068: Ultimate Baby Nutrition: What Foods to Start With and How to Introduce Them

Starting solids is such an exciting milestone in your baby's life. However, it can be a confusing time for parents filled with uncertainty and a lot of questions about how and when to take this step.  I want to help mamas find an approach to starting solids that feels right for you and your baby — whether baby-led weaning, purees, or a combination of both. This is an incredible opportunity to help ensure that your baby establishes a strong start right from the beginning and I am here to help. In today's episode, I share a general overview about what are the best foods to start with, when to start feeding the baby, and what method is best. There is no right or wrong, just what works for you and your family.  I hope you get some clarity and confidence for starting solids with your baby from this episode. Enjoy!  Highlights from this episode: My approach to starting solids with Sarelle & Hayden The best first foods for your baby The benefits of delaying grains + other foods Tips for starting purees How to prepare finger foods (aka baby-led weaning) General recommendations for starting solids Show sponsors: Ultimate Baby Nutrition Consulting - Send me an email at marniwasserman.com/contact with the title “I want to work with you” if you’re interested in working with me to support your baby starting solids Studio EGGI - Save $100 off when you use the code Marni100 at checkout Related links: Follow @marniwasserman and @ultimatehealthpodcast on Instagram for Sarelle and Hayden updates Solid Starts (app) Listen to TUB042: Transitioning From Milk to Meals with Luka McCabe Luka McCabe - Milk to Meals (book) Luka McCabe - Toddler to Table (book) Oh Baby Nutrition RiseWell - Save 10% off when you use the code ultimatebaby at checkout (US only) Subscribe to TUBP in Apple Podcasts and Spotify Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. Making a purchase through these links won’t cost you anything but we will receive a small commission. This is an easy, free way of supporting the podcast. Thank you!

On the show today I have Brynn Snyder, CEO and Co-Founder of SLATE Electric Flosser. She is a mom of 5 and along with her husband created a sustainable, effective, and easy-to-use electric flosser that is disrupting the industry. The SLATE flosser is incredible! It is an electric toothbrush with a floss head that will transform your approach to flossing. As the daughter of a dentist, I have always flossed but not very well considering I have all my wisdom teeth. It was always so hard to get back there and now with the SLATE flosser, I can. It makes my gums feel incredible like they have been gently massaged. The best part is that kids can start using this flosser as young as 2 or 3 years old, helping them build strong oral health habits early on. This daily routine will transform their dental health and prevent long-term chronic diseases.  Don't miss this informative episode with Brynn Snyder.  Highlights from this episode: The best age for kids to start flossing The innovation behind Slate Electric Flosser Tips for creating healthy oral care habits The first sign of gum disease How Brynn balances work/life as a mom of 5 What's next for Slate Flosser? Show sponsors: Studio EGGI - Save $100 off when you use the code Marni100 at checkout Ultimate Baby Nutrition Consulting – Send me an email at marniwasserman.com/contact with the title “I want to work with you” so that I can help you to nourish your growing body and growing baby! Related links: Follow @marniwasserman and @ultimatehealthpodcast on Instagram for Sarelle and Hayden updates Slate Flosser - Save 10% off when you use the code ultimatebaby at checkout Follow Slate Flosser on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok Follow Brynn MacLennan Snyder on Instagram Listen to TUHP episode 571: Natural Dentist Reveals the Perfect Oral Care Routine to Fix Your Mouth & Overall Health with Dr. Mark Burhenne Listen to TUHP episode 610: Functional Dentist Dispels the Myths About Oral Health with Dr. Mark Burhenne Listen to TUB050: How an IVF Journey Led to the Creation of the Cleanest Toothpaste with Kori Estrada Co-Founder of RiseWell RiseWell - Save 10% off when you use the code ultimatebaby at checkout (US only) Subscribe to TUBP in Apple Podcasts and Spotify Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. Making a purchase through these links won’t cost you anything but we will receive a small commission. This is an easy, free way of supporting the podcast. Thank you!

