Baby-Led Weaning with Katie Ferraro

#51: 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 precautions regarding temperature for preparing protein foods and storing foods safely. Listen to this episode to learn: 1. How you can (but don’t have...

#50: 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 we...

#49: 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 kitche...

#47: 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...

#46: 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. Listen to this episode to learn: 1. How the...

#45: 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. Listen to this episode...

#44: 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 to rapid fire answering your questions about getting a SAFE start to baby-led weaning. In this Ask Me Anything episode I’m covering the topics of readiness to feed, gagging, food refusal, scheduling, weaning from the bottle, deal...

#43: 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. Listen to this episode to learn: 1. What se...

#42: 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 skip...

#41: Shellfish is one of the Big 8 allergenic foods (...the 8 foods that account for about 90% of food allergy) and even though it is one of the more common pediatric food allergies, it’s the one that I find parents are the most hesitant about introducing to their babies. That may be because we are less inclined to be making shrimp and crab and scallops at home than some of the allergenic foods, b...

#40: Did you know it’s TOTALLY find to skip the sippy cup phase? As a new mom, this was news to me. I just assumed baby went from breast or bottle to a sippy cup and then eventually to an open cup.  But my guest Dawn Winkelmann, MS, CCC-SLP set me straight! She’s a speech language pathologist specializing in infant feeding and pediatric swallowing and she designed my FAVORITE baby-led weaning cup,...

#39: 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 ou...

#38: 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 s...

#37: 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 s...

#36: 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...

#35: 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. Lis...

#34: 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...

#33: 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 do...

#32: 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 foo...

#31: 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 baby early and often, but with some precautions. In this episode we talk about types of fish babies can safely eat, both canned and fresh and how to choo...

#30: 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 t...

#29: How do you feed your baby wheat? Wheat is one of the Big 8 allergenic foods...the 8 foods that account for about 90% of food allergy. And it’s one of the easier foods to introduce early and often for your baby. In this episode you will learn some easy ways to introduce your baby to wheat foods for baby-led weaning. And we’ll also cover why some people say babies should not have or can’t diges...

#28: Starting solid foods is exciting… but what happens when your baby gets backed up? In this episode, I’m breaking down why constipation happens when babies start eating solid foods, which foods might be making it worse, and — most importantly — safe, simple remedies to help get things moving again. Listen to this episode to learn: 1. What are the normal, run of the mill changes you can expect t...

#27: Honey might seem like a natural, harmless food—but it can actually be dangerous for babies under age 1. In this episode, we’re breaking down why honey can cause infant botulism, a rare but serious illness, and why it’s also considered an added sugar that babies don’t need. Learn what makes honey risky, how to spot hidden sources of it, and what to offer your baby instead. Listen to this episo...

#26: Starting solid foods does not mean spending a lot of money. You don’t need fancy gizmos or gadgets to make safe finger foods for your baby…but a few affordable kitchen tools can make life a whole lot easier. In this episode I”m sharing 10 game-changing tools that will simplify food prep for your baby (...including one surprise item that I swore I would never buy but now love and 5 popular but...