picky eating, pressure at the table, or repeating patterns from their own childhood. It’s easy to fear projecting those concerns onto your baby before they’ve even taken their first bites.
In this episode, pediatrician and trained chef Dr. Julia Nordgren shares how to write your family’s food
7 Baby-Led Weaning Mistakes I Made So YOU Don't Have To
#87: I’ve been a dietitian for 25 years and teaching baby-led weaning exclusively for almost a decade…but that doesn’t mean I didn’t make mistakes when my own babies were starting solid foods.
In this episode, I’m getting personal and sharing 7 baby-led weaning mistakes I made when my quadruplets first started eating real food. Looking back at old photos and videos, I cringe…but my goal is to he
How First Foods Shape Your Baby's Jaw, Airway and Sleep Habits with Kevin Boyd, DDS, MS
#86: The real foods your baby learns to eat don’t just provide nutrition, they also help build the jaw, shape the airway, and influence how your baby breathes and sleeps. When babies learn to chew real, safe foods instead of relying only on soft purées, they’re doing important developmental work with their mouths that supports healthy jaw and facial growth.
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Kevi
Sardines: How to Offer Sardines Safely to Babies
#85: Sardines are one of the best baby foods out there. You might personally not like sardines...a lot of people don’t, but don’t discount sardines for baby-led weaning.
Sardines are packed with nutrition, they represent unique taste and texture opportunities for your baby, plus sardines are an easy way to introduce your baby to one of the potentially allergenic food categories: fish.
I’m going
Why You DON'T Need to Wait 3-5 Days Between New Foods with Carina Venter, PhD, RD
#84: Have you been told to wait 3–5 days between introducing new foods to your baby? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Carina Venter, PhD, RD—one of the world’s leading experts in pediatric food allergy prevention—to explain why this advice is outdated and unsupported by research. We break down when allergic reactions actually occur, why introducing one or more new foods per day is safe, and how
When Should My Baby Start Eating with the Family?
#83: When does your baby start eating meals with the rest of the family? In this episode, you’ll learn how baby-led weaning supports family meals from your baby’s very first bites, what eating with the family looks like early on, and how to safely include your baby at the table without making separate meals. We’ll cover where family meals happen, what foods your baby can and cannot eat, how often
Postpartum Core and Pelvic Floor: Healing Your Body After a Baby with Marcy Crouch, DPT
#82: Many moms expect their bodies to “bounce back” after having a baby…but months later, odds are they’re still dealing with leaking, pressure, weakness, or discomfort and wondering if this is just how it’s going to be forever? In this episode, I’m joined by Marcy Crouch, DPT, a board-certified women’s health physical therapist and founder of The Down There Doc, to break down what postpartum cor
5 Things NOT to Buy When Starting Baby-Led Weaning
#81: Not everything marketed as a “baby-led weaning essential” belongs in your kitchen. In this episode, I explain 5 things you should skip when starting solid foods…and why some popular feeding products can delay development or encourage the wrong skills. Fewer gadgets, more confidence, and a baby who learns to eat real food, it’s all in here!
Listen to this episode to learn:
1. Why some po
Keeping Kosher with Baby-Led Weaning: 100 First Foods with Jackie Laniado Sutton, RD
#80: In this episode, I’m joined by registered dietitian and new mom Jackie Laniado Sutton, whose baby, Alexandria, completed the 100 First Foods approach using baby-led weaning while keeping a kosher home. Jackie shares how she adapted foods, timing of meat and dairy, and meal prep to stay true to kosher guidelines without compromising safety or variety when starting solid foods. If your family k
How to Pick a Milk When Your Baby Turns 1
#79: What changes in feeding when your baby turns 1? Honestly...not a whole lot. But we do make the transition to cow’s milk and that can be kind of tricky for some families.
In this episode we’re looking at how to pick milk when your baby turns 1. From questions about how much to feed, what types of cow’s milk to try, transitioning from breastmilk and/or formula to cow’s milk and milk alternativ
Building a Professional Network for Baby-Led Weaning with Jessica Coll, RD
#78: When baby-led weaning was still considered risky and unconventional, Jessica Coll, RD, was already teaching workshops to parents in Canada. Now, as the founder of the International Baby-Led Weaning Network for Health Professionals, she’s helping clinicians around the world feel confident supporting families through this feeding approach.