In this episode, I am speaking with Elisa Kim, an award-winning design professor, and founder of Studio EGGI which is a functional designed mini kitchen for kids. She specializes in using play and design to help kids develop a positive relationship with food making mealtimes less of a battle and more of an opportunity for exploration and connection. Many parents believe food play is messy, wasteful, or unproductive, but research has shown that kids who engage with food touching, smelling, and even playing with it are likelier to try and enjoy new foods. And that is exactly what we talk about in today's show, how a play-based approach to food helps with picky eating, fosters independence, and helps make meal times fun again! You will love this conversation with Elisa, learning about Studio EGGI and how it can bring a magical transformational experience to meal times in your kitchen as it has in mine.   Highlights from this episode: How embracing food play tackles picky eating Inviting kids into the kitchen to explore new foods Using real kitchen tools builds confidence The concept of Studio EGGI + non-mealtime ideas Creating a Montessori/real life approach in your home Practical tips for mealtime Raising confident eaters Show sponsors: Ultimate Baby Nutrition Consulting - Send me an email at marniwasserman.com/contact with the title “I want to work with you” if you’re interested in working with me to support your baby starting solids Paleovalley - Save 15% off your 1st order of Paleovalley products, discount applied at checkout Related links: Follow @marniwasserman and @ultimatehealthpodcast on Instagram for Sarelle and Hayden updates Studio EGGI - Save $100 off when you use the code Marni100 at checkout Follow Studio EGGI on Facebook and Instagram Subscribe to TUBP in Apple Podcasts and Spotify Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. Making a purchase through these links won’t cost you anything but we will receive a small commission. This is an easy, free way of supporting the podcast. Thank you!

In this episode, Kristen Nagle (@kristen_nagle), a former NICU nurse, shares her journey of how the birth of each of her three kids helped to transform her approach towards holistic health. This journey taught her to trust her innate wisdom as a woman and use her instincts to have the most incredible experience with the birth of her third child. Kristen shares her fierce commitment to advocating for health freedom and the experiences she has personally had. She is a true gem and you are going to love her fierce wisdom and compassion as a mother and health advocate.  Highlights from this episode: Kristen’s life as a NICU nurse & the birth of her 1st child Pregnancy & childbirth red flags Childhood illnesses and immunizations Kristen’s natural birth story with her 3rd child What is a traditional birth partner? The role of a partner during pregnancy & birth Kristen’s journey to becoming a health freedom fighter Reclaiming Birth Conference Show sponsors: Ultimate Baby Nutrition Consulting - Send me an email at marniwasserman.com/contact with the title “I want to work with you” if you’re interested in working with me to support your baby starting solids Sunday Farms - Save 20% off your 1st two orders when you use the code ultimatebaby at checkout Paleovalley - Save 15% off your 1st order of Paleovalley products, discount applied at checkout Sunshine Mattress Co. - Save 10% off when you use the code Marni10 at checkout Related links: Follow @marniwasserman and @ultimatehealthpodcast on Instagram for Sarelle and Hayden updates Reclaiming Birth Conference - Sept 19-20th, 2025 Kristen Nagle's website Follow Kristen Nagle on Instagram Kristen Nagle - It Started With a Stretch and Sweep (blog) Canadian School of Natural Nutrition Billie Harrigan Rachel Reed - Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage (book) Nickita Starck - When Push Comes to Shove Sarah Choujounian Canadian Frontline Nurses Dr. Melissa Sell Eyla Cuenca -Uncovering Birth Courtney Hobbs - Mothertelling  Kristen Nagle - Why I love fevers (blog) The Ultimate Health Podcast Meghan Telpner Joy McCarthy  Listen to TUB013: A Positive Pregnancy & Birth Experience to Raising a Healthy Eater with Joy McCarthy Subscribe to TUBP in Apple Podcasts and Spotify Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. Making a purchase through these links won’t cost you anything but we will receive a small commission. This is an easy, free way of supporting the podcast. Thank you!

