Responsive feeding : the baby-first guide to stress-free weaning, healthy eating, and mealtime bonding

The authoritative guide to feeding babies and toddlers “responsively”—the no-fuss method that follows your child’s cues and sets the stage for healthy eating! When should I start my baby on solids? Should I offer purees— or try baby-led weaning? What if my toddler rejects new foods? Feeding therapist Melanie Potock has answers to all in Responsive Feeding. The secret? Tune in to your child’s cues, and you’ll know what’s right for her. With Responsive Feeding, you won’t have to choose between the spoon-led and baby-led approach or cajole your baby to “eat up” when he’s fussy. Instead, every meal becomes a fun learning experience that will engage each of your baby’s senses—and strengthen your bond. • Gauge your baby’s readiness for solid foods. • Introduce bold flavors to set the stage for a lifetime of adventurous eating. • Navigate tricky transitions and picky eating—peacefully. • Watch your baby become a confident, independent eater! Potock guides parents along every step of the way, from “to bib or not to bib?” and how to wrangle a “food thrower” to the merits of a “nibble tray” for hangry toddlers and considerations for special needs. Raising a mindful, healthy eater is just a bite away! Cover 1 Acclaim for Responsive Feeding 2 Also by Melanie Potock 5 Copyright 7 Contents 8 Dedication 12 Foreword 14 Introduction 16 Chapter One: Ready for Solids the Responsive Way • AT 6 MONTHS • 20 This Is Responsive Feeding 29 Understanding Your Baby’s Reflexes 37 Understanding the Difference: Gagging versus Choking 42 Pay Attention to Baby’s Eight Senses 50 Understanding the Difference: Hunger versus Appetite 57 Get in the Groove with Solid Foods 61 Common Concerns 73 Feeding Myths 75 Chapter Two: Building Momentum & Communication Skills • 6 TO 12 MONTHS • 78 How Babies Communicate 78 One Family, One Meal: Safe Foods to Offer 85 The Right Tools in Little Hands: Utensils, Cups & Plates 95 Pacifiers: Yay or Nay? 106 Common Early Challenges & How to Navigate Them 109 Chapter Three: It’s the Pace, Not the Race • 12 TO 18 MONTHS • 116 You Provide, Your Child Decides 119 Simple and Safe Shifts in Nutrition 125 Transitions in Appetite 132 Common Responsive Feeding Scenarios & Types of Eaters 142 Tricky Transitions: Breast, Bottles & More 147 Chapter Four: Rounding the Bend • 18 TO 24 MONTHS • 154 Building More Skill & Ability for Self-Feeding 158 Feeding & Communication Myths 170 Chapter Five: Coasting through Challenges • 24 TO 36 MONTHS • 174 The Natural Fear of New Foods 180 Sugar & Artificial Sweeteners: Restrict or Regulate? 183 The Research Supporting Family Mealtimes 188 Chapter Six: Eating Away from Home & Navigating Family Influences 192 Responding to Strong Opinions from the People You Love 193 Infusing the Flavors of Your Heritage 195 Day Care & Preschool 197 Restaurants 201 Feeding Myths that Impact Development 202 Chapter Seven: Red Flags & Special Needs 206 Pausing to Chat with Your Pediatrician 207 Feeding a Medically Complex Child in a Responsive Way 211 Conclusion 224 Acknowledgments 226 Appendix: Resources & Recommended Products 228 Notes 230 Image Credits 242 Index 244 About the Author 257