Introducing solids workshop · 2026
Baby First Bites
Start solids with confidence — not confusion.
A dietitian-led starting solids workshop for new parents,
so your baby's first bites feel exciting, not overwhelming.
Starting solids is one of the most Googled and most confusing milestones of the first year.
Baby First Bites cuts through the noise with practical, evidence-based guidance from an Accredited Practising Dietitian. In just two hours, you'll leave with a clear plan, real confidence, and a community of parents navigating the same stage.
Does this sound familiar?
Everything you need to know.
🔍The Google spiral
"You've Googled starting solids at least five times this week — and still feel unsure where to begin."
💬 Too many opinions
"Everyone has an opinion. Your mum says purees. Your friend swears by BLW. Your GP said just start at 6 months. Nobody told you what to actually do."
⚠️ Allergen anxiety
"The allergen stuff terrifies you. What if your baby reacts? What order do you introduce them? How much is too much?"
🕰️ No time for rabbit holes
"You want to do this right — but you don't want to spend hours down a rabbit hole just to feel more confused."
That's exactly why
Baby First Bites exists!
2 hours of clear, practical, dietitian-led guidance
so you start solids with confidence instead of anxiety.
What you’ll learn
Everything you need to know.
Readiness signs
How to recognise when your baby is developmentally ready to begin solids.
First foods and key nutrients
What to offer first, including iron-rich foods and the key nutrients to focus on in early solids.
Allergen introduction
How to introduce common allergens safely and with more confidence.
Textures and gagging
Understanding texture progression, gagging, and safe food exploration.
Tools and mealtime set-up
Practical guidance on choosing useful feeding tools and creating a comfortable, safe mealtime set-up.
Moving forward with confidence
Knowing what to focus on as your baby begins exploring more foods.
Workshop options
Choose your experience.
Baby First Bites — In-Person Workshop
Denman Village Community Centre, Canberra ·
Sunday sessions · 10am–12pm
Starting solids is one of the most exciting — and overwhelming — milestones in your baby's first year. This hands-on workshop is designed to give you the knowledge, confidence, and practical tools to start solids safely and joyfully, guided by a qualified paediatric dietitian from start to finish.
In a small, relaxed group of no more than 15 families, you'll get the real answers to your questions — not just generic advice from the internet.
What's included:
2-hour in-person workshop led by Kelly Mak, Accredited Practising Dietitian
Comprehensive Baby First Bites handbook to take home
Curated gift bag with practical starting solids essentials
Light morning tea provided
Partner or support person included in your ticket
Small group setting (max 15 families) for a personal, unhurried experience
Exclusive private support community with fellow workshop families, moderated by your dietitian — ask questions, share wins, and receive ongoing guidance as you navigate the solids journey
What you'll learn:
When your baby is developmentally ready to start solids
How to safely introduce textures, lumps and finger foods
The right approach to allergen introduction — including the high-risk ones
How to respond to gagging and build confidence at mealtimes
Practical first foods, meal ideas, and how to balance milk feeds
How to choose the right high chair for your baby's stage and body — and what to look for
Dietitian-recommended tools, spoons, bowls and feeding equipment worth buying (and what to skip)
What to do if your baby refuses food or eating feels stressful
How to build healthy eating foundations that set your child up for a lifetime of positive food experiences
This workshop is for you if:
Your baby is between 4–6 months, and solids are coming up soon
You want evidence-based guidance, not conflicting opinions
You would love to ask a dietitian your specific questions in a supportive group
📍 Denman Village Community Centre, Canberra
🕙 10:00am – 12:00pm
Babies and Partners welcome — one ticket covers your whole family
Ticket pricing: Standard $130
Cancellations:
7+ days prior: full refund.
Within 7 days: 12-month credit toward any future session.
✓Printed Baby First Bites handbook
✓Curated gift bag*
✓Light morning tea*
✓ Babies and partners welcome
✓ Small group
✓ Meet other local parents
✓ Live Q&A with Kelly
✓ Dietitian-led, evidence-based content
✓ Exclusive discount code
*In-person only
Coming workshop dates:
28/6 10am - 12pm (Denman Village) FULL
26/7 10am - 12pm (Denman Village) - Open for booking
23/8 10am - 12pm (TBC)
Baby First Bites — Live Online Workshop
Via Zoom ·
Saturdays · 10am–12pm AEST
All the expert guidance of our in-person workshop, from the comfort of your own home. This live Zoom session covers everything you need to know about starting solids — delivered by a paediatric dietitian, with space for your questions in real time.
Whether you're interstate, have a sleeping baby in the next room, or simply prefer learning from home, this session is designed to feel warm, interactive, and genuinely useful.
