Food for Tot: Feed Your Baby and Toddler with Confidence
Food for Tot is the go-to podcast for parents who want to confidently nourish their babies and toddlers without stress, guilt, or overwhelm. Hosted by Kathy O’Bryan—registered dietitian, mom, and the voice behind @theminimedietitian—this show breaks down the science of child nutrition into simple, practical tips you can actually use at home.
From introducing solids to managing sugar, picky eating, and everything in between, Kathy shares research-backed guidance with a mom-to-mom relatability that makes you feel seen and supported. Each episode is packed with clarity, encouragement, and actionable advice to help you raise healthy, happy eaters while building positive food foundations that last a lifetime.
Whether you’re just starting solids, navigating toddlerhood, or looking for ways to simplify mealtimes, Food for Tot will give you the confidence you need to enjoy the feeding journey.
Food for Tot: Feed Your Baby and Toddler with Confidence
Why Routines Change Everything for Toddlers w/ Jessica Irwin, OT
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Ever feel like your toddler runs the day and you’re just trying to keep up?
In this episode, Kathy sits down with pediatric occupational therapist Jessica Irwin, OT, to talk about the powerful role routines play in early childhood development, especially when it comes to mealtimes, behavior, and everyday family life.
Jessica shares how her work inside hundreds of family homes shifted her perspective on supporting children. Instead of focusing only on the child, she began helping parents build simple, predictable rhythms that make daily life smoother for everyone. Together, Kathy and Jessica unpack how routines support a child’s sense of safety, why structure actually reduces stress for both parents and kids, and how small environmental shifts can transform challenging moments like meals.
You’ll also hear practical strategies for navigating common toddler struggles like refusing to come to the table, throwing food, or preferring only a handful of predictable snacks. Jessica explains how posture, sensory experiences, and development all influence how children eat, and why some of the messiest moments at the table are actually essential for learning.
Tune in to hear:
- What pediatric occupational therapy actually means and how it supports everyday family life
- Why predictable routines help children feel safe, regulated, and ready to learn
- The five daily routines that create a strong foundation for toddlers
- How posture and seating impact mealtime success more than most parents realize
- Simple strategies to help toddlers transition to the table without power struggles
- Why messy eating is a critical part of sensory and feeding development
- The difference between normal picky eating and true sensory food aversions
- How parents can confidently lead the structure of their child’s day
Follow Jessica on Instagram @rootedinroutine for more support establishing healthy routines for your little ones!
Connect with Kathy:
Apply for the Mini Me Method (now enrolling for May 2026): https://cyu8bvk7jme.typeform.com/to/STz5wJgD
Website: https://theminimedietitian.com/