overwhelmed with the transition to solids?

Do you feel like you’re stuck “in the weeds” when it comes to transitioning your baby to food?

The countless posts and streams of information on feeding baby the perfect foods, avoiding all sugar and salt, and getting in all the allergens?

I have had SO MANY parents in my office on the past month who are struggling with a huge mental and logistical load when it comes to feeding their babies… and it’s not going well. They’ve made all the amazing baby oatmeal pancakes, omelets, and cut perfect strips of fruits and veggies with little movement of the needle when it comes to the big picture.

So here’s what I want you to think about… what if it’s not WHAT you’re offering your baby, but the WAY you’re offering it that’s the obstacle?

Does feeding your baby feel like one more thing you’re supposed to do perfectly and another thing added to your long list of tasks?

Do you sit down and eat with your baby; modeling enjoyment of the same foods you’re offering them or do you sit in front of them and continuously put different foods on their tray hoping they’ll take a bite of the next one?

Here’s the thing. Babies respond to social engagement, they mirror what we do, and they don’t respond well to pressure.

What does pressure look like? Well, just imagine that you went out to lunch with your bestie and the food arrives, but she’s not eating anything. Then, you decide to start eating and as you do so, she watches your every move, comments on what you’re eating, or tells you what you should eat next, and before you know it, you’ve lost your appetite completely.

Not a very “normal” eating situation, was it? Sometimes that’s what we do to our tiny humans and then we’re frustrated when they don’t seem interested or don’t want the lovely food we took hours preparing for them.

Sometimes, we’re so stuck in the weeds, we can’t see the big picture.

The point of transitioning a baby to solids is to invite them into your family mealtimes… to share the food you love, enjoy each other’s company and conversation, and nourish your bodies in whatever way feels best for you.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or your baby’s not progressing well with solids, take a step back and look at how you’re showing up at mealtimes with them. Check in with your values, figure out if you’re unintentionally providing pressure on your already sensitive baby, and make some changes.

And if you need help figuring out what those changes need to be, just reach out. I’m here and always happy to help with feeding! Or, check out my in-person or online “Introduction to Solids” classes so you can hear more about what’s truly important and simplify the transition for you and baby.