So much of a new mother's attention is focused on her newborn in the postpartum stage. Understandably so, a new mom should also be taken care of, and her health made a priority so she has the energy and clarity for her new role in motherhood.  During pregnancy, your body is devoted to your baby, but taking the time to be mindful of your nutrition once the baby arrives isn’t self-indulgent, it's necessary. After pregnancy, you are more susceptible to anemia, osteopenia, fatigue, and depression. Consuming a nutrient-dense diet will enrich your milk with the nutrients necessary to help your baby's brain and body grow and develop.  In this episode, I cover all the things new mothers need to do (and not do) after the baby is born. From who to have around in your home to what foods and supplements to take. I hope this helps you in some way on your postpartum journey. Share this episode with other mamas who need postpartum support. Highlights from this episode: How to support yourself postpartum Things not to do postpartum Communicating your needs for childbirth The most nourishing foods & drinks for postpartum healing Postpartum recovery kit must-haves Top nutrients mamas need postpartum Postpartum support - work with me! Show sponsors: Ultimate Baby Nutrition Consulting - Send me an email at marniwasserman.com/contact with the title “I want to work with you” if you’re interested in working with me to support your postpartum journey Paleovalley - Save 15% off your 1st order of Paleovalley products, discount applied at checkout Needed - Save 20% off your 1st order of Needed Lactation Support Plan when you use the code ultimatebaby at checkout Lumebox - Save $250 off Lumebox Red Light Therapy, discount applied at checkout Related links: Follow @marniwasserman and @ultimatehealthpodcast on Instagram for Sarelle and Hayden updates Listen to TUB036: My Breastfeeding Journey Continued – Oversupply, Tandem Feeding, and Weaning Frida Mom Postpartum Recovery Essential Kit Motherlove Nipple Cream Wish Garden Herbs - Afterease for Postpartum Support Subscribe to TUBP in Apple Podcasts and Spotify Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. Making a purchase through these links won’t cost you anything but we will receive a small commission. This is an easy, free way of supporting the podcast. Thank you!

I am thrilled to have Dr. Elisa Song (@healthykids_happykids) on the show, an integrative pediatrician, pediatric functional medicine expert, and mom to 2 thriving children. Elisa is on a mission to revolutionize the future of children’s health. She is a wealth of knowledge regarding childhood nutrition and natural medicine for kids. Her book "Healthy Kids Happy Kids: An Integrative Pediatrician’s Guide to Whole Child Resilience" is my go-to when my kids aren’t feeling well to find the right homeopathic remedy or natural option for what they are going through.  We had an amazing conversation about why kids are sicker today than ever with chronic diseases like asthma, eczema, ADHD, and anxiety. We talk about how healing the gut and microbiome is at the root of many kids' health issues, the importance of incorporating prebiotics, probiotics, and even postbiotics into the diet, the impact of environmental toxins, and most importantly the impact that processed and high sugar foods have on the immune system and why it's important to start your kids on real food from a young age. I am excited for you to listen to this jam-packed episode!  Highlights from this episode: Why are kids sicker today? How mom can prepare her microbiome pre & post pregnancy Learn how to talk to kids about making better food choices What is leaky gut? When to take prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics Why antibiotics are overprescribed + how to repair your child’s gut after antibiotics How to approach fevers in a confident way What are febrile seizures? + Treatment options The power of homeopathic remedies for healing The top supplement to keep your kids healthy Show sponsors: Ultimate Baby Nutrition Consulting - Send me an email at marniwasserman.com/contact with the title “I want to work with you” if you’re interested in working with me to support your baby starting solids Needed - Save 20% off Immune Support when you use the code ultimatebaby at checkout Hawthorn Homeopathics - Save 10% off when you use the code Marni10 at checkout Paleovalley - Save 15% off your 1st order of Paleovalley products, discount applied at checkout Related links: Follow @marniwasserman and @ultimatehealthpodcast on Instagram for Sarelle and Hayden updates Dr. Elisa Song - Healthy Kids, Happy Kids (book) Dr. Elisa Song's website (Healthy Kids, Happy Kids) Follow Dr. Elisa Song (Healthy Kids, Happy Kids) on Facebook and Instagram Hyperbiotics Vital Nutrients Pro Kids Probiotic Genexa Kids Clean Pain & Fever Acetaminophen Subscribe to TUBP in Apple Podcasts and Spotify Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. Making a purchase through these links won’t cost you anything but we will receive a small commission. This is an easy, free way of supporting the podcast. Thank you!

