Baby-Led Weaning with Katie Ferraro

#144: What did babies eat before baby food was invented? Food historian Amy Bentley, PhD, author of Inventing Baby Food, joins me to unpack how commercial baby food, changing medical advice and clever marketing transformed the way we feed babies. If you’ve ever stood in the baby food aisle wondering whether your baby actually needs all of those jars, pouches and products, this episode will help you understand how we got here—and why babies are capable of eating real food from the start.

Listen to this episode to learn:

1. What babies ate...

#143: How is your baby supposed to eat tiny foods like quinoa, rice or finely chopped vegetables if they can’t pick them up yet? Fritters are one of my favorite ways to transform hard-to-grasp foods into soft, manageable pieces your baby can self-feed. In this episode, I’m sharing my simple baby-led weaning fritter formula, how to combine grains, vegetables and protein, what to use if your baby can’t have egg, and how to keep fritters soft and moist for easier swallowing.

Listen to this episode to learn: 1. How to turn grains, vegetables and pr...

#142: Do you really need to wait 3 days between new foods? Does baby-led weaning mean no purees or spoons? And does your baby need to sit completely unsupported before starting solid foods?

There are so many baby-led weaning “rules” floating around that it can be hard to know what’s actually true. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Gill Rapley, co-author of Baby-Led Weaning: The Essential Guide, to debunk some of the most common baby-led weaning myths. Listen to learn what really matters when starting solid foods—and which outdated rules you can stop worrying about.

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#141:  Is your baby really ready to start solid foods? If you’re getting conflicting advice about starting at 4 months, waiting until 6 months, sitting independently or showing interest in food, it can be hard to know when it’s actually safe to begin. In this episode, I’m breaking down the signs of readiness that matter, what you don’t need to stress about, and how to know when your baby is developmentally ready to start learning how to eat.

Listen to this episode to learn:

1. How to tell when your baby is developme...

#140: Why does starting solid foods make you feel like a brand-new mom all over again? Even parents who work in the baby space can feel nervous and unsure when it’s time to introduce real food. In this episode, I’m talking with Moms Interrupted hosts Natasha and Taylor about Taylor’s experience starting solid foods with her second baby, .especially after severe food allergy reactions with her first. Listen to hear what she was worried about before starting, what has surprised her so far, and why you don’t have to know exactly what you’re doing to confidentl...

#139: Your baby is almost ready to start solid foods…so what should you actually do the day before that first bite? In this episode, I’m walking you through the simple pre-feeding steps that can make starting solid foods safer and less stressful. You’ll learn how to confirm your baby is ready, set up the high chair for safe feeding, choose and prepare that first food, understand gagging vs. choking, and set realistic expectations for day one—so you can stop second-guessing every decision and start feeding with confidence.

Listen to this episode to learn...

#138: What do you do when other people do not agree with the way you have decided to feed your baby? It can be especially hurtful when you feel judged by other parents for choosing baby-led weaning or bypassing traditional spoon-feeding. In this episode, stylist and digital content creator Chriselle Lim joins me to talk about mom-shaming, feeding judgment and how to handle criticism about your parenting choices. Whether you have one follower or millions, those comments can still sting. Listen to learn how to tune out the noise, move past unwanted opinions and feel more confident in the feeding...

#137: Can your baby really get enough iron from baby-led weaning foods without relying on iron-fortified baby cereal? Yes…but you do need to know which foods to offer and how often to offer them.

In this episode, I’m breaking down how much iron babies actually need, why you do NOT need to obsess over hitting 11 mg from food when your baby is just starting solids, and some of the best high-iron foods for babies. You’ll also learn the simple iron + vitamin C pairing that can help your baby absorb more iron and why introducing iron-rich foods...

#136: Early introduction of peanut protein can help reduce the risk of peanut allergy, but how do you safely introduce peanut when thick globs of peanut butter can be a choking hazard for babies?

In this episode, I’m joined by Greg Murphy, founder and President of Puffworks and a food allergy dad. Greg shares how Puffworks Baby peanut puffs became a simple, food-first option for introducing peanut protein to babies.

We’re talking about why early and ongoing peanut exposure matters, how peanut puffs fit into baby-led weaning, and why Greg prefers real food over powd...

#135: Does my baby need a toddler milk or a toddler formula after turning 1? What if you’re worried about growth or brain development or immunity, do these products make toddlers healthier? The answer is no, you don’t need to be buying these formula products and I’m breaking down every reason why.

In this episode we’re looking at toddler milks, the fastest growing sector of the US formula market...and for good reason. The marketing behind these products is INSANE and you’ll be amazed at how brazen the formula companies are in pushing...

