Introducing solid foods is one of the biggest milestones of a baby’s first year—but it can also be one of the most confusing. Between conflicting advice, evolving guidelines, and emotional pressure to “get it right,” many parents feel overwhelmed before the first spoonful even reaches the highchair.

In this episode of The Nourished Child Podcast, I speak with Dr. Krupa Playforth, pediatrician, and Cindy Scott, registered dietitian and lactation consultant. Together with a team of experts, they co-authored Baby Leads the Way, an evidence-based guide to introducing solid foods. Their mission? To simplify the process of starting solids while prioritizing what matters most: nutrients, variety, and your child’s unique pace.

Six Pillars of Starting Solids

Dr. Krupa and Cindy break down their approach into six clear pillars:

1. Encourage self-feeding
   
2. Optimize nutrition
   
3. Embrace diet diversity
   
4. Introduce allergens
   
5. Share family meals
   
6. Follow a responsive feeding pattern
   

This framework allows parents to feel grounded and confident while navigating an often chaotic time.

Feeding Challenges in the First Year

We talk about some of the most common challenges parents face when starting solids:

• Confusion from conflicting advice (from social media, grandparents, even different doctors!)
  
• Anxiety about doing it “right”
  
• Misunderstanding or overlooking nutrient needs like iron, vitamin D, and omega-3s
  

Cindy also shares practical insight into what she sees most in her private practice—where even highly educated parents struggle with things like calcium intake and vitamin D gaps.

Supplements: Yes or No?

One key takeaway? While a “food first” approach is ideal, certain nutrients—especially iron and vitamin D—may need to be supplemented, depending on the child’s intake and feeding method. The goal is never to create fear, but to ensure children are nourished during the critical window of brain and body development.

Baby-Led Feeding vs. Weaning

We also clarified the differences between baby-led weaning and baby-led feeding. The latter, as explained in the book, emphasizes self-feeding—whether that’s with a spoon or finger foods—and puts your baby in the driver’s seat while you guide the way.

Family Meals Matter

Finally, we discuss the importance of bringing babies to the table early. Beyond nutrition, family meals build routine, confidence, and social-emotional development. Even before babies are fully eating, they’re watching and learning.

“Eating is a social ritual,” Dr. Krupa reminds us. “And mealtime is something we do for the rest of our lives.”

Resources & Links

• Baby Leads the Way: An Evidence-Based Guide to Introducing Solid Foods
• Watch the full episode: The Modern Way to Start Solids with Babies