A woman with long hair wearing a gray outfit and a smartwatch, sitting on the floor, feeding a baby in a high chair with toy utensils and food toys, on a play mat.
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Not sure how to start solids with your baby?

You’re not alone.

Most parents feel overwhelmed trying to figure out:

  • when to start

  • what foods are safe

  • how to prevent choking

  • and which advice to actually trust

This class is here to simplify it.

This starting solids class in the Chicago suburbs gives you clear, practical guidance so you can feel confident feeding your baby—without second guessing every bite.

This is for you if…

  • you’ve been Googling “how to start solids” at 2am

  • you’re worried about choking or safety

  • you don’t know if your baby is ready

  • you feel overwhelmed by baby-led weaning vs purées

  • you just want someone to show you what to do

Starting Solids

A white commercial building with a sign that reads 'Le Village' and mentions community coworking and childcare services, located in Lyons, IL

Class Location

Le Village Co Work - Old Route 66

Address: 7853 43rd St, Lyons, IL 60534

  • Friday September 11th 11:30am-1:00pm

  • Thursday September 24th 5:15pm-6:45pm

Register for Class
A woman wearing a smartwatch and blue gloves interacting with a baby doll on a high chair, with baby bottles and toys nearby.

Hands-On Support During Class

Families will receive guided practice with:

  • Safe seating using an Upseat

  • Introducing utensils and open cups

  • Exploring foods through sensory play

  • Understanding gagging vs. choking

  • Encouraging independence during early meals

You’ll also have time to ask questions specific to your baby’s needs, and connect with other parents going through the same stage of development.

What’s Included

  • Use of an Upseat (ergonomic, supportive seat for feeding)

  • Feeding tools for hands-on practice

  • Educational handouts for at-home support

  • Access to a maternal & infant occupational therapist for real-time coaching

What to Bring

To support safety and family feeding preferences, caregivers bring:

  • Baby-friendly foods or snacks

  • A bib, wipes, or anything else that supports your baby’s comfort

Who This Class Is For

  • Babies 5–12 months old

  • Caregivers preparing to start solids or wanting feeding support

  • Families interested in baby-led weaning, traditional purées, or a blended approach

  • Parents wanting guidance from an infant feeding occupational therapist

  • Up to two caregivers may attend with their child.

Benefits for Families

  • Feel confident and prepared for your baby’s transition to solids

  • Reduce stress with clear, evidence-based feeding information

  • Learn what really matters when starting solids

  • Practice feeding skills in a supportive, sensory-rich environment

  • Build community and connect with other local parents

  • Option to schedule 1:1 feeding support for personalized guidance

Investment

$65 per family

*Please note: Due to the small class size and preparation required, all sales are final and non-refundable.

Register for class

FAQs

When should I start solids with my baby?

1

Most babies are ready around 6 months, but this class will help you understand your baby’s specific readiness signs.

Is baby-led weaning safe?

2

Yes, with the right guidance. You’ll learn how to safely introduce foods and reduce choking risk.

What if I’m nervous about choking?

3

That’s one of the most common concerns, we cover safety, positioning, and what to watch for.

Do I need to bring my own food?

4

Yes, families bring their own foods to accommodate allergies and preferences. Common foods brought are avocados, bananas, strawberries, chicken, steak, and yogurt.

— Groups/Events Cancellation Policy —

Due to limited space and advance planning, all group/event registrations are final sale and non-refundable. This policy supports the time, preparation, and resources required to run each group.

Thank you for undertanding.

  • "I highly recommend working with Armi! As first-time parents, my husband and I were so anxious and overwhelmed about starting solids with our baby. I first met Armi through one of her community groups, and after seeing how knowledgeable and supportive she was, we scheduled individual sessions. She was incredibly patient, answered all of our questions, and gave us the knowledge and confidence we needed to feel comfortable starting solids. We’re so grateful for her guidance and would highly recommend her to any family navigating this stage!"

    - E, new mom

  • "We are first time parents and we were not sure how to start adding solids to our 6 months old’s meals, we took the starting solids class and found it very helpful for gaining confidence and steps to take to get started. Armi Grace was warm, knowledgeable and made the experience stress free."

    - M, mom of 1

  • "Armi came to our home and helped us with our 6 month old starting solids. She was knowledgeable, kind, and nonjudgemental. It was such a huge help to have her in our space, physically showing us how to position baby in the high chair, what utensils are appropriate to use, what to look for in terms of gagging and choking, and how to prepare different foods for baby. She answered all our questions and gave us a resource folder with helpful information."

    K, first time mom

  • "Armi Grace is an amazing Occupational Therapist! She has played a huge role in helping my daughter get the ball rolling as it relates to her introduction to solids. The introduction of solids has been difficult, but with Armi Grace's assistance and tips, baby girl has grown so much. Armi Grace is professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. I recommend her to any mama looking for assistance with their little one's sensory and feeding needs."

    - M, first time mom

  • "Armi Grace was a pleasure to work with. She helped our son to improve several of his fine motor skills and helped him to progress from bottles to straw cups. My husband and I are very grateful for the assistance she provided."

    - A, first time mom