Welcome back to another catch-up episode of Boob to Food, the Podcast. This week, it’s just Luka and Kate chatting all things life, motherhood, and the unpredictable rollercoaster that is raising little humans. From a catastrophic freezer meltdown to a toddler crashing the family car (yes, really!), plus big reflections on closing the chapter on having more babies, this episode is a little chaotic—just like mum life itself!

For those who are tuning in for the first time, a little about us…

• Luka McCabe – founder of Boob to Food, author of Milk to Meals and Toddler to Table, as well as mum of 3
• Kate Holm – naturopath, nutritionist,  General Manager and Clinical Director of Boob to Food and mum of 3

In this episode, we cover:

• Luka’s freezer meltdown – Literally. $1,000 worth of carefully stocked meat and broth… gone
• Will vs. the family car...
• 2025, the year of the vasectomy!
• How Kate went in her dance audition
• Will's renewed bedtime battles
• What we are reading and watching
• ... and so much more!

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
• Apple Cider Vinegar (Netflix) 
• Ethical Farmers (use the code BOOBTOFOOD)
• Episode 45 with Lael Stone on Attachment and Separation Anxiety

Today’s episode is brought to you by Ergopouch.Every mum knows the stress of figuring out whether their child is warm or cool enough at night—especially when you’re trying to recreate that one magical night of sleep that you’ll probably never experience again. That’s why we love Ergopouch! Their natural fibre, TOG-rated sleepwear takes the guesswork out of dressing your little one for sleep, so you can at least eliminate one source of mum worry. The range covers newborns through to six-year-olds, and their new Breakfast Club collection is absolutely adorable.

Use code BOOBTOFOOD for 20% off storewide until 26th March 2025 at www.ergopouch.com.au - excluding: Lyra Cot, Deluxe Mattress, Gift Cards, Gift Packs, Multibuys and Sale items.

Follow us on instagram @boobtofood to stay up to date with all the podcast news, recipes and other content that we bring to help make meal times and family life easier.

Visit www.boobtofood.com for blogs and resources, to book an appointment with one of our amazing practitioners and more.

Presented by Luka McCabe and Kate Holm

To get in touch please email [email protected]

When it comes to introducing your little one to cup drinking, there’s no shortage of opinions—especially about sippy cups. Are they bad for oral development? Will they delay speech? Should you skip straight to an open cup?

To clear up the confusion, we’re joined by Emily Tyler, a speech pathologist (and mum of twins!) who has recently joined the Boob to Food team. With over a decade of experience supporting children in their feeding journeys, Emily is here to break down everything parents need to know about cup drinking—what’s best, what’s unnecessary, and how to make the transition easier for your little one.

In This Episode We Cover:

• The role of speech pathologists in feeding
• Sippy cups and whether the fear around them justified?
• The best first cup for your baby – open cup, straw cup, or something else?
• Practical strategies to help your baby learn to drink from a cup.
• Troubleshooting common challenges like spitting water, struggling with a straw, or making a mess.
• When to transition away from bottles
• ... and so much more!

Whether you’re just getting started or feeling stuck in the transition, this episode is packed with evidence-based insights to help you feel confident about your baby’s cup-drinking journey.

Resources Mentioned:

• Boob to Food Starting Solids Equipment Guide – our favourite cups, bibs, and everything else to make mealtimes easier.
• More on cup drinking – our in-depth blog post covering all things cup and straw drinking.

Today’s episode is brought to you by BioFirst. Bio-First is an Australian Family brand, who wanted better options for their family and to help as many people as possible. All products are manufactured locally within Australia. Their products are genuinely natural with no nasties like phthalates, petrochemicals, synthetics or chemical solvents, as well as being free of irritants and designed for little, hypersensitive skin and dermatologist certified

Whether it’s pregnancy, postpartum, or just that time of the month, breakouts always seem to pop up when you least expect them. That’s why we’re loving BioFirst’s new Blemish Ban Range—a completely natural, pregnancy-safe solution designed to calm, clear, and soothe hormonal breakouts without irritation.

