From Milk to Solids: A Guide to Nurturing Healthy Eaters

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Livin'Sky podcast! I'm your host, Lena Livinsky, a speech language pathologist specializing in feeding.

Today, we're diving into how to nurture your child into becoming an adventurous eater, a topic that's both a professional passion and a personal journey for me as a mother.

Key Takeaways:

1. Connection During Feeding

• Establishing a bond during breastfeeding or bottle-feeding is crucial. It sets the stage for a positive relationship with food.

2. Readiness for Solids

• Look for signs like sitting with minimal support, keeping the head steady, reaching for and bringing food to the mouth, and showing interest in food.

3. Starting Solids

• Introduce a mix of baby-led weaning and purees to expose your child to different textures. Remember, gagging is normal and part of learning.

4. Exposure to Flavors

• Utilize the flavor window between starting solids and 18 months to introduce a variety of tastes, reducing the likelihood of pickiness later on.

5. Healthy Foods

• Prioritize high-quality, nutrient-rich foods. Be cautious of store-bought options that may contain high sugar or heavy metals.

6. Family Connection

• Share meals as a family without distractions. This fosters a social and enjoyable eating environment.

Important Notes:

• Feeding Disorder Statistics: 1 in 4 children has a feeding disorder, and up to 80% of children with developmental delays may develop one.
• Advocacy: Trust your instincts as a parent and seek evaluations if you suspect feeding issues.

Conclusion:

Feeding is a journey, and it's about more than just nutrition—it's about happiness, social connection, and developing a healthy relationship with food. If you have any questions or need guidance, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram at lina.Livinsky.

Thank you for joining me on this episode, and I look forward to continuing this conversation and supporting you in your parenting journey.

[00:00:33] Foundations of feeding for kids.

[00:05:08] Signs of readiness for solids.

[00:11:00] Baby's first solid foods.

[00:13:39] Babies' gag reflexes.

[00:18:21] Exposure to different flavors.

[00:19:55] Adventurous eating

[00:25:39] Picky eater behaviors and statistics.

[00:27:15] Feeding disorders in children