Episode #359: From Baby-Led Weaning to Well-Nourished Kids: Practical Tips for Every Mom with Jenna Helwig

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Baby-led weaning can be an exciting but overwhelming journey—how do you ensure your baby gets the right nutrition while fostering independence at mealtime? In this must-listen episode, we dive into the world of baby-led feeding with Jenna Helwig, an expert in infant nutrition and author of Baby-Led Feeding and Real Baby Food: Easy, All-Natural Recipes for Your Baby and Toddler. She breaks down the difference between baby-led weaning and traditional feeding, why a mixed approach may be best, and how to safely introduce solids while reducing the risk of choking.

We also tackle common concerns, from food allergies to mealtime chaos, and share practical tips to make feeding stress-free for both baby and parent. Plus, Jenna reveals her bare-minimum dinners strategy—perfect for busy moms who want to nourish their families without spending hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re just starting solids or looking to simplify mealtimes, this episode offers expert insights and actionable steps to help you feel confident in your baby’s feeding journey. Tune in now and take the guesswork out of mealtime!

Topics Covered In This Episode:

  • Baby-led weaning vs. purees
  • Safe first foods for babies
  • How to prevent choking risks
  • Introducing allergens early and safely
  • Easy family meals for busy moms

Show Notes:

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This episode’s guest

Jenna Helwig is the author of 5 cookbooks including the best-selling Baby-Led Feeding and the brand-new Bare Minimum Dinners. She is also the food director at Real Simple magazine and the former food director at Parents magazine. Jenna lives in Brooklyn NY with her husband and (gulp) teenager.

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