Nutrition for the Early Years

Dr. Liz Daniels, DO, FAAP
  • 5.0 (17)
  • Nutrition

Nutrition for the Early Years – Guilt-Free Guidance for Feeding Your Family Nutrition for the Early Years is a pediatric nutrition podcast for parents seeking evidence-based guidance on infant feeding, toddler nutrition, and child health. Hosted by dual pediatrician + registered dietitian Dr. Liz Daniels, this show explores newborn and infant nutrition, introducing solids, baby-led weaning, complementary feeding, formula feeding, multivitamins for kids, growth and development, and picky eating solutions—all through the lens of real pediatric nutrition science. From feeding anxiety and selective eating to questions about appetite, supplements, and healthy eating habits, this podcast helps parents build a confident, guilt-free feeding mindset. You’ll learn how to support your child’s relationship with food in ways that nourish growth, protect early childhood nutrition, and align with your values—without fear-based messaging or all-or-none thinking. Food goes deep. It’s often not until we begin feeding our own children that we revisit our childhood nutrition experiences—comments that shaped us, arbitrary rules, pressure around healthy eating, and the quiet guilt many of us carry. Feeding kids has a way of surfacing old narratives and challenging us to rethink what child nutrition really means. This is where the conversation begins—supporting families through toddler feeding, early childhood feeding, and raising children with a strong, positive relationship with food. Because nourishing your family isn’t about perfection. It’s about clarity, confidence, and understanding what truly matters in the early years. You are in the right place if you are asking questions like:     -How do I get my child to eat vegetables?     -Why does my toddler suddenly refuse to eat (or only eat one thing)?     -Is my child eating enough to grow properly?     -How much protein does my child actually need?     -What are the best healthy snacks for kids?     -How much milk should my child drink, and what kind?     -How can I improve my child's immune system through food?     -How can I help my child have a healthy relationship with food?

  1. 4d ago

    EP 34: FIBERMAXXING for Kids: How and Why it Matters

    Send us Fan Mail What if one of the simplest ways to support your child’s gut, digestion, and long-term health is something most families are not getting enough of? In this episode, pediatrician Dr. Liz Daniels breaks down why fiber deserves more attention, not just when constipation becomes a problem, but as part of everyday prevention. She explains soluble and insoluble fiber, how fiber feeds healthy gut bacteria, and why whole foods often offer more benefits than gummies and powders. You’ll also learn easy ways to add more fiber through oats, beans, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and resistant starches without completely changing your family’s meals. Plus, Dr. Liz shares practical tips for slowly increasing fiber while helping kids stay comfortable and avoiding unnecessary pressure around food. What You’ll Learn Why fiber plays an important role in digestion, gut health, and long-term wellnessThe difference between soluble and insoluble fiber and what each does in the bodyHow much fiber kids need and which foods can help them reach their daily goalWhy whole-food fiber sources may offer more benefits than fiber gummies and powdersSimple ways to increase fiber gradually while reducing gas, bloating, and discomfort Episode highlights: (2:34) Why fiber matters beyond constipation (3:40) Soluble vs. insoluble fiber explained (8:31) How fiber supports gut bacteria and immune health (12:47) How much fiber kids need (14:25) High-fiber foods and simple serving ideas (15:09) Fiber gummies, powders, and supplements (17:47) Probiotics and the gut ecosystem (19:40) Why beans and seeds are powerful fiber sources (21:58) Resistant starch and kid-friendly food ideas (23:27) How to reduce gas from beans (24:24) How to safely increase fiber intake (26:01) Small, realistic changes families can start today NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link! Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only, not medical advice.

  2. Aug 10

    EP 33: Multivitamins vs. Vegetables: Are Kids Really Missing Nutrients?

