Food for Tot: Feed Your Baby and Toddler with Confidence

Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid Starting Solids

Kathy O'Bryan

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0:00 | 15:49

Starting table foods is often imagined as a joyful, picture-perfect milestone. But when babies spit, play, throw food, or barely swallow a bite, many parents are left feeling unsure and overwhelmed. In this episode, Kathy brings clarity and calm to the early feeding journey by breaking down what’s actually normal when babies start solids.

 

Kathy walks through the five most common mistakes parents make when introducing food and explains why many of them come from pressure, fear, or outdated advice. From worrying about mess to rushing readiness or staying on purees too long, she reframes early feeding as skill-building, not performance.

 

This episode is a grounding reminder that starting solids isn’t about how much your baby eats or how neat meals look. It’s about timing, exposure, and allowing learning to unfold naturally. If you’ve felt stressed or second-guessing this milestone, this conversation will help you feel steadier, more confident, and better supported.

 

Tune in to hear:

  • What’s normal when babies start solids
  • Why mess and play matter for learning
  • Common mistakes that increase feeding anxiety
  • When to advance textures and introduce allergens
  • How to build confidence without pressure

Connect with Kathy:

@theminimedietitian

Website: https://theminimedietitian.com/

Grab my free Top Tips for Feeding Toddlers Guide