Join Mother+ for a very special morning as we host the UK launch of Solid Starts for Babies, the revolutionary new guide for modern parents introducing solids. Whether you're a first-timer staring down the weaning stage or a second-time mum unsure about doing things differently, this event will leave you feeling calm, clear and confident about what and how to feed your baby.
You’ll hear directly from Kimberly Grenawitzke, one of the book’s co-authors and a paediatric occupational therapist from the US-based Solid Starts team, as well as Gill Rapley, the originator of the baby-led weaning movement, and her co-author Tracey Murkett. The panel will be hosted by celebrated food writer and cookbook author Melissa Hemsley.
Together, they’ll walk you through the latest research and practical advice on how to raise a happy, confident eater, with guidance on safety, first foods, building food trust and navigating the early months with less stress and more joy.
Whether your baby is four months or 14, this warm, welcoming event is for you. Expect a safe space for questions, plenty of like-minded mums to connect with, and a baby-friendly play area to make the morning easy and enjoyable. We’ll provide a nourishing breakfast buffet with hot drinks and every attendee will take home a copy of the new book (RRP £18.99).
About the Book: Solid Starts for Babies
By Jenny Best, Dr. Rachel Ruiz, Dr. Sakina Bajowala, Kary Rappaport, Kimberly Grenawitzke and Venus Kalami
More than just a weaning guide, this book is a comprehensive, research backed roadmap for starting solids in a way that works for real families. Covering everything from allergies and choking to palate development and family mealtimes, it busts baby food myths and offers a practical, empowering approach that helps babies become confident, curious eaters without the pressure, the puree panic or the endless Googling.
Meet the Panel
Melissa Hemsley
Melissa is a bestselling cookbook author, food columnist and real food campaigner known for her joyful, sustainable approach to home cooking. A regular on ITV’s Lorraine, she’s also a mum to Summer and passionate about supporting other parents on their food and family journey.
Kimberly Grenawitzke
Kim is a licensed paediatric occupational therapist, certified lactation consultant and neonatal therapist based in Michigan. As one of the co-authors of Solid Starts for Babies, she draws on 15+ years of experience helping families navigate feeding challenges with premature babies and children with complex medical needs. She’s also a mum of two and a passionate advocate for empowering parents through research and evidence-based strategies.
Gill Rapley
Often called the “pioneer of baby-led weaning,” Gill is a former midwife, health visitor and breastfeeding counsellor who brought baby-led weaning into the mainstream through her ground breaking research and books. Her approach has helped millions of families rethink how to start solids with confidence and trust in their babies’ abilities.
Tracey Murkett
Tracey is a parenting author and journalist who co-wrote Baby-led Weaning and several follow-up titles with Gill Rapley. She specialises in making research-backed parenting guidance accessible, reassuring and practical for families navigating the early years.
Format
10 am Arrivals
10.30 am – Panel followed by Q+A
11.30 pm – Networking and book signing
12 pm – Event ends
Key Information:
Tickets include entry to the talk, a copy of the book, complimentary breakfast pastries and tea/coffee.
Babies welcome (up to pre-walking stage). Please contact us if you would like to bring older children.
The space is fully accessible and there is space for prams.
Photographer present (please advise if you would prefer not to be photographed.)
The event will take place at Drake & Morgan, 6 Pancras Square, London N1C 4AG. There is lift access in the venue to all levels and it is a baby friendly space.
The restaurant is located less than 5 minutes’ walk from Kings Cross Underground (step free) and St Pancras station. If you are driving, Handyside Car Park is a 231-bay multi-storey car park in the Tapestry building on Canal Reach near the venue. Local 24/7 parking can be found within St Pancras railway station.