Starting solids is one of the most exciting—and overwhelming—milestones of early parenthood. From figuring out when to start, to worrying about choking hazards, allergies, and whether you’re doing it “right,” it’s easy to feel lost in a sea of conflicting advice.

In this episode of Burnt Pancakes, I’m joined by Cinthia Scott—registered dietitian, lactation consultant, mom, and co-author of the upcoming American Academy of Pediatrics book Baby Leads the Way. Together with pediatrician Dr. Krupa Playforth, Cinthia has created a research-backed, approachable guide to help parents introduce solid foods with confidence and calm.

We talk about:

The signs your baby is truly ready for solids

How to safely let babies self-feed

Combining purees and baby-led feeding without confusion

Early allergen introduction and what the science says

Preventing picky eating by building adventurous habits early

Real-life tips for handling messy meals and skeptical relatives

Cinthia’s 6-pillar approach to raising healthy, intuitive eaters

Whether you're gearing up to start solids or you're deep in the spaghetti-on-the-walls stage, this episode is packed with practical tips and reassurance to help you feel confident—and maybe even laugh a little—along the way.

Connect with Cinthia
Book: Baby Leads the Way https://amzn.to/4jc3hHY
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.baby.dietitian/
https://www.instagram.com/101beforeone/

📺 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOpw5ui4uxJHx0tLFVtpnfSkpObfc4d-K

You can find Katie at:
website: burntpancakes.com
YouTube: @burnt.pancakes
Instagram: @burntpancakeswithkatie
Email: katie@burntpancakes.com

🚽 Did you know Katie is also a Certified Potty Trainer? 🚽

☎️ Schedule a 1:1 chat today: Schedule Here
💻 Digital Potty Training Course HERE
📖 Potty Training E-Book HERE
🆓 FREE potty training resources HERE
Instagram: @itspottytime
Tiktok: @itspottytime_

Today I welcome Nikki Brooker, founder of Yana, an organization making a significant impact in the lives of mothers.

Nikki shares her journey into motherhood, beginning with her marriage to her middle school sweetheart and their subsequent move to Colorado. Facing the challenges of raising children away from family, Nikki recounts how relocating to Ohio introduced her to a supportive community that profoundly influenced her motherhood experience.

Listen in as Nikki explains how these experiences inspired her to establish Yana, with the mission to help mothers feel connected and less isolated.

In this episode:

(00:09) - Changing Lives Through Motherhood Organizations

(07:04) - Building Community in Parenthood

(09:52) - Empowering Mothers Through Support Groups

(22:11) - Support and Resources for New Mothers

(31:34) - Balancing Responsibilities in Motherhood

(42:50) - Yana M2M

Connect with Nikki Brooker:

Website: yanamom.com

Instagram: @yanam2m

📺 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOpw5ui4uxJHx0tLFVtpnfSkpObfc4d-K

You can find Katie at:
website: burntpancakes.com
YouTube: @burnt.pancakes
Instagram: @burntpancakeswithkatie
Email: katie@burntpancakes.com

🚽 Did you know Katie is also a Certified Potty Trainer? 🚽

☎️ Schedule a 1:1 chat today: Schedule Here
💻 Digital Potty Training Course HERE
📖 Potty Training E-Book HERE
🆓 FREE potty training resources HERE
Instagram: @itspottytime
Tiktok: @itspottytime_

Ever feel like you're doing all the right parenting things—being gentle, meeting every emotional need, creating magical childhoods—yet still ending up overwhelmed, exhausted, and unsure if it’s even working?

In this episode, I’m joined by parenting coach and founder of Hi Fam, Avital Schreiber Levy, who’s here to challenge the modern parenting trends that leave moms burnt out and kids emotionally fragile. Avital offers a refreshing third way that’s neither permissive nor authoritarian—but rooted in confident, values-based leadership.

We talk about:

• Why “child-led everything” might be hurting our kids more than helping
• What children actually crave from their parents (hint: it’s not constant entertainment)
• How to build a strong family culture that your kids will want to recreate
• The truth about mom guilt—and how to let it go
• What it means to future-proof your kids against anxiety, confusion, and internet overload
• Simple ways to start leading your family with calm, clarity, and confidence

Whether your home feels a little chaotic right now or you’re just tired of second-guessing every parenting decision, this episode will leave you feeling empowered, encouraged, and ready to reclaim your role as the heart of your family.

Connect with Avital:
Website: hifam.com
Instagram: @hifamlife
YouTube: Hi Fam on YouTube @hifamlife

If you loved this episode, share it with a mom friend who needs to hear it—and don’t forget to leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. It helps more moms find the show!

📺 Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOpw5ui4uxJHx0tLFVtpnfSkpObfc4d-K

You can find Katie at:
website: burntpancakes.com
YouTube: @burnt.pancakes
Instagram: @burntpancakeswithkatie
Email: katie@burntpancakes.com

🚽 Did you know Katie is also a Certified Potty Trainer? 🚽

☎️ Schedule a 1:1 chat today: Schedule Here
💻 Digital Potty Training Course HERE
📖 Potty Training E-Book HERE
🆓 FREE potty training resources HERE
Instagram: @itspottytime
Tiktok: @itspottytime_