    Send us Fan Mail Could your child’s multivitamin be giving you peace of mind without actually fixing the nutrient gaps you’re worried about? In this episode of Nutrition for the Early Years, Dr. Liz Daniels explains why multivitamins are not “vegetable insurance” and what growing kids truly need for healthy development. She breaks down the role of carbs, fats, protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and key nutrients like vitamin D, vitamin E, iron, potassium, and omega-3s. You’ll also learn why food can offer nutrients in ways supplements often cannot, plus simple ways to improve your child’s nutrition without forcing vegetables or overhauling every meal. Most importantly, Dr. Daniels shares when picky eating is normal, when nutrient gaps may need extra attention, and when it’s time to talk with your pediatrician. What You’ll Learn: Why a multivitamin is not a replacement for vegetablesWhich nutrients picky eaters are actually most likely to missWhy kids need carbs and fats for healthy growth, not just proteinHow foods can help the body absorb nutrients better than supplementsSimple ways to fill common nutrition gaps without forcing veggies or overhauling mealsRelated: Iron Deficiency in Babies episode: Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-31-iron-deficiency-in-babies-why-borderline-is-not/id1865258075?i=1000778509340 YouTube - https://youtu.be/FXVgNjIyrpE Episode highlights: (1:22) Why multivitamins are not vegetable insurance (2:29) What “picky eating” really means (4:49) The macronutrients kids need for growth (7:27) Why micronutrients matter for development (9:01) What is actually inside kids’ multivitamins (12:10) Fat-soluble vitamins and why food pairing matters (15:45) Where kids get B vitamins and vitamin C (16:30) Important minerals kids need (18:16) What vegetables really provide (21:36) Potassium and a common nutrition gap (23:58) Fiber needs and easy food swaps (25:32) Vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids (27:39) Vitamin D and when supplements may help (28:24) Iron needs in growing children (29:43) How to assess your child’s diet without panic (31:07) Building comfort with fruits and vegetables over time (32:43) The biggest takeaway for parents of picky eaters NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link! Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only, not medical advice.

  3. Aug 3

    EP 32: 4 Ways To Break The Cycle Of Dinnertime Stress

    Send us Fan Mail Will family dinner ever feel peaceful again? Dr. Liz Daniels explains how picky eating, parental worry, and pressure can create a stressful cycle at the table. The good news is that parents can help break that cycle without cooking separate meals or forcing one more bite. In this episode, Dr. Daniels shares four practical shifts: trust children to decide how much they eat, create a warm invitation to the table, release expectations about what they must eat, and use calm, objective language. She also offers simple ideas such as mealtime songs, fun table settings, family reading, and involving children in food preparation. These gentle changes can help children feel safe, listen to their hunger cues, and become more open to food over time, while helping parents build happier family memories. What You’ll Learn: Why picky eating and parental pressure can create a stressful cycleHow to let children decide how much food they needHow predictable mealtime routines can help children feel safeWhy lowering expectations can lead to more peaceful family mealsHow calm, objective language can reduce pressure around foodMake mealtime language more fun: Download the Food Mad Lib and practice simple, pressure-free words with your kids while sharing a few laughs at the table. Grab it here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1qYerozEw_XC0y3OaGxoa9jKiLuglGs-D/view Episode highlights: (0:00) Why peaceful dinners can turn into daily battles (3:39) How picky eating and parental pressure create a cycle (9:41) Letting children decide how much to eat (13:14) Creating a welcoming and predictable mealtime (17:25) Reducing pressure by shifting your attention (20:00) Involving children in shopping and food preparation (24:38) Letting go of unrealistic dinner expectations (28:20) Using calm, objective language around food (30:49) Modeling hunger and fullness cues (33:49) Using books and stories to support connection (35:13) Rewriting difficult family food experiences NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link! Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only, not medical advice. NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link! Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only, not medical advice.

  4. Jul 27

    EP 31: Iron Deficiency in Toddlers: Why “Borderline” Is Not Good Enough

    Send us Fan Mail Could your toddler have low iron even when you are offering healthy, iron-rich foods? Dr. Liz Daniels shares her personal experience with her son’s low hemoglobin and explains why iron deficiency is common, treatable, and never a sign that a parent has failed. You will learn why borderline hemoglobin should not be ignored, how iron supports brain development and growth, and why food alone may not correct an existing deficiency. Dr. Liz also explains the difference between ferritin and hemoglobin, when supplements may be needed, and why breastfed babies can face a higher risk. Plus, she clears up the common belief that protein and iron are the same. This caring, practical episode will help you speak with your child’s healthcare team and make informed feeding choices. What You’ll Learn: Why iron deficiency can happen even when parents do everything rightWhy borderline hemoglobin should not be ignoredHow iron supports brain development, growth, and healthy red blood cellsThe difference between low ferritin and low hemoglobinWhy iron-rich foods may not be enough to correct a deficiencyWhen iron supplements may be needed for babies and toddlersWhy breastfed babies may have a higher risk of low ironHow vitamin C can help the body absorb iron from foodWhy protein and iron are not the sameWhen follow-up testing can confirm that iron levels have improvedEpisode highlights: (0:00) A parent’s personal experience with low hemoglobin (3:02) Why iron deficiency is not your fault (3:44) How iron supports growth and brain development (5:17) Infant iron stores and major risk factors (9:19) Why borderline hemoglobin needs attention (13:08) Iron-rich foods, absorption, and supplements (16:51) Treating and retesting until the gap is closed (19:27) Iron supplements for breastfed babies (21:45) Why protein and iron are not the same (26:04) Five key takeaways for parents NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link! Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only, not medical advice.

