Katherine Whitby | Registered Paediatric Nurse | Health Visitor | Baby Massage Instructor | Mummy of Two | The Weaning SOS Expert | Founder of Baby Steps
In today’s digital age, weaning - once a simple, albeit sometimes daunting, process - has been transformed into a source of intense anxiety for many parents. With platforms like TikTok serving up countless videos of babies choking, gagging on cucumber batons or having allergic reactions, it’s no wonder that parents are feeling more overwhelmed than ever. The constant stream of information, often from unqualified sources, leaves parents feeling confused and fearful.
As a result, what I have named the "TikTok Effect" has become a significant contributor to parental anxiety around weaning, choking, and food allergies.
I'm working with parents on a 1:1 basis more than ever to help them work through their anxieties, which is without doubt due to social media. Using my unique 3 prong approach, combining my 30 years experience, I have felt honoured to be able to support and help families move from anxiety to building the foundations for happy family mealtimes.
Generational Shifts in Weaning: From Books to TikTok
As The Weaning SOS Expert, I’ve seen the landscape of weaning advice change dramatically over the years. Back in 2006, when I was working as a Health Visitor (HV) in London, parents sought advice from books, magazines, family, and baby groups. Then came Dr Google, which in itself created overwhelm and could be misguided but fast forward to today, and social media is the primary source of information for new parents. While platforms like TikTok and Instagram can be helpful, they’re also rife with misinformation. Anyone can post a video, often without regard for the accuracy or potential harm it may cause. Now parents are most likely to turn to social media or a whatsapp group for advice and this can spiral into confusion and anxiety.
Parents are bombarded with videos that showcase babies gagging, a natural reflex often mistaken for choking, leading to crippling anxiety. Many parents don’t know where to turn for the right advice and when they contact me, say they feel embarrassed or ashamed, believing they’re falling behind with Weaning and are concerned about their baby’s development. All of which I talk through and I am able to give them perspective and reassurance. The lack of open conversations, coupled with the overwhelming and conflicting information, only compounds the pressure.
Grandparents who are used to the traditional Weaning with purees when babies were weaned a generation ago can be alarmed by finger foods and Baby Led Weaning which can fuel parental anxiety.
‘Baby Led Weaning’ means offering your baby only finger foods and letting them feed themselves from the start, rather than spoon-feeding. In the late 70s, I would have started Weaning at 2-3 months with baby rice or a sweet baby cereal such as Milupa Sunshine Breakfast sitting in my bouncer chair while my Mother neatly spoon fed me.
Babies are now around 6 months, able to sit in a highchair, have developed their palmer grip and are busy putting all their toys to their mouth.
Therefore they are much more involved and progress quickly onto food they hold themselves such as vegetable batons and family food, or just do Baby Led Weaning from the start.
When Gill Rapley’s ‘Baby Led Weaning’ book came out in 2008 it caused a bit of scandal in the Weaning world as parents and professionals were concerned about increased choking. However this has proved unfounded and no increase has been seen as babies guide food to their mouth themselves. The book clearly states babies don’t digest much food until they are about 9 months.
In the 24 years working in Paediatric Accident and Emergency, as a Paediatric Nurse, I have never seen a child come into the department choking nor have I known a paramedic get to a home where a child is still choking because the First Aid technique of back blows is so effective. Of course sadly fatalities occur but this is actually rare. Gagging is a normal reflex which we all have. It is especially common as babies learn to eat and it's likely through Weaning you will experience it. However parents are often not aware of this, panic and think their baby is choking. Unfortunately, this can alarm the baby as well as the parents and hinder Weaning.
We can go onto Google and find a choking story about anything. Food is the most common cause of choking in adults and children but babies and young children naturally put everything into their mouth, not just food, as they learn and explore about the world and to soothe sore teething gums. Parents and carers quickly learn to be vigilant about this.
Knowledge is power. Being aware of the difference between gagging and choking, the choking technique, CPR with advice on accident prevention and safe proofing, as in my First Aid course along with sound Weaning advice, parents can have confidence and peace of mind.
Today many parents understandably opt for social media, apps, free online courses and Google but sadly some of the support and reassurance of personal, individualised, face to face expert advice is lost along the way.
Why Misinformation on TikTok Is Fueling Fear
While TikTok or Instagram Reels, has made weaning tips more accessible, it’s also a breeding ground for anxiety-inducing content. Dramatic videos of babies choking or having allergic reactions often lack context or understanding. Most of these creators have never worked with children in clinical settings, and their advice can be dangerously misleading. It’s crucial for parents to recognise that not everything they see online is accurate, and misinformation can be more harmful than helpful. Parents that are worried themselves post for support and again this creates a cycle of anxiety.
