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. 13h ago

    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!

    22 min

  2. 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!

    21 min

  3. 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!

    29 min

  4. Jun 22

    EP 26: Added Sugar: The Conversation Every Parent Needs to Have

    Send us Fan Mail Is added sugar really the problem, or is it the way it quietly shows up in everyday kid foods? In this episode of Nutrition for the Early Years, Dr. Liz Daniels shares clear, caring guidance for parents who want to understand added sugar without fear or shame. She explains why babies under two do not need added sugar, how sugar can affect teeth, gut health, appetite, and long-term health, and why the weekly donut date may not be the biggest concern. You’ll hear where added sugar often hides, including flavored yogurt, drinks, cereal bars, pouches, applesauce, and snacks. Dr. Liz also shares simple ways to talk with kids about sweets, special treats, and food choices that help their bodies grow and feel good. Dr. Liz Daniels is a nutrition-focused pediatrician and host of Nutrition for the Early Years. She helps parents feel more confident feeding their babies and kids without shame, guilt, or fear. What You’ll Learn: Why is added sugar not recommended under age twoHow added sugar can affect teeth and cavitiesWhy sugary drinks can be especially hard on little mouthsHow added sugar may shift gut health and appetiteWhere added sugar hides in common kid foodsHow to think about treats without labeling foods as “good” or “bad”Simple swaps that can lower added sugar without stressHow to talk with kids about food in a calm, helpful way Episode highlights: (1:04) Why added sugar can feel like a tricky parenting topic (1:36) The weekly donut date question from a parent (2:42) Added sugar guidelines for babies and toddlers (4:34) Sugar, cavities, and oral health (5:58) How added sugar can affect gut health (7:11) Early sugar habits and possible long-term protection (8:17) Long-term health risks linked to early sugar patterns (9:40) Why the full diet matters more than one treat (14:04) Sugary drinks and hidden added sugar (15:18) Flavored yogurt as a common source of added sugar (16:24) Bars, snacks, pouches, and “veggie” labels (19:21) Honey, maple syrup, and other natural added sugars (20:31) How to talk to kids about sugar without shame (21:49) Simple swaps for yogurt, drinks, and snacks (23:31) How much added sugar older toddlers may be getting (26:03) Portion size ideas for special treats (30:22) Talking with school-age kids about sweets and peer foods (35:00) Why food language matters as much as sugar amount (36:05) One simple first step for reducing added sugar 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!

    37 min

  5. Jun 15

    EP 25: The “Are They Getting Enough?” Spiral: Newborn Feeding, Weight Checks, and When to Get Support

    Send us Fan Mail Is your newborn getting enough milk, or are you stuck watching every feed, diaper, and sleepy stretch with worry? In this episode of Nutrition for the Early Years, Dr. Liz Daniels shares clear, caring guidance for parents in the first days and weeks of newborn feeding. She explains why advice can change from day to day, what normal newborn weight loss looks like, when milk usually comes in, and why very sleepy babies may need extra support. You’ll hear how jaundice, latch, wet diapers, poop, weight checks, and supplementation all fit together. Dr. Liz also talks about triple feeding, why it should have an exit plan, and how breastfeeding, formula, or combo feeding can all support a growing baby. Dr. Liz Daniels is a nutrition-focused pediatrician and host of Nutrition for the Early Years. She helps parents feel more confident feeding their babies and kids without shame, guilt, or fear. What You’ll Learn: Why one feeding does not tell the whole storyWhat newborn weight loss can look like in the first weekHow to know if milk is coming inWhy jaundice and sleepiness can affect feedingWhen supplementation or lactation support may helpHow to think about triple feeding without burning outWhy your feeding goal can still change with love and care Episode highlights: (2:47) Why newborn feeding advice changes day by day (4:55) Normal newborn weight loss and early growth patterns (6:18) Jaundice, sleepiness, and feeding concerns (7:00) How to know if milk is coming in (9:51) When supplementation may help protect feeding and growth (11:33) Weight trends, follow-up visits, and lactation support (13:02) Wet diapers, poop, and what output really means (15:52) Triple feeding and why it should not be a forever plan (18:30) Setting your personal feeding goal (20:00) Stories of breastfeeding, combo feeding, and letting go of guilt (26:34) How to feel more grounded when feeding feels uncertain 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!

    28 min

  6. Jun 8

    EP 24: Why Feeding Skills Matter with Solid Starts

    Send us Fan Mail What if the perfect baby food plate is not what your baby needs most? In this episode of Nutrition for the Early Years, Dr. Liz Daniels talks with Kim Grenawitzke and Kary Rappaport from Solid Starts about introducing solids to baby with less fear and more confidence. They answer common parent questions like “when to start solid foods for baby,” “when should babies start eating solids?” and “when can babies eat baby food?” You’ll hear what is baby led weaning, why chewing skills matter, how gagging can be part of learning, and how to think about baby allergic reaction concerns. They also discuss feeding schedules, how a baby feeding chart can help without adding pressure, and why early exposure to flavor and texture can support more confident eating as babies grow. Kim Grenawitzke is a pediatric occupational therapist with specialty certification in feeding, eating, and swallowing; an international board-certified lactation consultant; and certified neonatal therapist. For more than 15 years, she has worked in both home settings and pediatric acute care, including Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford with speciality practice in neonatal cardiac feeding rehabilitation and breastfeeding high risk infants. Kim earned her Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from the University of Southern California and is the mom to two young girls. What You’ll Learn: Why chewing skills are built through practice, not perfectionHow gagging can help protect babies as they learn to eatWhy the 6 to 9 month window matters for flavors and texturesHow to support picky toddlers with calm limitsWhen feeding struggles may need extra support Episode highlights: (1:03) Meet Kim Grenawitzke and Kary Rappaport from Solid Starts (10:07) How real food helped babies in clinical care (18:29) Oral motor milestones and chewing reflexes (27:22) Flavor exposure during the 6 to 9 month window (34:32) Gagging, choking fears, and safe practice (43:21) How often babies need meals and practice (50:52) Toddler picky eating, hunger, and boundaries (59:20) Red flags that may need feeding support (1:05:49) Confidence, anxiety, and Solid Starts resources For an amazing gift from Solid Starts, head over to http://link.solidstarts.com/BaYvFF for 25% off an annual app subscription.  Coupon is NEWSTORY25 - use the promo code on the website for the app! Learn more about Solid Starts: solidstarts.com @solidstarts hello@solidstarts.com https://solidstarts.com/authors/kim-grenawitzke/ https://solidstarts.com/authors/kary-rappaport/  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!

