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Amanda Stone and Whitney Mabee are the duo behind the innovative First Bites program. Together, they are paving the way for healthier futures, one “baby bite” at a time.
Stone, a seasoned Occupational Therapist (OT) turned Wellness Navigator, and Mabee, a dedicated Registered Dietitian, joined forces to tackle a critical gap in accessible infant nutrition education across Eastern Zone's communities. The First Bites program is built on the principles of baby-led feeding and responsive feeding.
Their journey began with a shared concern over outdated and inaccurate information on starting solids for infants. Stone, drawing from her decade of experience, recognized the need for a program that not only informed but empowered parents and caregivers. "Collaboration between an OT and Dietitian was ideal for this topic," Stone explained. “Together we are bridging our expertise to create a comprehensive and accessible resource." This partnership led to the creation of First Bites: Raising a Happy Eater.
Launched virtually across the Province in May 2024, with in-person sessions introduced in Antigonish and Guysborough in June 2024, First Bites has redefined how communities approach infant nutrition. The long-term goal of the First Bites program is for babies to develop a positive relationship with food and decrease their risk of developing health conditions associated with poor nutrition.
“This program assists parents immediately in providing guidance on starting solids, but also takes a preventative approach from a health perspective,” Stone shared. “These methods encourage parents to allow their baby to choose what they want to eat and how much they want to eat. There is a lot of high-quality (and recent) research showing the benefits of baby-led (or responsive) feeding,” Stone said. "We wanted to give parents the tools to foster a positive relationship with food from the start," Mabee emphasized.
Mabee explained that the key principles of their First Bites program focus on infant readiness to start solids, feeding safely, and the importance of texture variety when introducing solids to infants. The program is evidence-based and informed by Health Canada’s recommendations as well as various research studies on infant feeding.
The program's foundation lies in up-to-date research and ongoing feedback. "Regular literature reviews and parent surveys ensure we're meeting the community's needs," Mabee noted. Safety protocols, from choking prevention to allergen introduction, are integral to each session, empowering parents with knowledge and confidence.
Stone and Mabee's dedication extend beyond nutrition. They've crafted First Bites to be inclusive of all families, addressing food poverty and cultural diversity. "Our aim is universal accessibility and to offer meal ideas and substitutions to support every caregiver." The program also provides meal ideas and substitutions for individuals accessing the food bank or with low food security. “We have tried to make the recommendations as universal as possible and investigated research from across the world when creating the program,” Stone also stated.
The impact has been profound, with glowing testimonials highlighting the program's approachability and effectiveness. One parent shared, “Both facilitators were very knowledgeable in their respective fields and were approachable and kind when fielding questions. Overall, these sessions offered a nonjudgmental and welcoming atmosphere.”
Through the First Bites program also, this team is making a significant impact by providing parents and caregivers with the tools and knowledge they need to start solids confidently and competently with their infants.
The program is a great example of how collaboration and evidence-based practice can lead to innovative solutions that fill gaps in healthcare programming. It highlights the importance of universal support for all parents and caregivers who are navigating the journey of introducing solids to their infants.
Photo of Lily, daughter of Amanda Stone