Navigating the 9 - 12 Month Starting Solids Stage

In this episode of Boob to Food the Podcast, Luka and Kate continue the starting solids journey, diving into what to expect as your baby approaches the 9–12 month mark. By now, you’ve probably navigated the messy beginnings, introduced some allergens, and discovered what your baby loves (and throws on the floor!). But what comes next?

We’ll cover how to transition from those early purees to family meals, when to introduce more structured mealtimes, and how to handle the inevitable phases of food refusal. Spoiler: it’s all normal, and you’re doing great!

For those tuning in for the first time, a little about us…

• Luka McCabe - founder of Boob to Food, author of Milk to Meals, registered nurse and midwife, as well as mum of 3
• Kate Holm - naturopath, nutritionist, mum of three, bringing grounded, evidence-based insight to the world of infant and family health

In this episode, we cover:

• The goal of transitioning to family meals by 12 months
• When and how to increase to three meals a day (without the overwhelm)
• The role of snacks (hint: milk counts!)
• Moving beyond purees: why finger foods matter and how to introduce them safely
• Managing food refusal, throwing, and ‘fussy’ eating phases
• Introducing allergens—early, often, and stress-free
• Foods to avoid before 12 months (yes, still no honey!)
• Tips for eating out with your baby without the stress
• … and so much more!

If you’re feeling unsure about your baby’s feeding journey or facing challenges, don’t forget that our online clinic is here to support you with personalised advice and guidance.

Resources Mentioned:

• Milk to Meals – Our starting solids book packed with recipes and evidence-based guidance
• Toddler to Table – Your go-to resource for navigating toddler mealtimes
• Blog: Picky vs Problem Eaters
• Blog: The Ultimate Guide to Sodium for Babies
• Episode: Highchairs 101: Safety, Setup, and What to Look For

Today’s episode is brought to you by Koala Eco. Koala Eco creates natural, non-toxic cleaning products that are as kind to your home as they are to the planet. We’re obsessed with their new dishwashing powder—free from harsh chemicals and fragranced with lemon myrtle and mandarin essential oils. It’s safe for your family, effective on messes, and even gentle on baby’s silicone plates.

You can use the code BOOBTOFOOD for 25% off all Koala Eco products. Visit koala.eco to fill your home with products you’ll love.