The range includes a Blemish Ban Toner and Blemish Ban Gel, formulated with powerful ingredients like manuka honey, tea tree, and eucalyptus myrtle to help reduce redness, balance oil production, and speed up healing—without the harsh chemicals.

You can use the code BOOBTOFOOD for 15% OFF the entire range. Visit www.bio-first.com.au

Follow us on instagram @boobtofood to stay up to date with all the podcast news, recipes and other content that we bring to help make meal times and family life easier.

Visit www.boobtofood.com for blogs and resources, to book an appointment with one of our amazing practitioners and more.

Presented by Luka McCabe and Kate Holm

To get in touch please email [email protected]

When it comes to feeding little ones after 12 months, one of the most common questions we get is: Does my child need cow’s milk or toddler formula? With so much conflicting advice from health professionals, formula companies, and well-meaning family members, it can feel overwhelming to know what’s truly best for your child.

In this episode, Luka and Kate break it all down—what the recommendations actually are, why milk drinks aren’t necessary for toddlers, and how to ensure your little one is getting the nutrition they need as they transition to a whole food diet.

For those who are tuning in for the first time, a little about us…

• Luka McCabe – founder of Boob to Food, author of Milk to Meals and Toddler to Table, as well as mum of 3
• Kate Holm – naturopath, nutritionist,  General Manager and Clinical Director of Boob to Food and mum of 3

In this episode, we cover:

• Do toddlers need to ‘wean onto’ another milk drink after 12 months?
• Cow’s milk as a drink – is it necessary?
• The potential downsides of too much milk consumption 
• Toddler formula and why we don’t recommend it 
• Calcium-rich foods beyond dairy 
• … and so much more!

Resources Mentioned

• Our books Milk to Meals and Toddler to Table
• Episode 77 with Dr. Staci Whitman – On baby and toddler dental health
• Episode 86 all about fussy toddlers – Learn how to encourage variety and reduce stress around food
• Blog: Swaps on a Dairy Free Diet – Alternatives to dairy for meeting calcium needs

Today's Episode is brought to you by Chief Nutrition. At Boob to Food, we’re always looking for ways to pack in extra nutrition for ourselves and our little ones—especially when it comes to protein. That’s why we love Chief Nutrition’s Collagen Powder. It’s a high-quality protein source that’s flavourless (or flavoured if you prefer!) and so easy to mix into smoothies, yogurt, or even baked goods for a nutrient boost. Bonus that it tastes like dessert without the added sugar so even the fussiest of toddlers will enjoy it too.

If you’d like to try it for yourself (or sneak some extra protein into your toddler’s diet), you can use the code BOOBTOFOOD for 15% off sitewide at wearechief.com.

Follow us on instagram @boobtofood to stay up to date with all the podcast news, recipes and other content that we bring to help make meal times and family life easier.

Visit www.boobtofood.com for blogs and resources, to book an appointment with one of our amazing practitioners and more.

Presented by Luka McCabe and Kate Holm

To get in touch please email [email protected]

When it comes to starting solids, one of the biggest concerns for parents is constipation. If you’ve ever been told that constipation is ‘normal’ for babies, we’re here to set the record straight—it’s common, but it’s not normal.

In this episode, Luka and Kate dive deep into constipation: what causes it, why it happens around the time of starting solids, and what you can do to support your little one. From dietary changes and hydration to gut health and possible food sensitivities, we’re covering it all to help your baby get back to comfortable, regular bowel movements (without relying on prunes forever!).

For those tuning in for the first time, a little about us…

• Luka McCabe – founder of Boob to Food, author of Milk to Meals and Toddler to Table, and mum of 3
• Kate Holm – naturopath, nutritionist, General Manager and Clinical Director of Boob to Food, and mum of 3

In this episode, we cover:

• What actually defines constipation in babies and toddlers
• The biggest causes of constipation when starting solids
• Why some babies are more prone to constipation than others
• How hydration and milk feeds impact gut health
• The role of fibre (and why too much or too little can be a problem)
• Foods that can help or hinder digestion
• Why laxatives shouldn’t be the first solution (and what to do instead)
• The link between gut health, allergies, and constipation
• …and so much more!