Videos like these can escalate a parent’s fear to the point that they feel paralysed, unsure of what’s safe to feed their baby. In some cases, I’ve seen parents take days off work, not sleeping, avoid baby groups and cafes due to fear of comparison, and even skip meals due to the overwhelming anxiety these videos induce.
A Call to Step Away from Social Media (At Least Sometimes)
In a world where parents are constantly bombarded with information, taking a step back from social media may be necessary. While some content is undoubtedly helpful, parents need to be discerning about the sources of information they trust. The key is education and support—because knowledge is power.
Ultimately, parents need to remember that a relaxed parent equals a relaxed baby. Babies thrive in environments where parents feel calm and confident, and this is my core message in all my work and as The Weaning SOS Expert. This is easier said than done, I know as a parent of two myself but support is there for you.
You Are Not Alone: Feeling Heard and Supported
One of the most important things for parents to remember is that they are not alone on this journey. Many parents feel isolated, thinking they are the only ones struggling with weaning anxiety, choking fears, or concerns about allergies. In reality, these feelings are incredibly common. As The Weaning SOS Expert, I ensure that every parent feels heard and reassured.
One Mum said...
“I searched high and low for someone who truly understood and could offer guidance but it wasn’t until I met Katherine that I finally felt heard”.
Through compassionate, tailored support, you’ll realise that your worries are shared by many, and you don’t have to face them alone. Together, we will navigate these challenges so you can enjoy this special time with your baby, confident in the knowledge that expert support is available whenever you need it.
The Weaning SOS Expert:
A 3-Element Approach to Alleviate Anxiety
With over 30 years of experience as a Registered Paediatric Nurse, Health Visitor, and Maternal Wellbeing Practitioner and parent of two myself, I’ve developed a 3-element approach to help parents navigate the weaning journey confidently:
First Aid - We’ll unpick your anxieties and discuss the physical logic behind choking and gagging. Understanding the difference can be a game-changer in easing your fears.
Weaning Support - Through practical, bespoke advice, we’ll guide you step-by-step through the weaning process. From discussing appropriate food sizes to time-saving hacks and meal planning, you’ll gain the confidence to move forward at your own pace.
Emotional Support - Your concerns are understandable and valid, and I’ll be here to listen. Together, we’ll break down your experiences and use relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation as appropriate, to manage your anxiety during meal times.
These three elements work in harmony to cater to your individual needs, providing holistic support that addresses both practical and emotional aspects of weaning.
Real-Life Impact: Quotes from Parents
Parents who have sought my support often express relief and gratitude after overcoming their fears:
“I can’t express enough gratitude to Katherine’s incredible support in helping me manage my crippling anxiety around weaning my little boy. I used to dread every meal time. I now approach feeding with confidence and a peace of mind”
“The last two days have been an absolute joy! What a turn around. You are a breath of fresh air. You’re doing really important work!”
“Katherine took the time to understand my unique triggers and patiently helped me develop effective coping mechanisms for meal times”
“I honestly can’t thank you enough for what you have done!”
"I felt so alone before, but now I know I’m not."
"I was terrified of choking, but after understanding the difference between gagging and choking, I feel so much more at ease”
Through 1:1 consultations, I’ve seen firsthand the transformation that this support provides. Parents feel confident, no longer dreading meal times, and are able to share relaxed family meals - building strong foundations for the future.
The Weaning SOS Expert: Support to Move Forward
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by conflicting advice and social media, know that help is available. Through home, studio, or online appointments, I offer 90-minute consultations, followed by access to my online courses and continued support, all tailored to your unique needs.
Together, we’ll work to eliminate your anxieties so you can enjoy the joy of sharing relaxed, happy family meals.
The world of weaning may feel overwhelming, but with the right support, you can navigate it with confidence, knowing your baby will thrive. Let’s take this journey together, one step at a time.
“Katherine, you’ve made a difference in our lives. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continued support during this journey.”
1:1 Appointments and Packages are available including follow-up support and my online courses.
In your home, I travel to Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex, Berkshire, West and South London and to the South Coast
At the Baby Steps Studio (GU26 6DG)
Online - where I can support you anywhere in the world
Are you feeling anxious about weaning?
The Weaning SOS Expert is here to help you move from anxiety to confidence, one meal at a time.
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