Your Baby's Feeding Masterclass: What Every Parent Needs to Know (But Nobody Tells You) S8 | E214

On this week's episode of Sense by Meg Faure we sit down with renowned Clinical Paediatric Dietitian Kath Megaw for the ultimate baby and toddler feeding masterclass. We cover everything from the newborn milk phase right through to the picky toddler years, giving you practical, science-backed answers to the feeding questions that keep parents up at night. Is My Baby Getting Enough? The Newborn Milk Phase In those brutal first few weeks, nearly every parent wonders whether their baby is getting enough milk. Kath shares the three objective signs to look for: weight gain, adequate wet nappies, and regular stools. She explains why a crying baby is not a reliable indicator of hunger, and sets out a clear, reassuring weighing schedule for new parents. The Weaning Window: When Is the Right Time? The question of when to start solids is one of the most confusing areas of early parenting. Kath cuts through the noise with a three-part framework: the science (look for supported sitting and neck control, and wait past 17 weeks), your cultural context, and your own gut instinct. She is clear that solids are for teaching and joy, not for fixing sleep, reflux, or poor growth. Gagging vs Choking: What Every Parent Must Know Gagging is loud, active, and protective. Choking is silent, limp, and rare. Kath explains the crucial difference so clearly that parents will never react the same way again. She offers practical guidance for anxious parents and explains why an engaged, calm parent is the single best protection against choking at mealtimes. The Picky Toddler: What Is Normal and What To Do Toddler fussiness is developmentally normal. Kath explains why toddlers resist variety, the role of routine and timing in appetite, and why filling gaps with non-nutritious foods can backfire. She also clarifies the milk-to-food balance for toddlers, recommending that milk account for no more than 25% of their total daily nutrition. Myth Busting: Allergen Introduction Kath busts one of the most persistent myths in baby feeding: the three-day wait rule between new foods. Current evidence supports introducing allergen foods as quickly as every 24 to 48 hours. She explains exactly what an IgE reaction looks like and what parents should watch for in the first two hours after introduction. About Our Guest Kath Megaw is a Clinical Paediatric Dietitian with over 25 years of experience and the founder of Nutripaeds. She is a consultant to the Parent Sense App and has co-authored six bestselling books including Feeding Sense, Weaning Sense, Allergy Sense, and her most recent release Mindful Meals (2025). She sits on international working groups for neonatal nutrition and the ketogenic diet. Find Kath at nutripaeds.co.za | Instagram: @kath_megaw_paed_dietitian Episode References and Links 📱 Parent Sense App — Your all-in-one baby care app for routines, nutrition, and expert advice. Download it at parentsense.app and use code SENSE50 for 50% off. Connect with Meg Faure Web: megfaure.com Instagram: @megfaure.sense