Resources Mentioned:

• Constipation Masterclass – A deep dive into gut health, constipation causes, and practical solutions
• Boob to Food Online Clinic – Work with our team of experts for tailored advice and support
• Boob to Food Blog – Understanding Constipation – Our evidence-based guide to managing constipation in babies and toddlers
• Milk to Meals – Our starting solids book, packed with recipes and nutritional guidance

Today’s episode is brought to you by Cell Squared. We often talk about Cell Squared and our love for their whole food, nutrient-dense products when it comes to supporting babies and mums. But did you know they also have an incredible Men’s Innate Energy blend? This beef multi-organ supplement (including liver, spleen, and kidney) is formulated specifically to support men’s energy, vitality, and reproductive health—perfect for the dads in your life. Packed with B vitamins, iron, selenium, and more, it’s an easy way to boost nutrition.

You can use the code BOOBTOFOOD for 10% off storewide. Visit Cell Squared to shop today.

Follow us on instagram @boobtofood to stay up to date with all the podcast news, recipes and other content that we bring to help make meal times and family life easier.

Visit www.boobtofood.com for blogs and resources, to book an appointment with one of our amazing practitioners and more.

Presented by Luka McCabe and Kate Holm

To get in touch please email [email protected]

In this episode of Boob to Food the Podcast, Luka and Kate continue the starting solids journey, diving into what to expect as your baby approaches the 9–12 month mark. By now, you’ve probably navigated the messy beginnings, introduced some allergens, and discovered what your baby loves (and throws on the floor!). But what comes next?

We’ll cover how to transition from those early purees to family meals, when to introduce more structured mealtimes, and how to handle the inevitable phases of food refusal. Spoiler: it’s all normal, and you’re doing great!

For those tuning in for the first time, a little about us…

• Luka McCabe – founder of Boob to Food, author of Milk to Meals and Toddler to Table, and mum of 3
• Kate Holm – naturopath, nutritionist, General Manager and Clinical Director of Boob to Food, and mum of 3

In this episode, we cover:

• The goal of transitioning to family meals by 12 months
• When and how to increase to three meals a day (without the overwhelm)
• The role of snacks (hint: milk counts!)
• Moving beyond purees: why finger foods matter and how to introduce them safely
• Managing food refusal, throwing, and ‘fussy’ eating phases
• Introducing allergens—early, often, and stress-free
• Foods to avoid before 12 months (yes, still no honey!)
• Tips for eating out with your baby without the stress
• … and so much more!

If you’re feeling unsure about your baby’s feeding journey or facing challenges, don’t forget that our online clinic is here to support you with personalised advice and guidance.

Resources Mentioned:

• Milk to Meals – Our starting solids book packed with recipes and evidence-based guidance
• Toddler to Table – Your go-to resource for navigating toddler mealtimes
• Blog: Picky vs Problem Eaters
• Blog: The Ultimate Guide to Sodium for Babies
• Episode: Highchairs 101: Safety, Setup, and What to Look For

Today’s episode is brought to you by Koala Eco. Koala Eco creates natural, non-toxic cleaning products that are as kind to your home as they are to the planet. We’re obsessed with their new dishwashing powder—free from harsh chemicals and fragranced with lemon myrtle and mandarin essential oils. It’s safe for your family, effective on messes, and even gentle on baby’s silicone plates.

You can use the code BOOBTOFOOD for 25% off all Koala Eco products. Visit koala.eco to fill your home with products you’ll love.

Follow us on instagram @boobtofood to stay up to date with all the podcast news, recipes and other content that we bring to help make meal times and family life easier.

Visit www.boobtofood.com for blogs and resources, to book an appointment with one of our amazing practitioners and more.

Presented by Luka McCabe and Kate Holm

To get in touch please email [email protected]

When it comes to starting solids, one of the most important pieces of equipment is the high chair. With so many options on the market, it can feel overwhelming to choose the right one - especially when it comes to posture, safety, and mealtime success. In this episode, Luka and Kate are joined by our paediatric occupational therapist Rachael Smith to break down exactly what to look for in a high chair and why getting it right from the start can set your baby up for a positive feeding journey.

