Is your baby an overeager eater who stuffs too much food in at once? Overstuffing is actually pretty typical - but it’s also a little scary when you’re worried about choking. In this episode, pediatric feeding expert Dawn Winkelmann, MS, CCC-SLP shares practical tips for managing overstuffing, big bites and fast eaters. You’ll learn what’s developmentally appropriate, how to respond in the moment, and when it’s time (and not time) to worry about overstuffing.

Trying to explain baby-led weaning to someone who doesn’t believe in it? This episode breaks down 10 research-backed benefits of baby-led weaning, perfect for when you’re faced with a skeptic (or feeling unsure yourself). From reducing severe picky eating to supporting healthy weight, better speech development, and respecting your baby’s hunger cues, these talking points will help you confidently explain why this self-feeding approach is both safe and effective. Whether you’re new to baby-led weaning or trying to win over a doubter, this list will give you the clarity—and science—you need to make the case.

Babies don’t have to eat bland food! In this episode, spice expert and cookbook author Kanchan Koya, PhD @chiefspicemama shares how to safely introduce seasonings and spices to your baby’s food. Learn which spices are safe, why they support health, and how to bring your family’s food culture into your baby’s diet from the start.

If your baby has a tongue-tie (or has had one released) you might be wondering: will this affect their ability to start solid foods? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Shaina Holman, DDS, PhD, a dentist with a rare specialty in infant tongue-ties and a research background in infant feeding. She runs a multidisciplinary infant feeding clinic in North Carolina, working alongside lactation consultants, SLPs, and infant massage therapists to take a whole-body, team-based approach to diagnosis and treatment. Dr. Shaina explains what tongue- and lip-ties are, how they can impact both milk feeding and solid feeding, and what to look out for if you’re considering - or have already done - a release. As a mom of three who’s done baby-led weaning with her own kids, she brings both clinical and practical insights to this conversation.

Ever wonder if there is a right (or wrong) temperature that the food you offer your baby should be? In this episode, we’re looking at which foods babies can have frozen, cold, room temperature and warm. We’ll also cover some basic food safety...

Many babies who rely on tube feeding can learn to eat independently…but traditional feeding approaches often fall short. In this episode, feeding therapists Jennifer Berry (OT) and Heidi Liefer Moreland (SLP) from Thrive by Spectrum Pediatrics explain how trust, safety, and internal motivation play key roles in helping tube-fed babies become confident eaters. Learn how their intensive tube weaning program works, what signs to look for when a baby is ready to eat, and how responsive feeding principles apply—even with medically complex cases.

Introducing eggs early and often is key to helping prevent egg allergy…but, figuring out how to safely offer those eggs to your baby can be tricky. In this episode, I’m breaking down 7 easy ways to safely offer eggs using the baby-led weaning approach. From quick prep methods to texture tips that support self-feeding, you’ll walk away with practical ideas you can put to use in your own kitchen starting this week.

Oatmeal is a warm, familiar food, but what’s the best way to introduce oatmeal to your baby? In this episode, I’m breaking down how to safely serve oatmeal so your baby can self-feed from the start. We’re talking about which types of oatmeal to use (and which to skip), how to cook it for the right texture, and why you don’t need to buy baby-specific oatmeal to get enough iron. Plus, I’ll show you how to keep the self-feeding principles of baby-led weaning, even with puree-textured foods like oatmeal.

Let’s shine the spotlight on dads who are diving headfirst into baby-led weaning. From pediatricians and military dads to first-timers and seasoned pros, these proud fathers share what they love most about watching their babies explore real foods. Whether your partner’s already on board or needs a little nudge, these dad stories are sure to inspire.

Wondering what should actually be on your baby’s plate during baby-led weaning? In this episode, you’ll learn how to build a balanced plate using a simple structure that supports independent eating and provides the nutrients your baby needs. Learn why less variety is okay in the beginning, how to structure a 20-minute meal, and which foods go where on your baby’s plate.

Are you just starting out with baby-led weaning and FULL of questions about whether your baby can safely self-feed? Well then, this is the episode for you! I'm going rapid fire answering your questions all about getting a SAFE start to baby-led weaning.

Sesame is now officially recognized as a top allergenic food—but is it safe for your baby? In this episode, you’ll learn how to safely introduce sesame using baby-led weaning. From the rise in sesame allergies to simple and safe ways to serve tahini or black sesame powder, I’m sharing everything you need to confidently introduce this important food.

Does your one-year-old really need to drink cow’s milk? In this episode, food writer and mom of twins Sophie Egan, author of How to Be a Conscious Eater, joins me to explore the cultural, environmental, and ethical reasons some families choose to skip cow’s milk after age one. We’re digging into what it means to make conscious food choices for your baby—and your planet…and whether or not skipping cow’s milk is a good idea.

