S19 Ep8: CHARLOTTE STIRLING-REED: How to feed the family this summer and healthy eating without the pressure

Summer holidays are brilliant... until someone says, ‘I’m hungrrrry’ for the fifth time before 11am.

In this episode of The Netmums Podcast, JB Gill and Louise Burke are joined by leading baby and child nutritionist Charlotte Stirling-Reed to tackle one of parents' biggest summer challenges: feeding the family without the guilt.

From endless snack requests and picnic planning to heatwave eating habits, holiday treats and the pressure to get it ‘right’, Charlotte shares practical, reassuring advice to help parents take the stress out of mealtimes. She explains why one ice cream, or even one whole summer, won't define your child's relationship with food, why healthy eating is built over days, weeks, months and years, and how small, consistent habits matter far more than perfection.

Charlotte also explores why the first 1,000 days of a child's life are so important, shares balanced advice following the BBC Panorama investigation into the safety of baby food pouches, and offers realistic, affordable tips for busy families. Plus, if you're wondering whether you've missed the boat with older children, she explains why it's never too late to build healthier eating habits.

In this episode:

Why children seem hungry all the time during the summer holidays

Healthy picnic ideas and budget-friendly snacks for days out

Should parents feel guilty about daily ice creams?

How to encourage healthy eating without creating pressure or guilt

Why the first 1,000 days matter and what that means in real life

Baby food pouches, convenience foods and making informed choices without judgement

Can you improve your child's eating habits if they're older?