For those who don’t know Rach, she is a mum to her daughter Olive and son Teddy, a Paediatric Occupational Therapist, and the owner of Therapy Time, a private practice based in Brisbane.

Even before having her own family, she has always been passionate about taking a big picture approach to child development. Rach strongly believes that what we eat has a huge impact on everything and sees this everyday in her clinical practice (and at home).

In this episode, we cover:

• Why posture and support matter for safe swallowing and independent eating
• The 90-90-90 rule and how to set up your high chair for success
• The importance of footrests (and what to do if your high chair doesn’t have one)
• Safety features to look for when choosing a high chair
• Our top high chair recommendations, from investment options to budget-friendly picks
• … and so much more!

If you’re in the market for a high chair or just want to make sure your little one is set up for mealtime success, this episode is packed with practical advice and expert insights.

Resources Mentioned:

• Our equipment guide 
• Blog: All you need to know about high chairs
• Episode 28 - All about food throwing and high chair refusal

Today’s episode was brought to you by Nourish’d, a game-changer for busy mums looking to enjoy healthy, delicious meals without the stress of cooking. Nourish’d delivers fresh, chef-prepared meals straight to your door, with a focus on whole, nutrient-rich ingredients and no hidden nasties. Whether you’re navigating the chaos of motherhood, juggling mealtimes, or just need a break, Nourish’d makes it easy to nourish yourself and your family while saving precious time.

As a special offer for our listeners, first-time customers can use the code BOOBTOFOOD to get $15 off their first Nourish’d order. It’s the perfect way to take something off your plate (literally!) and focus on what matters most. Visit nourishd.com.au to explore their menu and experience the convenience for yourself!

Follow us on instagram @boobtofood to stay up to date with all the podcast news, recipes and other content that we bring to help make meal times and family life easier.

Visit www.boobtofood.com for blogs and resources, to book an appointment with one of our amazing practitioners and more.

Presented by Luka McCabe and Kate Holm

To get in touch please email [email protected]

We’re back with our first non-educational episode of the year, and it’s a good one! After months of keeping things strictly informative, we decided it was time for a catch-up chat—because let’s be honest, sometimes we all just need a bit of lighthearted chaos.

So, what have we been up to over the summer holidays? Well, Luka went camping (cue the inevitable camping curse 😬), Kate has been keeping a few things from Luka, and we chat about all the things—turning 40, surviving school holidays, Christmas feasts, and what’s next for the year ahead.

For those who are new here, a little about us…

• Luka McCabe – founder of Boob to Food, author of Milk to Meals and Toddler to Table, and mum of 3
• Kate Holm – naturopath, nutritionist, General Manager and Clinical Director of Boob to Food, and mum of 3

If you’re in the mood for some laughs, a little bit of oversharing, and a reminder that nobody really has it all together, this one’s for you. Also, let us know if you would like to hear more of these episodes... or if we don't hear from anyone, we will just fade off into the distance and stick to the educational content!

Follow us on instagram @boobtofood to stay up to date with all the podcast news, recipes and other content that we bring to help make meal times and family life easier.

Visit www.boobtofood.com for blogs and resources, to book an appointment with one of our amazing practitioners and more.

Presented by Luka McCabe and Kate Holm

To get in touch please email [email protected]

If your baby is starting solids, you’ve likely wondered: How do I safely offer finger foods? It’s one of the biggest concerns for parents embarking on their solids journey, and understandably so. This week, Luka and Kate break down everything you need to know about safely introducing finger foods. From the right size, shape, and texture to practical tips on reducing the risk of choking.

For those who are new here, a little about us…

•Luka McCabe – founder of Boob to Food, author of Milk to Meals and Toddler to Table, and mum of 3

•Kate Holm – naturopath, nutritionist, General Manager and Clinical Director of Boob to Food, and mum of 3

In This Episode, We Cover:

• Why bigger is better when starting with finger foods
• How to modify foods to make them safe
• The “squish test” and why texture matters
• When to offer bite-sized pieces and how to recognise readiness
• The role of resistive foods in building oral motor skills
• How to handle meat, fish, and other tricky textures for beginners
• When to introduce harder or crunchier foods
• Which foods are choking hazards
• ... and so much more!

