Summers don’t have to derail your child’s nutrition. In this episode of The Pediatric Dietitian Podcast, pediatric dietitians Jen and Danielle break down what actually helps families stay consistent during the chaos of summer—without turning it into an all-or-nothing situation. From vacations and camps to grandparents and constant parties, they explain why most families lose progress…and what the families who succeed do differently. in this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why routines matter more than motivation (especially in summer)
• How to “bounce back” quickly after vacations or disruptions
• What is worth maintaining—and what you can let go
• Practical ways to balance the treats from camps and visiting family members, along with eating out,
• How to set limits without creating guilt or food obsession
• Feasible strategies for travel, road trips, and eating away from home

If you’ve ever felt like all your progress disappears the second summer hits, this episode will show you how to keep things steady—without overcomplicating it. 🎧 Listen, save, and come back to this when you need a reset this summer. Subscribe for more practical, evidence-based nutrition strategies for kids. Share this episode with a parent who’s trying to keep things together this summer.

In this episode, we cover:

• When to start solids (and signs your baby is ready)
• Purees vs. baby-led weaning — and why you don’t have to choose
• Why staying on purees too long can lead to feeding challenges
• The difference between gagging vs. choking (and what to do)
• How to introduce allergen foods safely
• Why texture exposure is critical for development
• How to prevent picky eating early on
• Why “kid food” is a modern problem — and what to do instead
• The importance of family meals, no screens, and eating together
• How your behavior as a parent shapes your child’s eating habits

One of the biggest takeaways: Feeding is a skill. And like any skill, it has to be practiced.

The goal isn’t perfection — it’s exposure, consistency, and creating a positive environment around food from the very beginning.

Resources mentioned:

• Solid Starts app (how to safely serve foods by age)
• 101 Before One

Who this is for:

• New parents starting solids
• Parents struggling with picky eating
• Families wanting to prevent feeding issues early
• Anyone confused by conflicting feeding advice online

Is your child a picky eater… or is it something more serious? In this episode of The Pediatric Dietitian Podcast, pediatric dietitians Jen & Danielle break down everything parents need to know about picky eating—what’s normal, what’s not, and when it’s time to seek help. We’re talking real-life strategies (not generic advice) to help you prevent, manage, and even reverse picky eating—without turning mealtimes into a battle. You’ll learn: What normal* picky eating looks like (and why it happens) Red flags that signal a more serious feeding issue When to involve a pediatrician, dietitian, or feeding therapist How to handle food refusal without power struggles Why forcing bites can backfire (even if it “works” short-term) Simple ways to increase food exposure (without pressure) The role of snacks, ultra-processed foods, and family habits Real patient stories—from mild picky eating to severe cases We also share *practical tools you can start using today**, like: ✔️ Balanced meal structure (even when they don’t eat everything) ✔️ How to introduce new foods without resistance ✔️ Why consistency matters more than perfection ✔️ What to do when your child only eats a handful of foods Whether your toddler is throwing broccoli on the floor or your older child refuses entire food groups—this episode will help you feel more confident and less overwhelmed. ---

Have a question about your child’s eating? DM us on Instagram: @thepediatricdietitian 🎧

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