illustration of founder with her son
Our Story
As parents, we are under so much pressure. Why make it harder?

This was my philosophy when it was time for my son to start solids. I prioritized general food guidance (“Give lots of variety!” “Give allergens early and often!”) over adhering to one specific feeding philosophy. But everything changed when we discovered my son’s egg allergy — and, eventually, four additional food allergies.

The good news: After countless hours spent at doctor’s offices and allergy clinics, I learned so much. I learned about risk factors for food allergies (eczema is a big one!), and strategies to encourage food variety. I also learned that regular exposure to food allergens helps prevent future allergies, and received concrete guidance on incorporating allergens into my baby’s diet.

The bad news: My tired, new-parent brain couldn’t keep track of it all.

So, I made a spreadsheet; and soon, other parents asked me to share it with them. As it turns out, I wasn’t the only one feeling overwhelmed and looking for an easier way to organize and remember everything!

Over time, I worked to make this spreadsheet more useful. I wanted to take the guesswork out of allergen exposure. I wanted to help parents track food variety without judgment. I wanted parents to feel empowered and confident about approaching solids. And I wanted to do it all in one streamlined, parent-centered tool.



That’s how First Bites was born.

Our main goal is to make it as easy as possible to keep track of the bites your baby consumes, while also providing you with doctor-led guidance on how to regularly incorporate each allergen into your baby’s diet.

Why? Because your energy is needed elsewhere as a parent, and watching your baby explore new textures and flavors can be fun. Happy eating!
What's important to us
A light blue, figure 8-shaped character holds a platter with rocks stacked on top.
We want to lighten – not add – to your mental load as a parent
A light green, cloud-shaped character wears glasses and holds a stethoscope.
Our guidance is
science-backed and doctor-led
A pale rose, clover-shaped character holds a spoon, baby purée pouch, and a piece of fruit.
Our approach is judgment-free, because you know your baby best
Meet the team
Headshot of founder Liz Chen with a pale brown watercolor outline. She is smiling.
Liz Chen
Founder, Product, Design
After becoming a mother, Liz dreamed up First Bites with other parents and caregivers in mind. She has led research, product, and design teams in consumer tech and healthcare companies. Most recently, she led product and design at The Mighty, where she was lucky enough to meet both Kat and Yurii! She cares deeply about building useful and delightful digital experiences, all while lessening the burden and mental load often carried by parents. Outside of work, Liz is grateful for sleep when she can get it; and indulging in her love of art, flowers, and crosswords.
Headshot of Kat Harrison with a pale peach watercolor outline. She is smiling.
Kat Harrison
Editorial, Product Marketing
Kat has spent the bulk of her career in publishing and tech. She’s the type of person who mentally copy edits restaurant menus and has worked with editorial teams at outlets like New York Family, Time Out New York Kids, Good Housekeeping, Real Simple, and Glamour magazine. An unabashed dog mom, Kat is also the award-winning author of two children’s books that deal with health topics. She lives with a host of chronic conditions and has a deep-seated passion for advocacy, patient education within the healthcare system, and better quality hospital food. When she’s not at her computer, you can find her with a paperback in one hand and an extra-hot cup of coffee in the other.
Headshot of Yurii Ishchenko with a pale green watercolor outline. He is smiling and wearing glasses.
Yurii Ishchenko
Software Development
Yurii is a software developer at First Bites and based in Vinnytsia, Ukraine. As a father of three, he knows firsthand how vital early childhood nutrition is. Combining his technical expertise with his experience as a parent, Yurii builds tools to simplify this journey for others. Having navigated a severe allergy to honey and sweets during his own childhood, he is especially passionate about helping parents manage allergen introduction with clarity and confidence. Outside of work, Yurii is a tech enthusiast who loves spending quality time with family and walking his dog.
Our medical advisors
Headshot of Angela Chang, M.D. with a pale blue watercolor outline. She is smiling.
Angela Chang, M.D.
Medical Advisor
Dr. Angela Chang is a board-certified pediatric allergist and immunologist. She loves working with children, families, and patients of all ages. She is passionate about and has published research on eczema, and food allergy prevention in infants. She completed her MD at Case Western Reserve University, pediatric residency at Northwestern Lurie Children’s Hospital, and allergy/immunology fellowship at UCSF.
Headshot of Charles Feng, M.D. with a pale green watercolor outline. He is smiling.
Charles Feng, M.D.
Medical Advisor
Dr. Charles Feng is a board-certified allergist and immunologist. His writing and research have been featured in multiple national publications. He completed his MD at UCLA, internal medicine residency at Scripps Clinic/Green Hospital, and an allergy/immunology fellowship at UC Davis.