What is First Bites + Beyond?
For babies ages 5 to 12 months
Starting solids is a major milestone—but it can also feel overwhelming. First Bites and Beyond was created to help families navigate this stage with clarity, confidence, and personalized support.
Expert-led, family-centered care
Our team includes a Board-Certified Lactation Counselor (CBS) and Pediatric Nutritionist, Bailie, and Pediatric Occupational Therapist and Certified Lactation Consultant, Ali. Together, we guide families through every aspect of feeding—from first bites to functional skills, texture progression, and balanced meals.
Topics We Cover
Open cup and straw drinking
Self-feeding and sensory play
Portion sizes, meal timing, and nutrition by age
Baby-led weaning vs. purees (spoiler: a mix is great!)
High chair and utensil recommendations
Gagging vs. choking: what’s normal and what’s not
Texture timelines (with visual examples)
Troubleshooting feeding challenges
Resources, recipes, and take-home guides
5 months
Learn about first foods, allergen introduction, signs of readiness, how to add solids into your schedules, and portion sizes.
virtual, with Bailie
5.5 months
Learn about the function of feeding! Learn about cup and straw drinking, utensils, high chair set up, and how to make mealtime a success!
7 months
Bring the goods! In this appointment, we do a feeding session in clinic to check in on how solids have started, work through any questions or challenges and make a plan for the next few months!
9 months
During this appointment we focus on texture and cup progression, prepare for weaning from the bottle, and chat about what's next for your little one's feeding development!
11 months
Let's learn how to build healthy plates for your little one! During this appointment you will learn about how to fully transition your little one to 3 full meals and snacks with foods and recipes you feel great about!
12 months
And just like that, your little is now 12 months! In this appointment, we will chat about feeding development over the next year and what red flags to watch out for. We'll celebrate your family's success with a little birthday celebration!
Meet Ali
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Meet Bailie
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Insurance Coverage
Most families pay little to nothing after insurance. Some plans apply a $20–$50 copay per visit. If your plan doesn’t cover it, we offer a discounted private pay rate. Need help verifying your coverage? Email us and we’ll help you check!"
Program Summary
6 total visits, spaced between 5 to 12 months of age
Each visit builds on your baby's feeding and developmental skills
Format: mix of virtual and in person
Insurance: yes! Covered by most plans (copays may apply)
Not sure where to start? Our team can help you plan the perfect visit schedule for your baby’s age and needs!
hi there,
I’m incredibly proud of the team behind this work. Their expertise, compassion, and deep commitment to supporting families is what makes Feed Well so special. Everything we do is rooted in the belief that families deserve evidence-based, personalized care—especially during some of the most tender and transformative stages of parenthood.
As a parent myself, I created First Bites and Beyond alongside Ali, our infant occupational therapist, and Bailie, our Certified Breastfeeding Specialist and nutritionist, because I saw a need for real support during one of the most overwhelming milestones: starting solids. There’s so much information out there—so many approaches, opinions, and options—and not nearly enough tailored guidance.
We designed this program to take the stress out of starting solids, replacing it with clarity, connection, and confidence. It’s a collaborative experience built to support both infants and caregivers, not just for those early bites, but to lay the foundation for lifelong feeding success.
With care,
Brittany
FAQ
Is my baby ready
Most babies start solids between 5-6 months. We recommend scheduling your first appointment around 5 months old. If you're unsure whether your baby is ready, our team can help you assess readiness signs!"
Struggling with feeding? We’re here for that too.
Whether it’s picky eating, gagging, allergies, or delays, our team specializes in solving feeding challenges early — with gentle, personalized support.