✨ Introducing our first Solids Made Simple™ workshop in Astoria, NY, at Puzzles!
Hands-On Parent & Baby Workshop
Solids Made Simple™
A small-group starting solids workshop where you learn what to offer and how, while your baby explores real foods, spoons and cups with guidance from a pediatric feeding specialist.
Early-bird $75 through November 11 · $85 after
Only 8 spots per workshop · Registration closes December 4 or when full
Led by Argie Karakalpakidis, MS, CCC-SLP, TSSLD, CLC · Pediatric Feeding & Swallowing Specialist
Who It's For
Is this workshop right for your baby?
Made for parents who are getting ready to start solids, or who are in the first few months and want to feel more confident.
A great fit if your baby…
- Is about 6 to 9 months old
- Sits upright with little or no support
- Shows interest in food: watching you eat, reaching, opening their mouth
- Brings hands and toys to their mouth
- Hasn't started solids yet, or is in the first few months
When one-on-one support is a better fit
If your baby has a medically complex feeding history, a feeding tube, ongoing trouble with bottle or breastfeeding, or you're already worried about how solids are going, individualized support will help more than a group class.
Book a free 15-minute call →What You'll Learn
Practical skills you'll use at every meal
Evidence-informed guidance, explained simply and shown in real time with the babies in the room.
Readiness & getting started
The signs your baby is ready, how to set up their seat, and what a calm first week of solids can look like.
Safe textures for each stage
Purees, mashed and soft finger foods: what's appropriate now and how to move forward as skills grow.
Self-feeding skills
Pre-loaded spoons, finger foods and how to let your baby lead while still supporting them.
Open cup drinking
How to introduce a small open cup, how much to offer, and how to help your baby practice sips.
Straw drinking
Simple ways to teach straw drinking and what to expect as your baby learns.
Gagging vs. choking
What gagging looks and sounds like, why it's a normal part of learning, and how choking is different.
Chewing & swallowing safety
How chewing develops, why positioning and supervision matter, and how to support safe swallowing.
Foods to avoid & how to modify them
Higher-risk shapes and textures, and easy ways to change size, shape or softness to make foods baby-safe.
Common mistakes to avoid
The missteps families often make when starting solids, and simple swaps that keep meals positive.
Take-home packet included. Every family leaves with a packet of the main takeaways and key information, so you can keep starting solids smoothly at home.
The Workshop
How the 90 minutes flows
Small and hands-on by design, so every family gets attention and every question gets answered.
First 60 minutes
Learn
Argie walks you through readiness, textures, self-feeding, cups and safety, with real examples instead of a slideshow lecture.
Throughout
Explore
Seated in their own booster seat, babies get to explore pre-loaded spoons, soft finger foods and open cup and straw practice, always guided by their own readiness. Touching, squishing and tasting all count.
Final 30 minutes
Ask
Open discussion and Q&A while babies play in Puzzles' play area with their caregiver nearby.
After
Take it home
You leave with your take-home packet and a clear sense of what to do next at your own table.
Everything Is Ready For You
What we provide & what to bring
Just bring your baby and a few basics. The feeding setup is taken care of.
- A booster seat with tray for your baby
- Baby spoons for self-feeding practice
- Open cups and straw cups
- Foods prepared and portioned for babies starting solids
- Your take-home packet
- A bib (or two!)
- Baby wipes
- A change of clothes for your baby
- Anything that helps your baby feel settled, like a favorite toy or pacifier
Tip: babies explore best when they're calm and not too full. If you can, time a milk feed about an hour before the workshop.
Safety First
Food safety & allergies
A relaxed, pressure-free experience starts with knowing your baby is safe.
This workshop is educational. It is not an individual feeding evaluation, and it does not replace medical advice from your child's pediatrician or care team.
Your Workshop Leader
Meet Argie
Argie Karakalpakidis, MS, CCC-SLP, TSSLD, CLC is a speech-language pathologist and pediatric feeding and swallowing specialist, practicing since 2018, and the founder of Kids Feeding Wellness.
She helps families with bottle feeding, starting solids, chewing development and picky eating, in homes across New York and virtually. Her approach is responsive, practical and pressure-free, built around what works for your family.
More about Argie →
A neurodiversity-affirming children's center in Astoria where every child belongs. Puzzles offers inclusive preschool prep, social skills programs, and speech and occupational therapy, with a warm, child-friendly space and a play area for babies during our Q&A.
29-07 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105
Reserve Your Spot
Saturday, December 5 · 12:00 PM
One registration includes one baby and their caregiver.
Early-Bird
$75
November 2 – 11
Regular
$85
November 12 – December 4
Reserve Your Spot
Limited to 8 families · All registrations are final and non-refundable
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How old should my baby be?
The workshop is designed for babies about 6 to 9 months old who are showing signs of readiness, like sitting upright with little support and showing interest in food. Babies who are just getting ready and babies in their first few months of solids are both welcome, and the hands-on activities are adjusted to each baby's skills. If your baby was born early, we go by adjusted age and readiness signs. If you're not sure whether your baby is ready, email hello@kidsfeedingwellness.com before registering.
My baby hasn't started solids yet. Is that okay?
Yes! This workshop is perfect for families who are just getting ready, as well as those in the first few months of solids.
What if my baby doesn't eat anything?
That's completely normal. Touching, squishing, smelling and mouthing food are all part of how babies learn to eat. There's no pressure, and you'll still learn everything you need for home.
Will my baby be offered common allergens?
You'll share any known allergies or dietary restrictions when you register. Foods are individually portioned and labeled, and you'll always decide what your baby tries.
Can I get a refund if I can't attend?
All registrations are final and non-refundable. Each workshop is limited to 8 families, and food and materials are prepared for every baby in advance.
What should I bring?
A bib, baby wipes and a change of clothes for your baby. We provide the booster seat, spoons, cups, foods and your take-home packet.
Is this the same as feeding therapy?
No. This is a group education workshop, not an individual evaluation or treatment. If you have concerns about your baby's feeding, a one-on-one consultation is the best next step. Book a free 15-minute call →
Where is the workshop?
At Puzzles, the Inclusive Children's Center, at 29-07 Ditmars Blvd, Astoria, NY 11105. You'll receive full details and arrival information by email after you register.
Limited Spots
Start solids feeling confident
Join us Saturday, December 5 at Puzzles in Astoria for a hands-on afternoon of learning, exploring and connecting with other families.
Reserve Your Spot