  5. Jul 20

    EP 30: Cow Milk Protein Allergy in Babies: Signs, Diagnosis, Formula Options, and When to Remove Dairy

    Send us Fan Mail Could your baby’s fussiness, spit-up, or unusual stools really be caused by cow milk protein allergy, or is dairy being blamed too quickly? In this episode, Dr. Liz Daniels explains what cow milk protein allergy, or CMPA, is, how it differs from a true IgE dairy allergy, and why normal newborn digestion can look like a food reaction. She shares the key signs parents should watch for, how CMPA is properly diagnosed through dairy removal and reintroduction, and why cutting dairy too soon may create more confusion. You’ll also learn about gentle, hydrolyzed, and amino acid formulas, when dairy may be safely reintroduced, the possible connection with soy, and what current research says about probiotics, gut health, and future food allergies. Most importantly, parents are reminded that babies with CMPA can heal, grow, and thrive. What You’ll Learn: How to tell normal spit-up and fussiness from possible CMPA symptomsThe difference between CMPA and a true IgE dairy allergyWhy removing dairy too early may make diagnosis harderHow dairy elimination and reintroduction help confirm CMPAWhich formula options may be used for sensitive babiesWhen parents may be able to try dairy againWhat CMPA may mean for gut health and future food allergiesEpisode highlights:  (4:06) When spit-up is normal and when CMPA may be suspected (6:52) IgE dairy allergy vs. cow milk protein allergy (10:37) How cow milk proteins may affect an immature gut (13:46) How CMPA is properly diagnosed (16:16) Why parents should not remove dairy too early (17:48) Dairy elimination while breastfeeding (21:29) Gentle formulas vs. hydrolyzed formulas (23:33) Formula options for diagnosed CMPA (24:30) When to try reintroducing dairy (25:19) Soy sensitivity and amino acid formulas (26:21) Probiotics, prebiotics, and long-term gut health (28:48) CMPA and the risk of future food allergies NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link! Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only, not medical advice.

  6. Jul 13

    EP 29: Baby Spit Up Explained: What's Normal, Red Flags to Watch For, and When to Call the Doctor

    Send us Fan Mail What if your baby’s constant spit-up is normal, even when it looks like a lot? In this episode of Nutrition for the Early Years, host Dr. Liz explains why babies spit up, how their growing digestive systems play a role, and why many cases are simply a messy laundry problem. She shares how to tell common reflux from warning signs such as poor growth, swallowing trouble, and true projectile vomiting. Dr. Liz also clears up fears about babies choking during sleep, explains why back sleeping remains safest, and discusses why antacids are not always helpful. With reassurance and practical guidance, this episode helps parents understand when to call the doctor, when to keep watching, and why they do not need to feel guilty for having a spitty baby. What You’ll Learn: Why is spit-up common in young babiesHow infant anatomy and digestion affect refluxWhy the amount of spit-up is not always importantWhy babies should still sleep on their backsWhich symptoms may need medical attentionWhy reflux medicine is not always neededHow to feel more confident caring for a spitty baby Episode highlights: (1:36) Why does frequent spit-up feel so overwhelming (3:08) When spit-up commonly begins (4:26) Why does spit-up often look like more than it is (6:43) How baby anatomy causes mechanical spit up (9:27) Safe sleep, choking fears, and back sleeping (10:40) What normal reflux can look like (12:29) Poor growth and other warning signs (13:48) Projectile vomiting and pyloric stenosis (15:15) Swallowing, airway, and stool concerns (16:11) What studies say about reflux and antacids (18:56) When reflux needs added support (20:48) Final red flags and reassurance for parents NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link! Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only, not medical advice.