I am excited to have Shelly Patularu (Twin Mom Guide) on today’s episode. It’s not the first time I have talked about breastfeeding on the show, but it is the first time I have had a board-certified lactation consultant on and not only that, she is also a mom to a set of twins and a singleton. In this conversation, we get into the common questions new moms have about breastfeeding and how to support their breastfeeding journey even before the baby comes. We also discuss how to get the proper latch, balancing over and undersupply and so many other important topics around breastfeeding. Shelly shares her personal experiences as a mom of three, tips for maintaining a balanced life, and other must-haves for twin moms! Enjoy this empowering episode with Shelly! Highlights from this episode: Shelly’s reaction to having twins! Unexpected complications during a twin pregnancy The twins c-section birth story Breastfeeding struggles postpartum Twin mom must-haves for breastfeeding The top tips for breastfeeding and latching The challenges with oversupply and undersupply of breast milk Suggestions for weaning your baby or toddler How to increase your milk supply naturally Know your goals: why breastfeeding is important to you Show sponsors: Paleovalley - Save 15% off your 1st order of Paleovalley products, discount applied at checkout Lumebox - Save $250 off Lumebox Red Light Therapy, discount applied at checkout Ultimate Baby Nutrition Consulting - Send me an email at marniwasserman.com/contact with the title “I want to work with you” if you’re interested in working with me to support your postpartum journey Needed - Save $100 off your first 3 months of Needed Lactation Support Plan when you use the code ultimatebaby at checkout Related links: Follow @marniwasserman and @ultimatehealthpodcast on Instagram for Sarelle & Hayden updates Shelly Patularu's website (Twin Mom Guide) Follow Shelly Patularu (Twin Mom Guide) on Instagram Twin Mom Guide to Breastfeeding Twins Course IBCLC - International Board Certified Lactation Consultants My Breast Friend - Twin Nursing Pillow Spectra S2 Plus - Double Electric Breast Pump Ina May's Guide to Breastfeeding (book) Mama Natural Listen to TUB036: My Breastfeeding Journey Continued - Oversupply, Tandem Feeding, and Weaning Subscribe to TUBP in Apple Podcasts and Spotify Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. Making a purchase through these links won’t cost you anything but we will receive a small commission. This is an easy, free way of supporting the podcast. Thank you!

I am so excited to bring back more conversations about newborns, babies, and pregnancy. Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum (@drgreerkirshenbaum) is a neuroscientist, doula, infant & family specialist, and mom. This episode is extra special as it’s focused on the importance of nurturing your baby's brain starting as early as when they are in the womb.  The impact that nurture has on a baby's brain is immense and can have a profound effect on mental health outcomes. Greer's mission is to help families, professionals, and workplaces understand how early caregiving experiences can boost mental wellness and diminish depression, anxiety, and addiction in adulthood by shaping baby’s brain through simple intuitive enriching experiences in pregnancy, birth, and infancy. Her book is The Nurture Revolution: Grow Your Baby’s Brain and Transform Their Mental Health Through the Art of Nurtured Parenting.  In this conversation, we get into Greer's birth story, how it went versus how she wanted it to go. How to nurture effectively as a mom even when you are tired, depleted, and burnt out in the newborn stages through toddlerhood. The impact of nurture on long-term brain health. Why traditional sleep training is not helpful, how to nurture mama's brain and take care of ourselves. Don't miss this enlightening conversation! Highlights from this episode: The neuroscience behind the nuture revolution Greer shares her expectations about childbirth vs. what really happened Infancy is 0-3 years old for brain development Humans didn’t evolve to parent alone The biggest lies about sleep training Become self-aware of your “triggers” while nuturing a toddler How to apologize and repair relationships Setting realistic bedtime routines and boundaries Mamas: find out the secret to nuturing yourselves Show sponsors: Paleovalley - Save 15% off your 1st order of Paleovalley products, discount applied at checkout Needed - Save 20% off Stress Support when you use the code ultimatebaby at checkout Ultimate Baby Nutrition Consulting - Send me an email at marniwasserman.com/contact with the title “I want to work with you” if you’re interested in working with me to support your postpartum journey Lumebox - Save $250 off Lumebox Red Light Therapy, discount applied at checkout Related links: Follow @marniwasserman and @ultimatehealthpodcast on Instagram for Sarelle & Hayden updates Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum - Nuture Revolution (book) Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum's website (Nuture Neuroscience) Follow Dr. Greer Kirshenbaum on Instagram La Leche League (Canada), (International) Isla-Grace Sleep Consulting Dr. William Sears (books) Moshi Kids: Sleep, Relax, Play (app) Yoto Mini Player Laura Latina Subscribe to TUBP in Apple Podcasts and Spotify Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. Making a purchase through these links won’t cost you anything but we will receive a small commission. This is an easy, free way of supporting the podcast. Thank you!

