EP 24: Why Feeding Skills Matter with Solid Starts

What if the perfect baby food plate is not what your baby needs most? In this episode of Nutrition for the Early Years, Dr. Liz Daniels talks with Kim Grenawitzke and Kary Rappaport from Solid Starts about introducing solids to baby with less fear and more confidence. They answer common parent questions like “when to start solid foods for baby,” “when should babies start eating solids?” and “when can babies eat baby food?” You’ll hear what is baby led weaning, why chewing skills matter, how gagging can be part of learning, and how to think about baby allergic reaction concerns. They also discuss feeding schedules, how a baby feeding chart can help without adding pressure, and why early exposure to flavor and texture can support more confident eating as babies grow. Kim Grenawitzke is a pediatric occupational therapist with specialty certification in feeding, eating, and swallowing; an international board-certified lactation consultant; and certified neonatal therapist. For more than 15 years, she has worked in both home settings and pediatric acute care, including Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford with speciality practice in neonatal cardiac feeding rehabilitation and breastfeeding high risk infants. Kim earned her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California and is the mom to two young girls. What You’ll Learn: Why chewing skills are built through practice, not perfection How gagging can help protect babies as they learn to eat Why the 6 to 9 month window matters for flavors and textures How to support picky toddlers with calm limits When feeding struggles may need extra support Episode highlights: (1:03) Meet Kim Grenawitzke and Kary Rappaport from Solid Starts (10:07) How real food helped babies in clinical care (18:29) Oral motor milestones and chewing reflexes (27:22) Flavor exposure during the 6 to 9 month window (34:32) Gagging, choking fears, and safe practice (43:21) How often babies need meals and practice (50:52) Toddler picky eating, hunger, and boundaries (59:20) Red flags that may need feeding support (1:05:49) Confidence, anxiety, and Solid Starts resources For an amazing gift from Solid Starts, head over to http://link.solidstarts.com/BaYvFF for 25% off an annual app subscription. Coupon is NEWSTORY25 - use the promo code on the website for the app! Learn more about Solid Starts: solidstarts.com @solidstarts [email protected] https://solidstarts.com/authors/kim-g... https://solidstarts.com/authors/kary-... Join the list for early bird pricing - https://new-story-nutrition.kit.com/r... "Read the Pattern" A Pediatrician's Guide to Feeding 0-4 Months- Without the Spiral is going live Mother's Day 5/11/2026, and you can sign up here to hold your early bird price! NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link - https://new-story-nutrition.teachable...