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Solid Starts: A fantastic database showing how to safely prepare foods for all ages and skill levels.
• Milk to Meals: Our book packed with recipes and practical guidance for introducing solids safely and confidently.

Today’s episode was brought to you by Part & Parcel. Part & Parcel is our favourite one stop shop for pantry staples – not only do you have the convenience of them being delivered straight to your door (who wants to go shopping with 3 kids!), but they have also curated the most incredible range of organic, ethical and sustainable products so you don’t have to waste your time researching ingredients on labels. They’ve done the work for you. But be warned… you may want to add one of everything to your cart like Kate! Thankfully their annual membership allows members to receive extra savings on their shop (so maybe you can add that extra block of chocolate!).

You can use the code BOOBTOFOOD for $20 off your first order over $99. Visit www.partandparcel.com.au to shop today!

Follow us on instagram @boobtofood to stay up to date with all the podcast news, recipes and other content that we bring to help make meal times and family life easier.

Visit www.boobtofood.com for blogs and resources, to book an appointment with one of our amazing practitioners and more.

Presented by Luka McCabe and Kate Holm

To get in touch please email [email protected]

If your baby is past the initial stage of starting solids, you might be wondering—what’s next (and WTF is going on!)? In this episode of Boob to Food the Podcast, Luka and Kate dive into the 7–9 month stage of your baby’s feeding journey. How do you know when to move from one meal to two? What should these meals look like? And how can you keep milk feeds as the nutritional priority while introducing more foods?

For those who are tuning in for the first time, a little about us…

• Luka McCabe – founder of Boob to Food, author of Milk to Meals and Toddler to Table, as well as mum of 3
• Kate Holm – naturopath, nutritionist,  General Manager and Clinical Director of Boob to Food and mum of 3

In This Episode, We Cover:

• When to move from one meal to two
• Nap transitions and mealtime schedules
• Foods to prioritise as you introduce more variety
• The importance of milk feeds and why they should still come first
• Finger foods and self-feeding
• Why now is the time to offer sardines, liver, and more
• When to seek professional help for feeding challenges
• ... and so much more!

This stage of your baby’s feeding journey is about increasing variety, building skills, and supporting their natural progression. Remember to follow their cues, keep milk feeds as the priority, and focus on nutrient-dense options as you expand their palate. And don’t forget to enjoy the messy, joyful experience of sharing meals together!

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Milk to Meals: Packed with recipes, practical tips, and feeding advice for your baby and family.
• Episode 103: Getting Ready to Start Solids for Babies 4–6 Months
• Episode 106: Choosing the Right Feeding Approach for Your Baby
• Episode 30: Growth charts and what is normal with Dr Eliza Hannam

Today's episode is brought to you by Chief Nutrition. We know how challenging it can be to nourish yourself in the busyness of motherhood, and we also know how important it is! Chief's range of high quality, Australian grass-fed bovine collagens are one of our favourite ingredients to include to increase protein for busy mums - think more stable blood sugars, as well as providing building blocks to support your skin, joints, gut and so much more. We love adding it to smoothies, porridge, pancakes or even mixing it into yoghurt, but it is so versatile and great for the whole family.

You can use the code BOOBTOFOOD for 20% off their range of collagen powders. Visit wearechief.com to check it out today.

Follow us on instagram @boobtofood to stay up to date with all the podcast news, recipes and other content that we bring to help make meal times and family life easier.

Visit www.boobtofood.com for blogs and resources, to book an appointment with one of our amazing practitioners and more.

Presented by Luka McCabe and Kate Holm

To get in touch please email [email protected]

When it comes to starting solids, one of the most common questions we receive at Boob to Food is, “What’s the best feeding method for my baby?” In this episode, Luka and Kate dive into the options, sharing their insights on baby-led weaning (finger foods) and spoon-feeding (purees) to help you find the approach that’s right for your family. Spoiler alert: there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and your baby might just decide for you!

