5 Ways to Make Starting Solids Feel Less Stressful and More Doable
Real-life advice from a postpartum doula who’s been there (banana on the floor and all)
One food. One bite. One squish. That’s a win.
Prefer to listen?
Starting Solids Can Feel Overwhelming — And That’s Okay
You’re excited… but also exhausted.
You want to do it “right”… but have zero capacity for one more thing.
And every feeding reel makes it look either magical or way too much.
If you’re feeling like starting solids is supposed to be this big, beautiful moment—but you’re stuck in a loop of overthinking, panic-Googling, and comparing your baby’s broccoli bite to someone else’s highlight reel—this is for you.
Let’s make things easier.
1. Start Simple — Like, One-Food-Simple
Forget full plates and color-coded nutrients.
At the very beginning, you don’t need five food groups.
Real talk, you don’t even need a “meal.”
You just need:
One safe food
One calm moment
One baby who’s ready to explore
Try these first-food faves:
Ripe banana
Soft avocado
Roasted zucchini
Steamed carrot
Mashed potato
Broccoli florets
If it squishes between your fingers, your baby’s gums can likely handle it.
No spiralizer, fancy baby steamer, or molds required.
2. Choose One Mealtime to Start With
You do not have to launch into breakfast-lunch-dinner right away.
Instead, pick the calmest time of day in your routine. Maybe:
After the first nap
While the family eats dinner
Mid-morning snack window when everyone’s a little more chill
Let that be your solids moment.
Trying to squeeze solids into chaos (looking at you, witching hour) only leads to burnout.
Starting slow = starting smart.
3. Set Up a Feeding Basket or Station
This sounds small, but trust me—it makes everything feel easier.
Create a little kit near your baby’s high chair with:
2–3 bibs (Baprons are my fave)
A few soft spoons
A washcloth or wipes
A straw or open cup
Optional: a phone stand for grandma pics 😉
This way, you’re not sprinting around your kitchen while holding a slippery avocado.
Prepping your space = prepping your peace.
And peace goes a long way when you’re starting something new.
4. Let Go of the Pressure to Be Perfect
I know—it’s hard.
But here’s the thing:
Your baby doesn’t care if the sweet potato isn’t cut at a perfect angle.
They don’t need meals that look like woodland creatures.
They don’t need rainbow plating or Pinterest-worthy trays.
They need:
A safe food to hold
A moment to explore
A caregiver who’s present—even if it’s messy
Messy meals are part of the magic.
You’re not doing it wrong if the bib is forgotten or the banana is too ripe.
You’re doing it right—because you’re doing it.
5. Lean On Support (You Don’t Have to Do This Alone)
So many parents are Googling “how to cut broccoli for a six-month-old” at midnight, only to spiral into more confusion.
You deserve better than that.
You deserve:
Real guidance
Grounded, evidence-based support
Someone who gets it (and has been there)
That’s why I created my free class, Orientation Day: Baby-Led Weaning 101.
It’s short, clear, and gives you the confidence to actually start solids without stress.
✨ Click here to watch Orientation Day — it’s free, it’s friendly, and it’s made for real-life mamas.
Quick Recap: Let’s Simplify This
Here’s what to carry into your week:
1. Start small.
One food. One bite. One squish. That’s enough.
2. Choose one calm mealtime.
Let it become your routine before adding more.
3. Prep a feeding station.
Scrambling less = stressing less.
4. Let go of perfection.
Lopsided carrot sticks served with love > perfect plates served with panic.
5. Ask for help.
You were never meant to do this solo.
If This Helped You Breathe Easier…
Would you share it with another mama who’s feeling the pressure too?
And don’t forget to hit subscribe — because in the next episode, I’m sharing exactly what to buy for baby-led weaning (and what you can absolutely skip).
You’ve got this, mama.
And I’ve got you. 💛