PRODUCT REVIEW: FRESH POTS BY FOOD BABIES LOVE

When we had our first little boy, we had the best of intentions of cooking the best food possible, to ensure that he got the best nutrition possible. And we kind of succeeded, most of the time. Then the second boy came along, who unfortunately was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness at the young age of 6 week and hereafter spent almost 5 months at the Royal Children's Hospital having a bone marrow transplant. And when he came home, the same day we moved into our new house, life with a 6 month old that to this day is still requiring extra attention as well as a 2.5 year old was simply hectic - that sometimes even the best of intentions just weren't realistic. So when I was offered a selection of food from Fresh Pots by Food Babies Love, I happily accepted..

Fresh Pots is an Australian-first range of readily available fresh, convenient and nourishing baby and toddler meals.

 

These baby and toddler meals are packaged in small 200g square plastic pots so you can really see what you are getting (as opposed to pouches!), and these meals are packed full of nutrition and flavour and have been cooked fresh without the salt, sugar or preservatives and without artificial colours and flavours. There are three different categories available, which includes 7 different varieties;  

 

 

 

Early Proteins for 6+ months packed with iron and protein with a smooth finish

• Chicken, apple and pumpkin
• Red Lentil Dahl

Textured Meals for 7+ months loaded with vegetables to provide an exciting range of textures and colours   

• Greek Lamb casserole
• Chicken Curry  
• Baby Bolognaise

  

Toddler Meals for 10+ months big on flavour and goodness  

• Spaghetti Bolognaise for little people  
• Fish pie

  

 

 

For our now 13 month old we tried the textured meals and for the 3 year old boys we tried some of the toddler meals. Now before you start wondering... Because our little one was so sick for so long, he is a little behind development-wise, so while he should in theory be eating toddler meals by now, reality is just that he is not quite there yet, so hence the reason for the textured meals for him.  

 

 

 

The textured meals are available in Lamb casserole, chicken curry and baby bolognaise. I have to mention that I don't like lamb, and neither does my husband. Don't know why, but just don't and never have. So weren't too keen on feeing our little boy lamb, not that I want to deprive him the right of tasting the flavour, but more because I'd struggle doing the taste test - but not wanting to waste good, I did what I had to and tasted it - and hereafter gave it to the little one who absolutely loved it!

  

The Chicken Curry and Baby Bolognaise were more to my liking, and especially the bolognaise was very well accepted, but the chicken curry certainly also went down, although not quite as fast.

 

As for the toddler meals - our 3 year old is not a huge eater, he can have a bowl of biscuits sitting in front of him all day and he wont touch it - but give him a bowl of fruit and its gone within seconds. Now he does eat his meals, but again, not a huge eater, - but we quickly realised that the small pots simply weren't quite large enough for him, without having to give him an additional side serve of something - so I decided that (also because the 3yo is already eating a huge variety of foods), that these meals were really better suited for the little one. But of course, they were too lumpy for his liking and ability, so simply got away with it by also giving the meals a slight mash before feeding them to him. 

 

 

 

 

The spaghetti bolognaise was, needless to say also a hit, but which kid doesn't like spaghetti bolognaise! However, the absolute winner of all the meals were without a doubt the Fish Pie.

  

Size wise for the little one, who is very tiny for his age (more like an 8 month old), he could generally eat between half and 3/4 of the food, leaving a little left over for lunch the next day.

 

Overall, I have to say that I've really enjoyed having these Fresh Pots in the fridge, they have been an absolute lifesaver on the days where finding the time to cook special meals for him has been an issue, and I've loved knowing that he has been getting fresh quality food and all the nutrients that he needs. Pricewise they do work out a little expensive and certainly if you compare to other ready made baby food, such as jars and pouches - but there is no doubt that the quality and flavours are also far superior. While with my wage as a stay at home mum (read none!!), and the cost of all our little ones medication and expenses of the frequent trips to the hospital, I sadly cannot justify filling the fridge with these Fresh Pots, I can certainly see myself trying to track these down and keeping just a few at hand for when everything else fails.  