For those who are tuning in for the first time, a little about us…

• Luka McCabe – founder of Boob to Food, author of Milk to Meals and Toddler to Table, as well as mum of 3
• Kate Holm – naturopath, nutritionist,  General Manager and Clinical Director of Boob to Food and mum of 3

In this episode, we cover:

• The differences between baby-led weaning and spoon-feeding - and why you don’t have to choose just one
• Signs of readiness: How to know if your baby is developmentally ready to start solids
• The importance of safety when introducing finger foods
• Why purees can be convenient but still need to involve baby’s control
• Why mealtime messes are an important sensory experience
• Tips for transitioning to finger foods by 9 months and beyond
• ... and so much more!

If you’re still feeling unsure or have specific concerns, don’t forget that our online clinic is here to support you with personalised advice and guidance.

Resources Mentioned

• Milk to Meals – Our starting solids book packed with recipes and evidence-based guidance
• Solid Starts first food database – A free resource for preparing age-appropriate foods
• Episode 103 – Getting Ready to Start Solids for Babies 4–6 Months

Today’s episode was brought to you by Mini + Me. Mini and Me, a brand we have loved since they launched just over a year ago. It’s an electrolyte drink that’s designed to support you and your family in pregnancy, postpartum or even if you are a tired mum looking for a pick me up. It is full of electrolytes, magnesium, methylated folate and vitamins and is endorsed by the Australian College of Midwives too.  It’s perfect for breastfeeding mamas too and they taste so good – there are now 6 delicious flavours to choose from. They have just launched 2 brand new Hydramama flavours – Peach Iced Tea and Tropical. They come in convenient single serve sachets, so they are great for on the run, pram walks, park adventures, and even travelling. 

You can use the code BOOBTOFOOD for 20% off. Visit miniandme.co to fill your cup today.

Follow us on instagram @boobtofood to stay up to date with all the podcast news, recipes and other content that we bring to help make meal times and family life easier.

Visit www.boobtofood.com for blogs and resources, to book an appointment with one of our amazing practitioners and more.

Presented by Luka McCabe and Kate Holm

To get in touch please email [email protected]

As the year comes to a close, the festive season brings with it an abundance of joy, traditions, and cherished family moments. However, it can also come with its fair share of challenges, especially for parents of young children. In our final episode of Boob to Food The Podcast for 2024, Kate and Luka dive into a candid conversation about how to navigate the holiday season with little ones in tow.

For those who are tuning in for the first time, a little about us…

• Luka McCabe - founder of Boob to Food, author of Milk to Meals and Toddler to Table, as well as mum of 3
• Kate Holm - naturopath, nutritionist,  General Manager and Clinical Director of Boob to Food and mum of 3

In this episode we discuss...

• navigating new foods (and well meaning family members who want to load your child up with sugar)
• extra vigilance around foods (and environments) that can be high risk for choking
• alcohol and breastfeeding
• setting and holding boundaries with family members
• supporting your little ones sleep and nervous system regulation
• and so much more

We are taking a break for a few weeks to enjoy the festive season with our families and look forward to being back in your ears with our new format from the 15th of January 2025!

Some resources we mention in this episode:

• Forbidden foods episode with paediatric OT Rachael Smith

Today’s episode was brought to you by Cell Squared. Cell Squared are a Melbourne based business on a mission to connect people with more traditional ways of eating. If you have been around here for a while, you will know that we are huge fans of liver, and particularly LOVE the Cell Squared liver and spleen capsules as a great way to introduce this iron rich superfood to your whole family. The Organic Spleen & Liver Capsules were recently reformulated to deliver 9.4mg of heme iron per 6 capsule serve. As well as iron (from the spleen), the capsules are unique as they also contain the necessary synergistic nutrients to enhance iron absorption & usability (which come from liver). 

You can use the code BOOBTOFOOD which will give 10% off storewide, including already discounted 3 month capsule bundles which also have free express shipping. Discount excludes already 15-20% off bundles & double-up ghee bundles. Visit www.cellsquared.com.au 

Follow us on instagram @boobtofood to stay up to date with all the podcast news, recipes and other content that we bring to help make meal times and family life easier.

Visit www.boobtofood.com for blogs and resources, to book an appointment with one of our amazing practitioners and more.

Presented by Luka McCabe and Kate Holm

To get in touch please email [email protected]