What's included:
2-hour live online workshop via Zoom, led by Kelly Mak, Accredited Practising Dietitian
Digital Baby First Bites handbook (emailed before the session)
Live Q&A — ask your specific questions during the session
Partner or support person included in your ticket
Replay access after the session
Small group format so it never feels like a lecture
Exclusive private support community with fellow workshop families, moderated by your dietitian — ask questions, share wins, and receive ongoing guidance as you navigate the solids journey
What you'll learn:
When your baby is developmentally ready to start solids
How to safely introduce textures, lumps and finger foods
The right approach to allergen introduction — including the high-risk ones
How to respond to gagging and build confidence at mealtimes
Practical first foods, meal ideas, and how to balance milk feeds
How to choose the right high chair for your baby's stage and body — and what to look for
Dietitian-recommended tools, spoons, bowls and feeding equipment worth buying (and what to skip)
What to do if your baby refuses food or eating feels stressful
How to build healthy eating foundations that set your child up for a lifetime of positive food experiences
This workshop is for you if:
· Your baby is between 4–6 months and solids are on the horizon
· You want expert, evidence-based guidance without leaving home
· You're interstate or unable to attend in person
💻 Live on Zoom — link sent after booking
🕙 10:00am – 12:00pm AEST
Babies and Partners welcome — one ticket covers your whole family
Ticket pricing: Standard $80
Cancellations:
7+ days prior: full refund.
Within 7 days: 12-month credit toward any future session.
✓Digital Baby First Bites handbook
✓ Babies and partners welcome
✓ Small group
✓ Live Q&A with Kelly
✓ Dietitian-led, evidence-based content
✓ Exclusive discount code
Coming workshop dates:
27/6 3pm - 5pm FULL
25/7 10am - 12pm - Open for booking
22/8 10am - 12pm
A 1:1 consult with Kelly starts at $290 — this is the most accessible way to get expert dietitian guidance before your baby's first bite.
I'm an Accredited Practising Dietitian with a passion for helping new parents navigate starting solids with confidence. As a mum myself, I know how overwhelming the first year can feel, and how much a little clear, practical guidance changes everything.
I also have additional training in the SOS Approach to Feeding, bringing a thoughtful understanding of how babies learn to explore new foods, tastes, and textures.
Hi, I’m Kelly!
What parents say
From families who've been there.
Frequently asked questions.
Workshop content
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The workshop is ideal for parents with babies aged 3 months and above — so you have plenty of time to learn, prepare, and feel confident before solids begin. You don't need to wait until your baby is about to start. In fact, the earlier you come, the more prepared you'll feel.
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Both! There's no one-size-fits-all approach to starting solids, and we are not here to tell you what to do. We walk through the evidence behind both BLW and purees, the pros and cons of each, and help you figure out what suits your baby, your lifestyle, and your family.
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Yes — this is one of the most common concerns parents have, and we cover it in the workshop. You'll learn the difference between gagging and choking, why gagging is normal and actually protective, what safe textures and shapes look like at each stage, and when to be genuinely concerned. It's one of those topics that makes a huge difference to parents’ confidence.
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Yes — we cover the top 9 allergens, when and how to introduce them, and what the current evidence says about early introduction. We also briefly cover what to watch for and what to do if a reaction occurs. If your baby has a known allergy or high-risk family history, a 1:1 consult with Kelly is recommended for more personalised guidance.
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Absolutely. Whether you're just getting started, a few weeks in, or feeling like you want to reset and do things differently — you're welcome at any stage. Parents often come to fill in the gaps, check they're on the right track, or get answers to questions that have come up along the way. It's never too late to get proper guidance.
Face to Face Workshop
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Currently held at Denman Village Community Centre, Denman Prospect, Canberra. It's located within the Denman Prospect shopping area with plenty of parking available. We plan to add more locations over time — check this page for the latest updates.
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Yes — there is parking in the Denman Prospect shops area right next to the venue. No need to stress about finding a spot, especially with a pram.
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Yes — and we encourage it! One ticket covers both of you. Starting solids is a whole-family experience and it's much easier when both parents are on the same page.
Online session
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Yes — the session is recorded and the replay is available to all registered participants for a month after the live session. So if your baby has other plans that morning, you won't miss out entirely.
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Nope — you can join directly from your browser without downloading anything. That said, downloading the Zoom app gives you the best experience. A join link will be sent to you after booking.
Bookings and general
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Life with a baby is unpredictable — we get it. You can transfer your booking to a future date at any time. For cancellations 7 or more days before the workshop, a full refund is available. Cancellations within 7 days receive a full credit valid for 12 months, redeemable on any future Baby First Bites session.
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Absolutely — babies are very welcome. Bring their pram, their play mat, whatever they need. Breastfeeding is welcome at any time throughout the session. The facility has a parents' room on site if you need a quieter space for feeds or nappy changes.
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Yes! All participants get access to a private Facebook group for Baby First Bites families. It's a space for recipe sharing, questions, and updates from Kelly. A great way to stay connected with the parents you met at the workshop.
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Yes — Baby First Bites runs monthly, with both a face-to-face Sunday session and a live online Saturday session each month. If this date doesn't work, join the waitlist and you'll be the first to know when the next one opens.
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Yes — all participants receive exclusive discount codes from our partner brands. In-person participants receive these during the session; online participants receive them by email afterwards.
Spots are limited
Ready to start solids with confidence?
Full refund 7+ days before / credit within 7 days valid 12 months
Prefer more individual and tailored advice?
A 1:1 Initial Assessment with Kelly gives you personalised guidance specific to your baby, your family, and your feeding goals.