#134: Dry meats and breads can be a choking hazard...but adding sauces, dippers and toppers is an easy way to make these foods safer for baby-led weaning. I’m joined by Aileen Cox Blundell of @babyledfeeding who is sharing some super sauce ideas for BLW.

The commercial sauces you buy at the store also tend to be too high in sodium for babies to eat, so Aileen is dishing on making dips and homemade sauces that are affordable, easy to put together and that you can freeze for future use.

Be sure to check out th...

#133: What’s the deal with dripping food? Dripping food is our control-freak way of regulating the pace of baby’s eating...and while it may seem harmless (and cleaner!) dripping can actually interfere with your baby’s ability to learn HOW to eat independently and to recognize and respond to their own hunger and fullness cues.

In this episode we’re talking about the draw-backs of dripping food piece by piece for baby-led weaning. Learning how to appropriately pre-portion your baby’s food is a better alternative to dripping and here’s how you do it!

#132: Before your baby starts solid foods, there is one thing I hope every parent does: take an infant CPR course.

While choking is rare, it is a very real risk. Knowing how to reduce choking risk…and what to do if your baby does choke, can give you the confidence to safely start solid foods.

In this episode, I’m joined by Brandon Doersken from Thrive Training Institute to talk about why infant CPR is so important before starting solid foods, common choking hazards to avoid, and why every parent and caregiver should know the basi...

#131: What do you do if your baby is diagnosed with a cow’s milk protein allergy just as you’re starting solid foods?

While most babies can safely eat dairy, cow’s milk protein allergy is one of the most common food allergies in infancy. If dairy is off the table, it can suddenly feel like everything you planned to feed your baby needs to change.

In this episode, I’m joined by The Allergy Chef, Kathlena, to share practical tips for cooking and preparing dairy-free foods for your baby. You’ll learn how to read food...

#130: Do you really need to have Benadryl on hand before introducing your baby to the Top 9 allergenic foods?

In this episode, I sit down with pediatrician Dr. Phil Boucher to talk about why he no longer recommends Benadryl for babies, what he suggests instead, and how to be prepared (without being afraid) when starting solid foods. You’ll learn what allergic reactions can look like, when to call your pediatrician, and how to introduce allergenic foods with confidence.

Listen to this episode to learn:

1. Why Dr. Phil Boucher no longer re...

#129: If your baby has eczema, you may have heard that it could increase their risk of developing a food allergy. But what does the research actually say, and what should you do when you’re introducing allergenic foods?

In this episode, I sit down with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rebecca Hartman to unpack the connection between eczema and food allergy risk. We talk about why the skin barrier matters, how eczema severity affects risk, what signs of an allergic reaction parents should watch for, and practical ways to care for your baby’s skin while starting solid foods.

#128: Food allergies are serious…but the only way to help lower your baby’s risk of food allergy is to offer allergenic foods early and often. Easier said than done, right?

In this Ask Me Anything episode, I’m answering eight real questions from parents about safely introducing allergenic foods. We’ll cover how much to offer the first time, whether you really need to wait three to five days between new foods, what an allergic reaction looks like, and more.

If you’ve been nervous about introducing peanut, egg, shellfish, or other allergenic foods, this episod...

#127: Thinking about raising your baby on a vegetarian or vegan diet? Wondering if it’s possible to do baby-led weaning without meat?

In this episode, I’m joined by registered dietitians Alexandra Caspero and Whitney English of Plant-Based Juniors, authors of The Plant-Based Baby and Toddler. Together, we tackle some of the biggest questions plant-based families have when starting solid foods, including how to meet your baby’s nutrient needs, support iron intake, and approach the Top 9 allergenic foods if your family doesn’t eat animal products.

Whether your family is fully plant-based or you’re simply...

#126: You spent years studying nutrition…so why can starting solid foods with your own baby still feel so overwhelming?

If you’re a dietitian who is also a new mom, this episode is for you. I’m sharing why so many RDs feel underprepared to counsel families on baby-led weaning, even though we are the nutrition experts. We’ll talk about the education gap around readiness, choking-risk reduction, allergens, texture progression, responsive feeding, and the practical skills families are already asking us about.

I’ll also share why baby-led weaning can be more than something you want t...

#125: Worried your baby might be allergic to a food you haven’t even offered yet? You’re not alone. Many parents feel anxious about introducing allergenic foods, and food allergy testing can seem like the safest first step…but unnecessary testing can actually create more confusion and fear.

In this episode, pediatric allergist Dr. David Stukus explains why false positive food allergy test results are so common, why most babies do not need allergy testing before trying allergenic foods, and what parents should actually watch for when offering new foods. You’ll learn why feeding your baby allergen...

