#368: Baby Led Feeding: What Parents Need to Know with Malina Malkani, R

Starting solids can feel like a confusing milestone but it does not have to be. In this episode, registered dietitian and infant feeding expert Malina Malkani joins us to unpack the latest research and practical strategies around baby led feeding, allergen introduction, and responsive feeding. Whether you are just starting solids or navigating food allergy concerns, this episode offers a reassuring and evidence-informed roadmap to help you feel confident in your feeding decisions.

We explore the difference between baby led feeding and traditional purees, when and how to safely introduce top allergens like peanut and egg, and how early feeding habits can shape a child’s long term relationship with food. Malina also shares common myths around choking, how to recognize readiness for solids, and why a flexible feeding approach often leads to less picky eating down the road.

This is a must listen for parents looking to reduce the overwhelm, ditch the food fears, and start solids with clarity and calm. 

Topics Covered In This Episode:

• Baby-led feeding versus traditional purees

• How to prevent food allergies through early exposure

• Signs of readiness for solid food

• Responsive feeding and hunger cues

• How to reduce choking risk with first foods

• Safe ways to introduce peanut butter egg dairy and more

• How feeding flexibility supports picky eating prevention

• Tips for easing the mental load of starting solids
  

Show Notes:

• Order my new BLW + FOOD ALLERGY PREVENTION cookbook!

• Follow @healthy.mom.healthy.kids on Instagram

• Pin healthymomhealthykids on Pinterest

• Click here to learn more about Dr. Elana Roumell’s Doctor Mom Membership, a membership designed for moms who want to be their child’s number one health advocate!

• Click here to learn more about Steph Greunke, RD’s Substack Mindset + Metabolism where women can learn how to nourish their bodies, hit their health and body composition goals, and become the most vibrant version of themselves.

• Listen to today’s episode on our website

Are you confused about how and when to start your baby on solid foods, or looking for ways to reduce family mealtime stress? If you need guidance on navigating picky eating and feeding your kids well without losing sight of your own nutrition needs, you’ve come to the right place!

I help moms raise healthy, confident, adventurous eaters and tend to their own maternal nutrition needs as well. As a single mom of three girls and a registered dietitian nutritionist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Nutrition, I specialize in baby-led weaning and picky eating. If chaos, stress, and fatigue around food and feeding is what’s on your plate these days, I get it and have been there!

Nutrition is actually my second career. For my first 10 years post-Northwestern University undergrad, I worked in the performing arts (AEA, SAG-AFTRA) as a singer, actor, dancer and model based in New York. I traveled the country with national tours and appeared in regional theater and Off-Broadway shows, independent feature films and commercials. Throughout, I felt pressure from the industry 367.

This Episode’s Sponsors 

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Discover for yourself why Needed is trusted by women’s health practitioners and mamas alike to support optimal pregnancy outcomes. Try their 4 Part Complete Nutrition plan which includes a Prenatal Multi, Omega-3, Collagen Protein, and Pre/Probiotic. To get started, head to thisisneeded.com, and use code DOCTORMOM20 for 20% off Needed’s Complete Plan!

Active Skin Repair is a must-have for everyone to keep themselves and their families healthy and clean.  Keep a bottle in the car to spray your face after removing your mask, a bottle in your medicine cabinet to replace your toxic first aid products, and one in your outdoor pack for whatever life throws at you.  Use code DOCTORMOM to receive 20% off your order + free shipping (with $35 minimum purchase). Visit BLDGActive.com to order.

INTRODUCE YOURSELF to Steph and Dr. Elana on Instagram. They can’t wait to meet you!

@stephgreunke

@drelanaroumell

Please remember that the views and ideas presented on this podcast are for informational purposes only.  All information presented on this podcast is for informational purposes and not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a healthcare provider. Consult with your healthcare provider before starting any diet, supplement regimen, or to determine the appropriateness of the information shared on this podcast, or if you have any questions regarding your treatment plan.