Shellfish is one of the Top 9 allergenic foods, and while it’s a common cause of food allergy in children, it’s also one of the least offered foods to babies. In this episode, we’re breaking down the safest ways to introduce shrimp, crab, scallops and more to your baby using baby-led weaning methods. I’ll share why rubbery textures can be tricky at first, how to modify shellfish into a safe form like a shrimp patty and other finger foods even the earliest eater can safely try.

If you’re searching for a sippy cup to bridge the breast or bottle before open cup…it’s time to think again. Speech-language pathologist and pediatric swallowing expert Dawn Winkelmann is back to share 6 compelling reasons to skip the sippy cup. From developmental delays to dental concerns and even safety risks of sippy cups, Dawn is going to turn you on to open cup drinking instead (and explain how to do that correctly with your baby too.)

Can you safely offer tree nuts to your baby if whole nuts and thick nut butter are choking hazards? Yes…and it’s a good idea to do tree nuts early and often! Tree nuts are one of the Top 9 allergenic foods, and early introduction may help reduce the risk of developing a tree nut allergy. In this episode, you’ll learn how to safely serve tree nuts to your baby using almond flour and thinned out nut butter. We’ll also cover why almond milk doesn’t count and how to watch for signs of an allergic reaction.

In Nigeria, many babies are traditionally weaned with pap—a cornmeal-based cereal that fills them up but falls short on essential nutrients. Latifat Okara, founder of NomNom Babies, is on a mission to change that. Through nutrition education and locally made food production, she’s helping families and healthcare providers embrace more nutrient-dense, culturally relevant foods to support healthy growth during the weaning period.

Soy is one of the Top 9 allergenic foods, but it often causes confusion for parents when their baby is starting solid foods: can my baby eat soy and if so, what’s the safest way to prepare it? In this episode, you’ll learn how to safely introduce soy to your baby for 2 different ages and stages, plus a look at soy milk and why it’s not ideal for babies. We’ll cover soy allergy stats, debunk some common myths, and walk through the best practices for offering this food early and often. If you’ve heard conflicting things about soy, this episode will give you the facts you need to move forward confidently.

How does typical picky eating differ from severe picky eating and are both or either preventable?In this episode family doctor turned child feeding specialist Katja Rowell, MD walks us through steps to helping babies develop a foundational love of food from their first bites, along with tips on differentiating between typical and extreme picky eating, and what to do and where to go if you do think your baby’s feeding behavior is not typical.

Think your baby needs snacks? Think again. In this episode, we’re diving into why milk—breastmilk or formula—is your baby’s perfect “snack” between meals and why skipping snacks during the weaning phase can set your baby up for better eating habits in toddlerhood. You’ll learn how early snacking sabotages appetite and meals, and how to build a solid feeding routine without the snack trap.

Is it possible you’ve been bottle-feeding your baby wrong all this time? In today’s episode Amy Peterson, IBCLC is here to teach about paced bottle feeding, a baby-led technique. Amy shares how baby-led bottle feeding works, how to recognize your baby’s feeding cues and simple ways to teach other caregivers this important skill so you’re all on board with your baby leading the way. If you’re offering bottles - or plan to - this conversation will help you feel confident in letting your baby lead the way.

Worried about salt in your baby’s food? In this episode, I’m sharing 3 easy, practical ways to minimize sodium for your baby without overhauling your entire meal plan. You’ll learn how to spot high-sodium foods on labels, why it’s totally fine to salt your own food after setting aside a safe portion for your baby, and how to add flavor with herbs and spices instead of salt. Minimizing salt doesn’t mean making bland food—it means making smart swaps so your baby can safely enjoy more real foods.

Postpartum depression affects 1 in 10 mothers—but not all moms feel comfortable talking about it. In this episode, mom of two Carissa Rose shares how her struggle with postpartum depression after the birth of her first baby left her feeling like a failure—until starting solid foods with baby-led weaning gave her a new sense of purpose. Carissa explains how feeding her babies 100 different foods helped her reconnect with motherhood and find success on her own terms.

How can I safely feed my baby fish? Fish is one of the Big 8 allergenic foods (...the 8 foods that account for 90% of food allergy) and there’s no evidence that waiting to feed fish helps prevent allergy. So it is a food you can feed to your...

Starting solid foods doesn’t mean breastfeeding has to end — but many parents worry about how to balance both. In this episode, IBCLC Robin Kaplan shares practical tips to support continued breastfeeding while starting baby-led weaning, how to manage feeding schedules, and what to expect as your baby transitions to solid foods. Plus, she offers reassurance for parents feeling overwhelmed by this exciting new stage.