Feeding Babies and Toddlers: Solids, Picky Eating, Food Refusal

Feeding babies and toddlers can feel confusing, stressful, and sometimes even emotionally charged. And, navigating all the opinions about what and how to feed our children can add to the difficulty. In this episode, we’re joined by Jordyn Koveleski Gorman, licensed speech-language pathologist, pediatric feeding specialist, and founder of Eat Play Say, for a grounded, compassionate conversation about feeding young children with confidence and connection.

Jordyn shares what matters most when introducing solids, how to tell the difference between typical picky eating and feeding challenges that may need support, and how parents can respond to food refusal without pressure or guilt. We also explore how language, modeling, and mindset shape a child’s relationship with food from infancy through the toddler years.

Whether you’re navigating first bites or toddler mealtime power struggles, this episode offers practical guidance—and reassurance that feeding doesn’t have to feel like a battle.

WHAT FEELS HARDEST ABOUT FEEDING YOUR BABY OR TODDLER?

When your child refuses food, how do you typically respond, and what do you notice about how that response affects the moment? Which messages about feeding (from family, culture, or social media) feel most supportive to you? Which messages add pressure or doubt? How do your own food experiences or childhood mealtimes show up in the way you feed your child today? What would “confidence” at mealtimes look like for your family, even if picky eating or refusal is still present? After listening to this episode, what is one small shift you might try—whether in language, mindset, or modeling—at your next meal?