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 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 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
Resources Mentioned in This Episode
This episode was sponsored by our favorite cereal Love Bird! Get 15% off Lovebird cereal with code DADICATED15: https://lovebirdfoods.com/?ref=sujibyed
Watch the Full Episode
Joe Carr is an entrepreneur, advocate, and passionate educator on fatherhood and partnership. Driven by a desire to provide high-quality, nutrient-dense baby food for his daughter Della, Joe and his wife founded Serenity Kids baby food brand after experiencing their own health transformations through clean eating. Now, alongside his work in revolutionizing baby nutrition, Joe is on a mission to help new dads navigate the transformational journey of fatherhood. Through his podcast and social media platform Dadicated Joe, he shares real, honest conversations about showing up for your children, supporting your partner, and embracing the identity shift that comes with becoming a dad.
👉 Get 15% off your first Serenity Kids order with code: DADICATED15 https://myserenitykids.com/
