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.
A simple illustration of a half circle or semi-circular shape in gray color with a black background.

Confident First Bites: A hands-on feeding class led by a maternal health & infant development occupational therapist

A Starting Solids Class for 5-12 months old

  • If you're preparing to start solids with your baby, or already started and feeling unsure, this class provides evidence-based guidance, hands-on support, and a calm, judgment-free space to help you feel confident in your baby’s feeding journey.

  • This class focuses on safe feeding, developmental readiness, sensory exploration, and establishing positive feeding routines from the start.

What You’ll Learn in This Starting Solids Class

Our 90-minute feeding class helps caregivers understand:

  • Signs of readiness for starting solids

  • How to create safe, developmentally supportive feeding routines

  • Evidence-based feeding strategies rooted in occupational therapy

  • Baby-led weaning principles and responsive feeding approaches

  • How to introduce first foods, textures, and utensils

  • Ways to support your baby’s sensory development during mealtimes

  • How to reduce mealtime stress and build confidence for both you and your baby

This class is ideal for parents who want clear, simple guidance from an infant feeding specialist without having to sort through conflicting online information.

Starting Solids

Class Locations

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

Le Village Co Work - Old Route 66

Address: 7853 43rd St, Lyons, IL 60534

  • Tuesday January 27th at 10:00am - 11:30am

  • Additional Dates: TBD

Register for Class
Bright, spacious living room with large windows, black and yellow sofas, modern chandelier lighting, and a kitchen area with island, located in Burr Ridge, IL

Burr Ridge Birth Center

Address: 7000 S County Line Rd, Burr Ridge, IL 60527

  • Wednesday February 25th at 10:30am - 12:00pm

  • Wednesday May 21st at 10:30am - 12:00pm

  • Wednesday August 20th at 10:30am - 12:00pm

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 5–8 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

$50 per family

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

Register for class

  • "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

  • "Armi Grace’s passion as a maternal and infant occupational therapist radiates through the work that she does, how she interacts with mamas, their babies and colleagues! She is very knowledgeable and so relatable which are great characteristics to have when working with new mommas and their babies! I highly recommend her!"

    - P, mom of 3

  • "Stepping into motherhood has been one of the most transformative—and at times overwhelming—experiences of my life. I’m beyond grateful for the support and guidance from Armi Grace. Her inspirational cards, thoughtful emails, and gentle reminders through Instagram became a daily source of encouragement and grounding during my postpartum healing journey. Thank you for holding space for mothers like me. Every mom should have a support just like motivated OT mama. The fact that she supports the dyad of mother baby is truly remarkable."

    - J, new mom