Foundations of Introducing Solid Foods

Introducing solid foods is a major milestone that shapes early relationships with food. Sound practice rests on understanding readiness signs, the major approaches, and the principles of safe introduction. This foundational course provides that base. By the end of this course you will be able to describe the signs of readiness for solids, recognize the major approaches including purees and baby-led weaning, identify the principles of allergen introduction, and understand the role of family meals. What you will learn: - The signs of readiness for solids and typical timing - The principles of purees as an approach - The principles of baby-led weaning as an approach - The combination approaches that many families use - The principles of safe allergen introduction based on current pediatric guidance - The role of family meals and shared eating from early on - The signs that suggest pediatric or feeding specialist consultation The course uses readings, developmental summaries, case examples, and reflection prompts. Each module ends with applied exercises. The course is informational and does not substitute for pediatric medical or nutrition care. This course is written for parents and caregivers of infants approaching solids. By the end you will have replaced confusion among competing approaches with a structured understanding of the principles.