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Your one-stop shop for trustworthy, expert- verified nutrition advice to help feed children under 5.

18/09/2026

What are the golden rules of fussy eating in ECEC?

In this episode, Accredited Practising Dietitians Dr Clare Dix and Stella Boyd-Ford explain fussy eating—what’s normal, why it happens, and how we can support children and families in our centres.

Topics include:
• Division of responsibility – what it means and how you can use it
• Practice advice and strategies for introducing foods, for example, transition routines, activities, praise, sensory exploration and more
• When families might need further support and how to find/refer to health professionals
• How to respond to challenging behaviour, keeping in mind that all behaviour is communication

Listen on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgtsosdfaCA or Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/1vJIv7oqUz8cTPjHZzzZD6?si=SGoSbdJmSvm_Q7-SKyHapA.

16/09/2026

If you’re an educator caring for babies, you might be wondering how you can support them (and their families) as they start solids.

In this episode, Stella Boyd-Ford and Dr Clare Dix discuss:
• Signs to look for (around 6 months most babies are ready to start solid foods).
• Types and textures of foods
• Gagging and choking
• Allergies
• Conversations with parents and carers: safety, allergies, and sharing evidence-based information
• Adapting menus in your centre
• Baby-led weaning and traditional methods
• Tips for introducing new foods
• How to refer parents and carers to health professionals

Listen on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oK30pP__HQM or Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/31Wcf3iFRaKMpTCRiPnBlE

14/09/2026

Calling all early childhood educators who care for babies and toddlers! This episode discusses introducing solids and feeding babies in their first year, as well as tips for fussy toddlers.

Stella Boyd-Ford and Dr Clare Dix are Accredited Practising Dietitians with a special interest in feeding under 5's. In this episode, they discuss:
• Strategies for a healthy start to introducing solids (around 6 months) and as babies move through the stages around 8, 10 and 12 months, and toddler fussiness
• What to provide and what to avoid (textures and drinks)
• How many meals to offer
• Safety and how to support babies in chairs and with utensils
• Being responsive, exploration, role-modelling and mealtime experiences
• Teething
• Fussiness and autonomy in toddlers

Listen on YouTube or Spotify - links in bio or visit www.growandgotoolbox.com

12/09/2026

By their first birthday most babies are having family foods and continuing to get better at feeding themselves.

If you are breastfeeding:
• You can continue breastfeeding as long as you and the baby want.
• Your baby can have cow’s milk as a drink; keep it to a maximum of 1 cup a day so as not to accidentally replace food or breastmilk.
• Your baby should move to using cups and stop using bottles by 12 months.

If you are formula feeding:
• There is no need for formula-fed babies to continue having formula past 12 months unless a health professional has told you to.
• Your baby can have cow’s milk as a drink, but keep it to a maximum of 1 cup a day so as not to accidentally replace food.
• Your baby should move to using cups and stop using bottles by 12 months.

For more tips on feeding your toddler, check out our free resource, the Lumpy Road to Solids: https://growandgotoolbox.com/digital-resources/lumpy-road-to-solids

10/09/2026

This is a great time to introduce child-safe forks and spoons to your baby and role model how to use them.

To help introduce new foods, you might encourage your baby to do some food activities that don’t focus on eating the foods but on exploring them.

For ideas on sensory exploration, check out our free resources (link in bio):
• Sensory placemat
• Sensory activity cards

08/09/2026

No more purees; it is time to focus on finger foods

By eight months, most babies are eating finger foods. Now is the time to introduce harder and chewier foods and smaller pieces of food to help them practice using their fingers.

When introducing a new food, try to make sure your baby is alert and not too tired. The best time is usually the next meal or snack after sleep. After eight months, you can start providing solid foods before breast or bottle feeds.

Pro tip: provide water with meals, and avoid milk drinks or fruit juices.

For more tips on feeding your baby, check out our free resource, the Lumpy Road to Solids: https://growandgotoolbox.com/digital-resources/lumpy-road-to-solids

06/09/2026

Feeding a 6 to 8 month old? Top tip: Move quickly from purees to soft finger foods

Over the first few months of starting solids, your child will move from purees to mash to finger foods. They will still need to breastfeed or bottle feed first but offer solid foods between or after feeds.

You can choose to follow baby-led weaning or move through purees and mashes. If done safely, both are good options.

For tips on what and how to feed your baby, check out our free resource: https://growandgotoolbox.com/digital-resources/lumpy-road-to-solids

04/09/2026

When can I start introducing solids to my baby?

Most babies are ready to start eating solid foods around six months old if they have good head and neck control.

There are some signs to look out for that show if your baby is ready:
• reaching for food
• showing excitement about food
• watching you eat
• opening their mouth to accept a spoon
• less tongue thrusting (where they push food out of their mouths)

If your baby shows these signs and can hold their head up unsupported, you might be ready to start the lumpy road to solids.

Check out our free resource to help guide you in the first 12 months of feeding: https://growandgotoolbox.com/digital-resources/lumpy-road-to-solids

02/09/2026

Did you know that store-bought baby foods don't provide all the nutrition your baby needs? 👶🍵

We're passionate nutrition professionals, and we know that you want unbiased, straightforward information to make the best choice for your baby.

While homemade baby foods are best for babies' health and your wallet, there may be times you choose store-bought baby food. Think of them as a "sometimes" meal; they won't provide all the nutrients your baby needs.

Store-bought foods do….
• not contain all the nutrition your child needs; they are often high in sugar and low in iron
• not expose your child to different textures to help them develop their ability to chew and learn about new foods
• not expose your child to all ten common allergy-causing foods
• cost more than homemade

For more expert and independent advice on how to feed your baby, read our guide to buying baby food: link in bio

31/08/2026

3️⃣ things to look for when buying baby food 👶🥄

Did you know that not all baby foods are the same? Home-made baby food is best for your baby’s health and your wallet. But if you need to buy store-bought baby food, look for foods with meat and vegetables as the main ingredients, which are high in iron and have the right texture for your child’s age.

For more expert and independent advice on how to feed your baby, read our guide to choosing baby food: link in bio

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