In this episode, Jessica shares how she built her pr
Baby Hunger & Fullness Cues: What They Are & How to Spot Them
#77: Understanding your baby’s hunger and fullness cues is one of the most important parts of responsive feeding, but it’s also one of the most confusing for parents. In this episode, you’ll learn how to recognize early hunger cues, spot the signs that your baby is finished, and troubleshoot those moments when the cues just don’t make sense. Discover how honoring these signals supports self-regula
From First Bites to First Words: The Link Between Feeding and Talking with Stephanie Cohen, MA, CCC-SLP, CLC
#76: Did you know that feeding milestones can actually help your baby hit their speech milestones too? In this episode, I’m joined by Stephanie Cohen, MA, CCC-SLP, CLC, a speech-language pathologist, feeding therapist, and certified lactation counselor who breaks down the fascinating connection between eating and talking in babies.
We’re exploring how responsive feeding, oral motor skills, and e
10 Safe Canned Foods for Baby-Led Weaning: What to Buy (and What to Avoid)
#75: Most parents think everything their baby eats has to be fresh, homemade, and cooked from scratch…but that’s just not true. In this episode, I’m breaking down 10 safe canned foods from my 100 First Foods list that can make starting solid foods easier, cheaper, and more realistic for busy families. I’ll share why certain canned foods actually work better than fresh, how to spot the low-sodium
Baby Behavior at Mealtimes: What the Science Says with Tina Payne Bryson, PhD
#74: What is your baby’s behavior at mealtime telling you? Is it possible to spoil a baby by feeding him too much? Can babies even exhibit “bad” behavior? In this episode author, child development and parenting specialist Tina Payne Bryson, PhD is joining me to break it ALL down when it comes to your baby’s behavior at mealtimes - diving DEEP into what the science says!
Tina is the co-author of
What to Do When Your Baby Won't Eat
#73: It is hard not to panic when your baby shows no interest in food. They ignore what you offer, barely taste anything, and you start worrying about nutrition, iron, and whether something might be wrong. This slow start is one of the most stressful parts of offering solid foods.
The good news is that most babies take time to learn how to eat, and early disinterest is usually completely normal.
How to Create a Pressure-Free Feeding Environment with Jessica Setnick, MS, RD, CEDRD-S
#72: Pressuring babies to eat more and pressuring babies to eat less can both lead to problematic outcomes when babies are learning to eat. But starting solids is a STRESSFUL time for many parents and caregivers, and sometimes without even realizing it we can be creating a feeding environment that is so high pressure both you AND your baby begin to dread mealtime.
In this podcast episode Jessica
Eating Out in Restaurants: Tips for Baby-Led Weaning Away from Home
#71: Eating out with your baby doesn’t have to be a stressful, messy disaster (...even though it can definitely feel that way the first few times!) In this episode I’m sharing simple, real-world strategies to make restaurant dining with your baby calm, safe, and even enjoyable.
You’ll learn what to pack, how to set your baby up for success in a restaurant high chair, and which foods from the menu
The Evidence Behind Baby-Led Weaning with Amy Brown, PhD
#70: There is a real and credible body of emerging evidence that supports a baby-led approach to feeding. In this episode baby-led weaning expert, author, researcher and Professor Amy Brown is joining us to help break down the evidence behind baby-led weaning.
Dr. Brown is the author of the book “Why Starting Solids Matters” and numerous research publications exploring the safety and efficacy of
Pumpkin: 5 Easy Ways Your Baby Can Safely Eat Pumpkin
#69: It’s peak pumpkin everything season…and you might be wondering how your baby can get a PIECE of that PUMPKIN action, right??!! Well pumpkin is totally safe for babies to eat - with a few caveats - and inside of this episode I’m sharing 5 Easy Ways Your Baby Can Safely Eat Pumpkin (with 5 easy baby-led weaning pumpkin recipes for you too!)
Listen to this episode to learn:
1. How you can he
Sugar and Why Your Baby Should Avoid it with Robert Lustig, MD, MSL
#68: We all know babies don’t need added sugar—but avoiding it is harder than you think. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Robert Lustig, one of the world’s leading experts on sugar and metabolism, to uncover the hidden ways sugar sneaks into baby foods and what parents can do to keep it out.
If you’ve ever wondered how to protect your baby from added sugar and help them build a lifetime of pos
100 First Foods Graduates: Success Stories from Around the World
#67: So what’s the big deal about a baby eating 100 foods before they turn one? Diet diversity from your baby’s first bites can help build confident kids who love real food…and help you avoid severe picky eating and mealtime battles.
