The Gentle Eating Book
Sarah Ockwell-Smith
2018
This reassuring and evidence-based guide offers a respectful approach to feeding babies, toddlers, and young children. Sarah Ockwell-Smith addresses common concerns — picky eating, food refusal, family mealtimes, weight worries — with empathy and science, helping parents raise competent, relaxed eaters without bribes, pressure, or power struggles.
Why It’s Included:
Ockwell-Smith’s philosophy perfectly mirrors our own: feeding is a relationship, not a battleground. This book reinforces the importance of trust, connection, and developmental readiness in all stages of feeding. It supports breastfeeding parents through the transition to solids and continues through the preschool years with gentle guidance.
Who It’s For:
Ideal for parents starting solids, managing toddler mealtimes, or feeling overwhelmed by food-related power struggles. Also helpful for professionals looking to support respectful, responsive feeding across infancy and early childhood.
“Sarah Ockwell-Smith is recognised for her gentle, respectful approach to parenting and this book is no exception. Introducing children to family foods and transitioning from fully milk-fed to fully food-fed should be a pleasant, shared experience around the dinner table - not a battle of wills. Common challenges are addressed here to support families with resources and information to guide te process.”
Further Reading:
– Baby-Led Weaning – Gill Rapley & Tracey Murkett
– Real Food for Babies and Toddlers – Louisa Hackett