    1h 13m

  7. Jun 1

    Episode 23: Stronger After Baby: Postpartum Recovery, Pelvic Floor, and Fueling Well with Val Warner

    Send us Fan Mail Is postpartum healing less about “bouncing back” and more about building strength for the long run? In this episode, Dr. Liz talks with postpartum fitness and nutrition expert Val Warner about what moms really need after birth and beyond. Val explains why moms are technically forever postpartum, and why healing takes more than a six-week checkup. You’ll learn how breathwork, pelvic floor care, core rebuilding, strength training, and enough food all work together to support recovery. Val also clears up common myths, including the idea that every mom needs more Kegels or should eat less to lose weight. This episode is a warm reminder that your body deserves care, fuel, and patience in every stage of motherhood. What You’ll Learn: Why postpartum care matters long after birthWhat “forever postpartum” really meansWhy the fourth trimester is so importantHow breathwork supports the core and pelvic floorWhy more Kegels are not always the answerHow to rebuild strength safely after having a babyWhy eating less can hurt energy, hormones, and metabolismHow under-eating can lead to cravings later in the dayWhy gut health and daily bowel movements matterHow plant foods support the microbiomeSimple ways to add more variety to family mealsWhy food should feel flexible, not stressful Episode highlights: (0:00) Why moms are technically forever postpartum (1:45) Val Warner’s story and passion for postpartum care (4:20) The fourth trimester and pelvic floor support (7:17) The biggest myth about Kegels (10:25) Building a strong foundation with breath and core work (13:09) Why eating less is not the answer (16:14) Cravings, caffeine, and not eating enough during the day (18:23) Dr. Liz shares her own postpartum food struggles (20:51) Gut health, probiotics, and constipation (23:05) Dysbiosis and the microbiome explained simply (25:59) How many plant foods to aim for each day or week (27:42) How to add more plant foods to a basic family dinner (33:11) Simple exercise and nutrition shifts moms can start today (35:02) Where to find Val Warner and her resources   Grab my free 5 Protein-Packed Snacks Every Tired Mom Needs guide — simple, satisfying snack ideas to boost your energy, support your body, and keep you full (without overthinking it). https://wellnessbyval.kit.com/proteinsnackguide Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/strong-nourished-momma-quick-healthy-meals-postpartum/id1778776628 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!

    36 min

  8. May 25

    Episode 22: Your Toddler Needs More Carbs Than Protein: What Parents Need to Know

    Send us Fan Mail Is your toddler refusing meat and reaching for carbs and fruit instead? In this episode, Dr. Liz helps parents breathe easier about toddler protein needs. She explains why young kids usually need far less protein than many parents think, and why carbohydrates play such an important role in growth, brain development, and energy. You’ll learn how toddlers can meet their protein needs through simple foods like milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs, beans, nut butters, grains, and seeds. Dr. Liz also shares what to do when kids refuse meat, why protein shakes are rarely needed, and how to keep offering new foods without pressure. This episode is a caring reminder that variety, practice, and a calm table matter more than chasing big protein numbers. What You’ll Learn: Why toddlers need less protein than many parents thinkHow much protein kids aged 1 to 3 usually needWhy carbs are important for growth, energy, and brain developmentHow milk and dairy can help meet protein, calcium, and vitamin D needsWhat to do when your toddler refuses meatWhy repeated exposure still matters, even when food gets spit outHow plant-based protein pairings can support growthWhy protein shakes are rarely needed for toddlersHow snacks, hunger, and meal structure affect picky eatingSimple ways to add protein with beans, seeds, nut butters, and grains Episode highlights: (0:00) The common toddler protein worry (1:33) What this episode will cover (2:01) Why toddlers often start refusing meat (3:16) Why adult protein goals do not apply to young kids (5:32) How much protein toddlers really need (7:32) Milk, dairy, and complete protein (9:03) Why offering meat still counts, even if they do not eat it (10:32) What to consider if your child does not drink milk (12:00) Plant-based protein pairings like beans and rice (14:25) Snacks, hunger, and toddler behavior (16:07) Why kids need more carbs than protein (17:06) Why protein supplements are rarely needed (18:28) How to reduce pressure at the dinner table (20:30) Easy protein ideas with beans and seeds (23:06) The bigger goal: variety, practice, and less stress 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!

    24 min
See All (29)

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
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Nutrition for the Early Years
  • Show Website
    Nutrition for the Early Years

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