#124: What if your baby reacted to egg…does that mean eggs are off the table forever?

Not necessarily. In this episode, food allergy researcher and dietitian Carina Venter, PhD, RD, explains what an egg ladder is, how it may help some babies with egg allergy work toward tolerating egg again, and why this approach is used more often outside of the United States.

Carina also shares why egg white matters, why “egg intolerance” is usually not the right term, and what to ask your pediatrician or allergist before trying an egg ladder.

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#123 What should you do if your baby gets a rash around their mouth after trying a new food? Before you panic and assume it’s a food allergy, listen to this episode.

I’m joined by pediatrician Dr. Ron Sunog to explain the difference between a harmless contact rash and a true allergic reaction. You’ll learn why certain foods can irritate your baby’s sensitive skin, what signs actually matter, and when it’s safe to offer that food again.

If you’re just starting solid foods and feeling nervous about introducing new foods…especially the...

#122: Starting solid foods can feel messy fast: food on the floor, sauce on the high chair, stains on your baby’s clothes, and sticky hands touching everything. In this episode, I’m interviewing Allison Evans, co-founder of Branch Basics, about how to clean up baby-led weaning food mess without relying on harsh household cleaners. You’ll learn simple ways to manage mealtime cleanup, what to look for in non-toxic cleaning products, and how Branch Basics can help with high chairs, counters, floors, dishes, and stubborn food stains. Use code KATIE15 for 15% off Branch Basics starter kits.

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#121: Are acidic foods like tomatoes, strawberries, citrus, or yogurt too harsh for your baby? In this episode, we’re looking at whether the pH of a food actually matters when your baby is starting solid foods. You’ll learn why acidic foods are not automatically off-limits, what a little redness around your baby’s mouth might mean, and how to keep the focus on offering a variety of safe, nutritious foods without overthinking every bite.

Listen to this episode to learn:

1. Why acidic foods like tomatoes, strawberries, citrus, and yogurt are not automa...

#120: If you’re worried about saying the wrong thing when your baby is starting solid foods, this episode is for you. In this conversation with registered dietitian and Food Positivity co-author Arielle “Dani” Lebovitz, MS, RD, you’ll learn how everyday comments (often said with love) can shape your baby’s relationship with food and their body long before they can talk.

We cover simple, real-life language swaps that reduce pressure at meals, help you build trust (even on days your baby barely eats), and set the foundation for a healthy food relationship without guilt, bribing, or battles. Y...

#119: Starting solid foods can feel confusing when your baby was born early. Do you go by your baby’s actual age or adjusted age? And what if someone told you to start early so your baby can “catch up” with weight gain?

In this episode, I’m breaking down how to calculate adjusted age for premature babies and why it matters for starting solid foods safely. You’ll learn when to begin looking for readiness signs, why waiting is often safer than rushing, and how premature babies can absolutely succeed with baby-led weaning when they’re given the time and...

#118: A good bib can make starting solid foods feel so much more manageable…but not all bibs are designed with your baby’s development in mind.

In this episode, I’m joined by Kelsey Larsen, founder of Bapron Baby, to talk about why she created a pinafore-style bib that ties behind your baby’s shoulders instead of around the neck. Baprons help keep your baby clean without restricting movement, interfering with swallowing, or distracting from self-feeding.

Kelsey shares how she built Bapron Baby from an Etsy shop into a trusted feeding brand, plus why the right bi...

#117: Is your baby suddenly refusing a food they loved yesterday? Food rejection can feel frustrating when you’re just starting solid foods, but it’s also a very typical part of how babies learn to eat. In this episode, I’m explaining why babies may accept a food one day and refuse it the next, what this behavior actually means, and how to keep offering foods without pressure so your baby can build diet diversity over time.

Listen to this episode to learn:

1. Why food rejection is a normal part of learning to eat...

#116: If you feel the tension rising before mealtimes with your baby, Jennifer Berry is here to help. She’s a feeding specialist with some really simple regulation tips to help you AND your baby feel calmer and safer before meals even start. Stop focusing so much on the food and start connecting with your baby for better mealtime outcomes.

Listen to this episode to learn:

1. Some simple regulation tips to help your baby feel calmer and safer before meals start

2.  How to connect with your baby when they’re feeling dysre...

#115: When your baby has diarrhea, should you stop regular foods and switch to bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast? The BRAT diet is old-school advice that sounds safe, but it’s not the best roadmap for babies who are starting solid foods. In this episode, we’re breaking down what to do instead, why hydration matters most, and when diarrhea means it’s time to call your pediatrician.

