29. Dad's Guide to Starting Solids

This is a subject my wife and I became accidental experts on when we went looking for foods for our baby and didn't like what we found. We (meaning my wife) did enormous research on infant nutrition, which became the foundation for our baby food company Serenity Kids.  Starting solids is an exciting time that dads can help with a ton! Doing the research, purchasing ingredients, mashing up soft foods, or making purees are all ways dads can literally put food on the table! In addition to being essential nutrients for our child's rapid growth and development, first foods can play a critical role in shaping our child's future health and eating habits. In this episode, I break down exactly how to approach those first steps with confidence by understanding readiness cues, infant nutritional needs, and how to choose the best ingredients.  I explain the importance of waiting till 6 months, and how to choose foods that support real growth, such as protein-rich animal products, iron-dense liver, bone broth, healthy fats, and vegetables. We talk about what to skip in the first year and why avoiding sugary purées, processed snacks, and early grains protects your baby's palate and development. I also share how the flavor window can set your child up for a lifetime of loving real food. I hope that you walk away feeling capable, informed, and ready to take an active role in feeding from day one. 👇 In this episode, we explore  How dads can confidently lead the feeding journey What signs truly show a baby is ready for solids  Risks of starting solids too early   What first foods build strong growth and brain development  Why animal products are so important   Which foods to avoid in the first year and why  How the flavor window shapes long term eating habits 👉 Get 15% off your first Serenity Kids order with code: DADICATED15 https://myserenitykids.com/ Joe Carr is a dad to Della, husband to Serenity, co-founder of Serenity Kids baby food, and the voice behind Dadicated Joe. Follow Joe Carr on social media  Instagram: @dadicatedjoe  TikTok: @dadicatedjoe  YouTube @dadicatedjoe   This episode was sponsored by our favorite cereal Love Bird! Get 15% off Lovebird cereal with code DADICATED15: https://lovebirdfoods.com/?ref=sujibyed