In this episode of Dear Doula, I welcome Jennifer Anderson, a registered dietitian and founder of Kids Eat in Color, to explore the world of feeding kids. We talk openly about picky eating, palate training, and how cultural traditions shape the way we raise our children at the table. Jennifer and I share our personal experiences as moms, tackling everything from the pressures of mealtimes to the myths around baby-led weaning and feeding strategies.
We break down the difference between typical and extreme picky eating, how to spot the signs early, and what steps to take if you're concerned about your child's eating habits. Jennifer shares practical tools and tips for making family meals less stressful and more joyful, no matter your parenting style or background.
If you've ever felt overwhelmed or unsure about how to feed your kids well, this episode is for you! Let's build confidence together as we raise happy, healthy eaters
If you want personalized support, you can learn more about my services here:
https://www.thecradlecompany.com
Connect with Me
• Follow me on Instagram: @brandi_jordan_official
• Podcast Instagram: @deardoulapodcast
• Questions or topic ideas: brandi@deardoulapodcast.com
Connect with Jennifer Anderson
Website: https://kidseatincolor.com/
Key themes
- Picky eating vs. extreme picky eating
- Early identification and intervention strategies
- Palate training and food variety
- Baby-led weaning vs. purees
- Cultural influences on feeding practices
- Parental confidence and flexibility
- Resources and support for feeding challenges
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and guest background
01:02 What is picky eating and when to worry
03:18 Signs of atypical feeding behaviors in infants
05:10 Using a screener to identify extreme picky eating
07:34 Approaching feeding from infancy to prevent issues
08:01 The science of flavor exposure in utero and breastfeeding
09:24 Responsive feeding and mealtime strategies
12:36 Trying new feeding approaches and parent flexibility
13:24 What is baby-led weaning and its principles
15:19 Creating a positive feeding environment
17:46 Following child's lead and avoiding pressure
19:41 Addressing extreme picky eating and when to seek help
25:58 Resources and programs for feeding challenges
28:39 About the book 'Feed Them Well' and its benefits