Listen to this episode to learn:

1. Why the BRAT diet is outdated advice for babies with diarrhea

2. What to focus on first when your b...

#114:Do you ever watch Shark Tank and see a really good product that was born out of necessity by a new parent? That’s exactly the story behind ezpz. In this episode, Lindsey Laurain, founder and CEO of ezpz, shares how messy mealtimes with her own young kids led to the original silicone suction mat and eventually a full line of feeding gear designed to support your baby’s feeding and developmental milestones. We also talk about her Shark Tank experience, building ezpz from the ground up, and why thoughtful, developmentally appropriate feeding gear matters when your baby is star...

#113: Your baby does not need solid foods at 4 or 5 months…but that does not mean there is nothing to do. In this episode, I’m walking you through the pre-feeding skills that help your baby get ready for a safer, smoother start to solid foods at 6 months. We’ll cover what to practice now, what not to rush, and how to use this waiting window to feel more confident before that first bite.

Listen to this episode to learn:

1.  Why your baby does not need solid foods at 4 or 5 months…and what you can focus on instea...

#112: If you’ve ever thought, I do not want my baby to grow up with all of the messed up food stuff I grew up with, this episode is for you. In this conversation, registered dietitian Vanessa Rissetto joins me to talk about diet culture, the pressure parents feel around feeding, and how to start fostering a healthier relationship with food for your baby from the very beginning.

Vanessa breaks down what diet culture actually looks like in real life, how our own food beliefs can shape the way we feed our kids, and why less pressure ar...

#111: What should you actually buy at the grocery store when your baby is getting ready to start solid foods? In this episode, I’m walking you through a simple first-week grocery list for baby-led weaning: what to buy, what to skip, and why you do not need special “baby” foods to give your baby a safe start. From produce to proteins, allergenic foods, dairy, and the baby food aisle, you’ll learn how to shop smarter without spending a ton of money or second-guessing every label.

Listen to this episode to learn:

1. What foo...

#110: If your baby is on the smaller side and you’ve been told to start solid foods early to help your baby gain weight, this episode is for you. That advice can feel scary and confusing, especially if your baby is not showing the signs of readiness to start solid foods yet. In this episode, pediatric dietitian Rosan Meyer, PhD, RD explains why starting solid foods early will not help with catch-up weight, what growth charts are actually telling you, and why milk feeds, not solid foods, are the priority when weight gain is a concern.

Listen to...

#109: Still stuck in puree mode, but know your baby needs to move to finger foods? In this episode, you’ll learn exactly how to transition from spoon-feeding to baby-led weaning, what to do if you started too early, and how to offer finger foods safely without second-guessing every bite. And even if finger foods still feel a little scary right now, if your baby is ready, I’m going to help you feel more confident taking that next step.

Listen to this episode to learn:

1.  What to do if you started with purees but want...

#108: Do babies need probiotics? If you’ve been hearing all the buzz about gut health, the microbiome, and supplements — and wondering whether your baby needs probiotics too — this episode will help you cut through the noise.

In this episode, registered dietitians James Marin, RD, EN and Dahlia Marin, RDN, LD of Married to Health break down what parents actually need to know about probiotics for babies. Learn how your baby’s microbiome develops, when probiotic supplements may or may not make sense, and why a food-first approach is often the better place to start.

Li...

#107: Heading back to work and wondering if baby-led weaning can still work for your family? In this episode, you’ll hear from three real moms who share how they balanced work, daycare, and starting solid foods…all without giving up on their goal of raising an independent eater. And if daycare is the part you’re most worried about, grab my free guide How to Be a Baby-Led Weaning Advocate at Daycare at babyledweaning.co/resources (...it has the exact scripts to use with your daycare to get them on board with this feeding approach!)

List...

#106: Want your baby to eat modified versions of the same meals the rest of the family is eating…without making separate food? In this episode, Ellie Krieger, RD shares practical one-pot, one-pan, and sheet pan meal ideas that make baby-led weaning easier, faster, and less stressful.

You’ll learn how to adapt family meals for your baby, offer real flavor without relying on salt, and make wholesome food without spending all day in the kitchen.

Listen to this episode to learn:

1. What convenience foods Ellie Krieger relies on to save time...

#106: Want your baby to eat modified versions of the same meals the rest of the family is eating…without making separate food? In this episode, Ellie Krieger, RD shares practical one-pot, one-pan, and sheet pan meal ideas that make baby-led weaning easier, faster, and less stressful.

You’ll learn how to adapt family meals for your baby, offer real flavor without relying on salt, and make wholesome food without spending all day in the kitchen.

Listen to this episode to learn:

1. What convenience foods Ellie Krieger relies on to save time...