  7. Jul 6

    EP 28: 7 Mistakes NOT to Make in Feeding Your Toddler

    Send us Fan Mail What if the nutrition choices you worry about most are not the ones that matter most? In this episode of Nutrition for the Early Years, Dr. Liz Daniels shares seven common feeding mistakes parents make during the baby and toddler years. With warmth and honesty, she explains why multivitamins are not always the answer for picky eaters, how kid-friendly leftovers can add to parent guilt, and why oral care should start as soon as teeth come in. She also talks about juice, flavored drinks, salt fears, food labels, and the need for parents to care for their own health too. This episode gives parents simple, guilt-free guidance to focus on what truly helps kids grow strong and build healthy habits from the start. What You’ll Learn: Why food matters more than most supplementsHow to reduce guilt around leftoversWhen to start brushing your baby’s teethWhy juice does not need to be a daily habitHow to focus on the big picture instead of stressing over every label detailWhy caring for your own health is one of the best ways to support your child’s nutritionEpisode highlights: (2:44) Mistake 1: Relying on multivitamins for picky eaters (4:52) Mistake 2: Letting food waste and leftovers create guilt (9:23) Mistake 3: Skipping early oral hygiene (11:10) Mistake 4: Offering juice and flavored drinks too often (12:26) Mistake 5: Worrying too much about salt in home cooking (16:12) Mistake 6: Focusing too much on tiny label details (19:19) Mistake 7: Forgetting parent health matters too (21:04) Final encouragement for raising a healthier next generation NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link! Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only, not medical advice.

  8. Jun 29

    EP 27: Top 5 Foods for Your 1-Year-Old

    Send us Fan Mail Could a few simple foods help close common nutrition gaps in your one-year-old’s diet? In this episode, Dr. Liz Daniels shares the five foods she wishes every family knew about as babies grow from breast milk or formula into toddlerhood. She explains why the first 1,000 days matter so much for brain growth, immune support, and long-term development, while reminding parents that perfection is not the goal. You’ll learn why fatty fish, seeds, eggs, beans, and whole milk can make a big difference, especially for nutrients like iron, DHA, vitamin E, choline, fiber, and vitamin D. With practical, budget-friendly tips, this episode helps parents feel more confident feeding their toddler well, one small step at a time. What You’ll Learn: Why nutrition gaps can happen as babies become toddlersWhy the first 1,000 days are so important for brain growthWhich nutrients do one-year-olds often need more ofThe top five foods Dr. Liz recommends for one-year-oldsSimple ways to add these foods without pressure or perfectionEpisode highlights: (0:00) Why nutrition gaps can happen around age one (1:19) Why variety matters in toddler nutrition (2:00) The first 1,000 days and brain development  (5:00) Key nutrients: iron, DHA, vitamin E, choline, and vitamin D (10:21) Food #1: Fatty fish for iron, DHA, and vitamin D (13:49) Food #2: Seeds for omega-3s and vitamin E (18:23) Food #3: Eggs for choline and brain support (21:24) Food #4: Beans for fiber, choline, and iron (22:45) Food #5: Whole milk for vitamin D and calcium (25:36) How to serve these foods without pressure or perfection NEW COURSE! "Read the Pattern: Feeding Your Baby 0–4 Months" — because a healthy relationship with food starts earlier than most people think. Course Link! Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only, not medical advice.

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5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Nutrition for the Early Years – Guilt-Free Guidance for Feeding Your Family Nutrition for the Early Years is a pediatric nutrition podcast for parents seeking evidence-based guidance on infant feeding, toddler nutrition, and child health. Hosted by dual pediatrician + registered dietitian Dr. Liz Daniels, this show explores newborn and infant nutrition, introducing solids, baby-led weaning, complementary feeding, formula feeding, multivitamins for kids, growth and development, and picky eating solutions—all through the lens of real pediatric nutrition science. From feeding anxiety and selective eating to questions about appetite, supplements, and healthy eating habits, this podcast helps parents build a confident, guilt-free feeding mindset. You’ll learn how to support your child’s relationship with food in ways that nourish growth, protect early childhood nutrition, and align with your values—without fear-based messaging or all-or-none thinking. Food goes deep. It’s often not until we begin feeding our own children that we revisit our childhood nutrition experiences—comments that shaped us, arbitrary rules, pressure around healthy eating, and the quiet guilt many of us carry. Feeding kids has a way of surfacing old narratives and challenging us to rethink what child nutrition really means. This is where the conversation begins—supporting families through toddler feeding, early childhood feeding, and raising children with a strong, positive relationship with food. Because nourishing your family isn’t about perfection. It’s about clarity, confidence, and understanding what truly matters in the early years. You are in the right place if you are asking questions like:     -How do I get my child to eat vegetables?     -Why does my toddler suddenly refuse to eat (or only eat one thing)?     -Is my child eating enough to grow properly?     -How much protein does my child actually need?     -What are the best healthy snacks for kids?     -How much milk should my child drink, and what kind?     -How can I improve my child's immune system through food?     -How can I help my child have a healthy relationship with food?

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Liz Daniels, DO, FAAP
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Nutrition for the Early Years
  • Show Website
    Nutrition for the Early Years