In 2016 I created the original 100 First Foods approach to starting solid foods with baby-led weaning…and in today’s episode we’re hearing from some of the parents f
Behind the QR Code: How Baby Food Companies Are (and Aren’t) Complying with Toxin Testing Laws with @consumerreports Jessica D'Argenio Waller
#66: How are parents supposed to navigate picking baby foods that contain the least amount of harmful toxins if food companies don’t disclose that info? A new California law, AB 899, requires baby food companies to test for toxic elements like lead and arsenic—and to post those results online. But when Consumer Reports writer and nutritionist Jessica D’Argenio Waller investigated 39 popular baby f
5 Things Social Media Gets Wrong About Baby-Led Weaning
#65: Social media can be an amazing tool for learning about baby-led weaning…but it can also spread a lot of misinformation. In this episode, I’m joined by five of my expert friends to break down the top five things social media gets wrong about baby-led weaning. From fear-based feeding advice to myths about choking and readiness to start solid foods, we’re setting the record straight with evidenc
The Right Way to Use a Pre-Loaded Spoon with Dawn Winkelmann, MS, CCC-SLP
#64: Can your baby learn to use a spoon and still do baby-led weaning? You bet…and it starts with the pre-loaded spoon technique. In this episode, speech-language pathologist and feeding expert Dawn Winkelmann, MS, CCC-SLP, breaks down how to safely introduce spoons and purees while ensuring your baby is the one leading the way. Dawn shares her 3-step method for pre-loading spoons, explains the de
A History of the 100 First Foods Approach to Starting Solid Foods with Baby-Led Weaning
#63: Imagine sitting down at the table with your baby who can now confidently eat and loves all the same foods you do. In this episode I’m sharing the history of my original 100 First Foods approach to baby-led weaning - one that I started back in 2016 - explaining how your baby can easily reach this important milestone that has helped tens of thousands of other families achieve diet diversity and
Why Sensory Play Matters when Starting Solid Foods with Dawn Winklemann, MS, CCC-SLP
#62: Sensory play doesn’t just mean bins of dried beans or rice (...which are a choking hazard for early eaters). Instead, it’s a powerful tool at the table for your baby. Dawn Winkelmann, MS, CCC-SLP joins me to explore how sensory play supports your baby’s feeding development…and we talk about why letting your baby touch, smell and even play with food helps build feeding skills, reduces severe p
Forget the Salad: 5 Safe Ways to Offer Spinach for Baby-Led Weaning
#61: Learn how to make leafy greens safe for your baby: raw greens like spinach are a choking hazard and crunchy kale chips are too. In this episode I’m walking you through some easy ways to make spinach safe for early eaters, plus combination food recipe ideas for older babies too.
Listen to this episode to learn:
1. Why pouches that proclaim to include kale or spinach are really just fruit p
From Fear to Food: The New Rules for Introducing Allergenic Foods with Kelly Clear, MD, FAAP
#60: Worried about introducing allergenic foods like peanut, egg, or tree nuts to your baby? You’re not alone…but the latest research shows that early, consistent introduction can actually help prevent food allergies.
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Kelly Clear, MD, FAAP, pediatrician and Medical Director of FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), to unpack the new rules for allergen introd
Guiding Grandparents Through Baby-Led Weaning with Aaron Larsen
#59: One of the biggest hurdles to baby-led weaning can be… the grandparents. When the people helping care for your baby don’t understand or agree with how you’re feeding them, tensions can rise.
In this episode, I’m joined by Aaron Larsen, founder of The Grandparents Academy, to talk about how adult parents can better communicate with their own parents about baby-led weaning and other modern par
What do I do if My Baby Has an Allergic Reaction? with Ron Sunog, MD
#58: What should you do if your baby has an allergic reaction to food? In this episode, pediatrician and food allergy expert Dr. Ron Sunog shares clear, practical guidance for parents navigating allergenic food introduction. You’ll learn the signs to watch for of true food allergy vs. a run-of-the-mill contact rash, how to be prepared for allergic reactions (...no, you don’t need to park in the em
Is it Too Late to Start Baby-Led Weaning?
#57: Worried that you missed your chance to start baby-led weaning? Maybe you started with purees, got a late start start, or are scared to try out finger foods. Whatever the reason you’re feeling behind - it’s not too late to make the switch to solid foods.
In this episode I’m explaining why starting solid foods around the 6 month mark isn’t the only path to success…and practical tips like how t
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