Baby's First Food Workshop

Baby's First Foods Workshop will help you begin the journey of teaching your child to eat and enjoy whole foods. Designed for parents and babies 24 weeks or older who are looking to complement their infant's current diet of breastmilk or formula to include real, whole, nutritious and delicious food (when developmentally ready).

This workshop combines concepts of the Baby Led Weaning method with sound nutrition information from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and encourages self-feeding from square one. Taught by a registered dietitian, this small-group, hands-on class provides babies with the opportunity to eat "real food" for the first time in a safe and friendly environment!

All materials supplied. Just come with a well-rested, clean and recently bottle- or breast-fed baby! 

Pre-registration is REQUIRED! Please register a minimum of 24 hours in advance.

At the First Food Workshop, you will learn:  

• How to skip purees and "baby food" and introduce solids
• How to prepare foods using the BLW approach
• How to adjust your daily routine to include mealtimes
• How to safely introduce new foods and allergens
• How to understand the unique nutritional needs of your baby
• How to strategize and plan healthy mealtimes at home and out
• Your role as a parent in helping a child learn to eat
• How to identify gagging verses choking
• What tools to use to make mealtime fun and stress-free 
• How to plan, cook and safely serve table food to your baby
• Create a 1 week BLW meal plan unique to your family
• Food ideas to start and continue to encourage the development of fine motor and eating skills
• Baby will get to actually "practice" eating for the 1st time!

Education provided in a relaxed atmosphere where you:

• Feel comfortable asking questions
• Feel confident in feeding your baby
• Can share experiences with other new parents
• Discover a variety of tools to help you get started
• Leave with confidence that your baby will learn to eat and enjoy mealtimes

FAQs: 

Should I bring anything with me to class? 

No - just your baby! All eating supplies and food will be provided, including seat, bib, utensils, ect.

Which first food should I choose for the workshop?

It's completely up to you! Parents can choose between a baked sweet potato or an avocado to be their child's first food. Both are nutritionally and texturally excellent first foods for infants. The question is simply "Do you want a green- or orange-faced baby?" :)

What if I cannot attend the pre-registered date?

If you cannot attend the selected date, you may transfer your registration fee to attend a workshop at a later date. Initially, workshops will only be held once per month.  Refunds are available up to seven days prior to the event.

 What is Baby Led Weaning and this feeding concept?

Baby Led Weaning (BLW) is a very old, but newly re-surfaced method of feeding infants. In the 21st century, eating pureed baby food has been the normal progression of an infant's diet following breastmilk or formula. The BLW method allows babies to control their solid food consumption by "self-feeding" from the very beginning of their experiences with food. This class will be a mixture of Baby Led Weaning strategies along with sound nutrition information provided by a registered dietitian to help parents strategize the best method of feeding for happy meals with their family. 

Who can attend this workshop?

Registration includes up to two adults and one infant. Adults do not have to be parents, but it is highly suggested that they are the primary caregivers to the child. No additional children may attend the classes. 

Are feeding/eating supplies used in the workshop available for purchase?

Yes, items used in the workshop may be purchased from Square One Wellness, LLC on site after attending the workshop. Cash or check only. 

Also check out other Workshops in Cape Girardeau, Health & Wellness events in Cape Girardeau.