This blog explores the crucial stage between 4 and 6 months when babies begin to explore textures, chew more intentionally, and prepare for self-feeding. As your baby’s oral motor skills develop, the right teething tools can significantly support their transition to solid foods. I’ve rounded up the best teething products to help ease discomfort and promote healthy oral development. We’ll also discuss how teething and mouthing play an essential role in feeding development, including how they support chewing skills, jaw muscle strengthening, and hand-to-mouth coordination. From improving tongue movement to encouraging self-feeding, these teething products set the foundation for your baby’s feeding journey.

From the moment they’re born, babies use their mouths to explore the world. Mouthing isn’t just about teething—it plays a critical role in oral development, sensory learning, and the foundation for feeding and speech skills. As a feeding specialist, I encourage parents to embrace this stage and provide safe, developmentally appropriate tools to support it. Early oral exploration helps babies develop coordination, body awareness, and self-soothing skills, all of which are essential for future milestones like chewing, swallowing, and even talking.

Whether your baby is just beginning to discover their hands and mouth or starting to teethe, here are my top recommendations for safe and effective tools to encourage healthy oral habits from the very start!

This blog explores the groundbreaking work of Dr. Clara Marie Davis, a pioneering physician who revolutionized the way we understand child feeding. In the 1920s, when strict dietary prescriptions led to widespread food refusal in children, Davis conducted a radical experiment that allowed infants to select their own foods without adult interference. Her findings laid the foundation for responsive feeding, proving that children can self-regulate their intake and develop healthy eating habits when provided with a supportive environment and nutritious options. Read on to discover how her research continues to shape modern feeding practices.

Feeding success goes beyond getting your child to try new foods—it’s about fostering lifelong confidence, connection, and joy at the table. This blog shifts the focus from short-term wins to creating a supportive mealtime environment where your child feels safe to explore food at their own pace.

Discover practical strategies like the Division of Responsibility (DOR), reducing pressure, and making mealtimes about connection rather than food. By addressing stress and fostering trust, you can raise a confident eater who enjoys a variety of foods and builds a lasting, positive relationship with eating and family.

In this blog, we will explore the intricate relationship between sensory processing and how sensory experiences shape a child's willingness to try new foods. We’ll discuss what sensory processing is, the common signs of sensory challenges during feeding, and how these difficulties can manifest in a child’s eating habits. Additionally, we will provide practical tips for parents to support their children in expanding their food repertoire while considering their unique sensory profiles.

Eating is a sensory experience that can overwhelm young children. In this blog, we explore how sensory processing impacts eating behaviors and highlight the benefits of messy eating. By encouraging children to touch and play with their food, we can enhance fine motor skills, boost confidence, and promote acceptance of new tastes and textures. Join us to discover how messy play fosters resilience, curiosity, and emotional regulation. Plus, stay tuned for a freebie at the end, featuring fun activities to support your child’s sensory exploration during mealtimes!