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As your baby reaches the age of 4-6 months, one of the hottest topics is how to best introduce solids. Should you stick with purees or go straight to baby led weaning? Today, Abbie Gacke is here to discuss all the topics around solid foods. We’ll look at when to start them and how to start them. Which foods do you start with? Do we need to give wait time each time a new food is introduced? When is a feeding evaluation warranted? Will rice cereal help my baby with reflux? Abbie is answering all of the questions and more.

Abbie is a wife and mom of two young boys living in the Midwest. She is a speech language pathologist and certified lactation counselor (CLC) with speciality training in breastfeeding/lactation counseling, infant feeding disorders, and childhood feeding difficulties. She started her career in the suburbs of Chicago where she gained specialized experience working with children with various feeding and swallowing difficulties. Those experiences solidified her passion in the area of feeding and swallowing and she loves getting the opportunity to help families feel empowered when it comes to feeding their child!

In this episode we discuss:

• Signs that your baby may have a tongue tie
• The biggest indicators that babies are ready for solid foods
• Baby led weaning vs. puree feeding
• When to know if your child might need a feeding evaluation
• Recommendations on bottles, pacifiers, and cups

Questions answered in this episode:

1. What are some of the things that moms can look out for that might be an indication that their baby has a tongue tie?
2. When you say to seek a specialized provider, can that be an SLP?
3. What are the biggest indicators that babies are ready for solid foods?
4. Baby led weaning vs. puree: Is there a right way? Is one better than the other?
5. What is some advice for parents who are starting solids with their children?
6. When moms and dads start to feed their child is there anything to look out for for when a feeding evaluation is warranted?
7. What’s the deal with rice cereal vs. whole grain cereal? What are the first steps for mom? What’s the first thing they should be introducing?
8.  Are there any foods you prefer to introduce first? I’d love to hear your thoughts on your favorite puree? And your favorite finger foods to introduce early on.
9.  My almost 7 month old refuses any food that’s not pureed. Any suggestions?
10.  Sippy cup vs. straw cup vs. open cup. What do we start with first and why?
11.  How many times do you introduce food in a day? 
12.  What should we look for to see if our baby has an allergy?
13.  If a baby has a reaction how long do I wait before exposing again?
14.  Best types of bottles for oral and feeding development?
15.  Do you have any tips on avoiding constipation when you start solids?
16.  What are your thoughts on food pouches?
17.  Baby has a dairy sensitivity. Should I lead at age one with soy milk or a different type of milk?
18.  For premature babies, should you introduce solids according to their adjusted age?

Resources mentioned in this episode: 

• Ripple Milk
• New Dietary Guidelines (AAP News)

Connect with Abbie:

• Instagram: @feedingbabes_slp

Connect with Lynzy:

• Join the Motherhood Meets Medicine community at patreon.com/motherhoodmeetsmedicine
• Instagram: @motherhoodmeetsmedicine
• Sign up for the weekly newsletter here

Disclaimer: This podcast does not provide medical advice. The information on this podcast is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.