In this first episode of the year, I want to unpack some of the top nutrients expecting mothers require as they go through each stage of pregnancy. As the body grows so does the needs of both mom and baby. It’s important to find the right sources in the right amount to support a healthy pregnancy. From this episode, you will understand why using a prenatal vitamin is essential before, during, and after pregnancy and the best nutrient-dense foods to eat during pregnancy.   Highlights from this episode: Certified as a Pregnancy, Postpartum and Baby Nutritionist The benefits of nutrient dense foods Prenatals: for pregnancy to postpartum The top nutrients for the 1st trimester Nutrients you need for the 2nd & 3rd trimester Why you need a vitamin D supplement Show sponsors: Needed - Save 20% off your 1st order of prenatal supplements when you use the code ultimatebaby at checkout Paleovalley - Save 15% off all Palevalley products, discount applied at checkout Ultimate Baby Nutrition Consulting – Send me an email at marniwasserman.com/contact with the title “I want to work with you” so that I can help you to nourish your growing body and growing baby! Related links: Follow @marniwasserman and @ultimatehealthpodcast on Instagram for Sarelle & Hayden updates Ultimate Baby Nutrition - Send me an email with the title "I want to work with you" for Pregnancy, Postpartum and Baby Nutrition Consulting Siete Chips Needed - Prenatal Supplements - Save 20% off your 1st order when you use the code ultimatebaby at checkout Seeking Health – Prenatal (use code ULTIMATEBABY to save 10%) Oh Baby Nutrition - Become a Certified Nutrition Consultant for mom’s and babies Subscribe to TUBP in Apple Podcasts and Spotify Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. Making a purchase through these links won’t cost you anything but we will receive a small commission. This is an easy, free way of supporting the podcast. Thank you!

Agnes Olendrzynska (@agnes.more.than.mom) is a mom of two, a positive discipline parent educator, and a Montessori enthusiast, who shares what realistic Montessori style parenting can look like.   We delve into how to bring Montessori methods into your home day to day and how you don’t even have to have your child at a Montessori school to do all the things, all the time to get some of the benefits. This is what I like about Agnes, she has a realistic approach to Montessori ways and motherhood! We cover so many interesting topics in this conversation including her approach to floor beds, co-sleeping, favourite activities to do with kids, her use of screen time, how she practiced potty training using elimination communication, helpful tantrum tips, and her homebirth experience. You are going to enjoy this conversation! Highlights from this episode: Applying the Montessori approach at home Marni & Agnes share their experience with floor beds How to create a safe co-sleeping environment The #1 item you need in your kitchen for toddlers The Montessori approach to self-feeding How to safely involve kids in the kitchen Teaching kids self-care Open-ended and closed-ended play is needed Books that teach lessons The purpose of toy rotation Healthy ways to incorporate screen time The benefits of elimination communication How to approach temper tantrums Agnes shares her birth stories Show sponsors: Paleovalley - Save 15% off your 1st order of Paleovalley products, discount applied at checkout Needed - Save 20% off your 1st order of Needed Complete Plan when you use the code ultimatebaby at checkout A Real Treat: Nourishing Grain-Free Desserts & Healing Elixirs - Get Your Copy today! Sunshine Mattress Co. - Save 10% off when you use the code Marni10 at checkout Related links: Follow @marniwasserman and @ultimatehealthpodcast on Instagram for Sarelle & Hayden updates Agnes Olendrzynska - Montessori Mothering Superguide Follow Agnes Olendrzynska (Montessori Mothering) on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok Listen to TUB episode 040: Raise a Montessori Baby and Toddler with Simone Davies Simone Davies, Junnifa Uzodike – The Montessori Baby (book) Simone Davies – The Montessori Toddler (book) Simone Davies, Junnifa Uzodike - The Montessori Child (book) Maria Montessori (books) Lakeview Montessori School Solid Starts (app) The Global Fund for Children - Global Babies (books) Loververy (books) David LaRochelle - How to Apologize (book) Elizabeth Verdick - Calm Down Time (book) Yoto Player Agnes Olendrzynska - Montessori Toy Rotation Made Easy! (YouTube) Bluey Official Channel Trash Truck  Caillou Mister Rogers' Neighbourhood Daniel Tiger's Neighbourhood Yoto Daily Podcasts Ms. Rachel - Toddler Learning Videos Blippi - Educational Videos for Kids Hey Shayla Dr. Becky Kennedy (books) Agnes Olendrzynska (Montessori Mothering) - Our unmedicated HOME BIRTH Story! A positive birth with helpful tips. (YouTube) Subscribe to TUBP in Apple Podcasts and Spotify Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. Making a purchase through these links won’t cost you anything but we will receive a small commission. This is an easy, free way of supporting the podcast. Thank you!