 

 

The woman behind Fresh Pots is Melbourne-based baby food expert and author, and mother of 3, Emily Dupuche, has also written the best-selling guide, Food Babies Love, which has been sold in over 10,000 copies, - no doubt popular because of its easy and delicious, and nutritious real food ideas for toddlers. The Fresh Pots are favourite recipes from the guide, which have been prepared fresh, so you can still feed your little ones good quality food when you are strapped for time.

  

The Food Babies Love Guide is a book full of recipes, anecdotes and tips to help you overcome some of the issues associated with introducing solids to your baby. Food wise it includes delicious recipes for the first few weeks of your baby eating solids, moving on to breakfast, lunch and dinners, snacks, desserts, drinks and baking.  

 

 

We've already been trying out a few which have especially been a huge hit with the three year old, including Fish Fingers, Chicken Nuggets, Beef Burgers and Zucchini Slice, and we will most definitely also be attempting to make the fish pie (see the first pic above), and in a huge enough portion so there's something for me too!!!

 

Fresh Pots by Food Babies Love - RRP: $6.45 / 200g

- Available from select supermarkets and grocers along the Eastern Seaboard with the option of home delivery for Melbournians

 

Food Babies Love Guide - RRP: $25
- Available from Food Babies Love Online


* Some products may have been kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

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PRODUCT REVIEW: CLOSER TO NATURE PERFECT PREP MACHINE

I was lucky to be able to breast feed our little boy for a year, but I did start weaning him off the breast milk and onto formula at around 7 months, and gradually replaced one breast feed after the other with formula. I did enjoy the bonding we shared while I was breastfeeding him, (and missed it when we stopped!),but on the other hand, it was also nice to be able to pass on ‘that duty’ to hubby, which was suddenly made possible with formula, as well as it was a lot easier to feed him when we were out and about too. The only downside was however the time it to make the formula. But now Closer to Nature has created the Perfect Prep Machine which makes the perfect baby bottle in no time. Here are my thoughts;

What They Say:

Closer to Nature Perfect Prep Machine makes a fresh bottle at just the right serving temperature in less than 2 minutes. When baby arrives there's so much to do and to think about, so many things to juggle, so much that's new and challenging. That’s why we’ve created the Perfect Prep Machine. Specially designed to make preparing bottles quicker and more accurate, Perfect Prep gives you the extra peace of mind that comes from knowing your baby's bottle will be perfect every time. Breast milk is best for your new baby, but if you are making the move to formula milk, Perfect Prep is everything.

RRP: $250 - Available from Babies R Us, and Baby Bunting


What I Say:

Making baby formula is not really difficult. It is just cumbersome and time consuming. The water has to be sterilised so if you boil it just as you need it, you need to spend time cooling it down to the right temperature, or if you’ve pre-boiled it, and stored in a sterilised bottle, you then need to heat it up to the correct temperature – all of which takes time – and what can seem like a very long time when you’ve got a screaming baby waiting for a bottle!

But now thanks to the Perfect Prep Machine you can make the prefect bottle in less than two minutes. The machine is literally a one-stop-wonder. It literally does everything. Once you have filled it up with water (much like a coffee dripper!), it filters and sterilises the water, mixes it with the formula, and hereafter heats the milk to the correct temperature suitable for the little baby to enjoy.

The machine is very easy to set up and use, and it comes with an instruction booklet too, with a step-by-step guide that is very easy and clear to follow.

The Prep Machine has an in-built filter system that removes impurities from the water. It starts with a flashing red light and an initial shot of hot boiling water to off any present bacteria. It then beeps and the red light turns solid to indicate that you can add the formula powder into the bottle, screw the lid on the bottle, shake it up, remove the lid again before you place it back under the machine, and push the button again. The Prep Machine then proceeds with flashing a green light and dispense water at room temperature, so the final temperature of the milk formula will be at just the right temperature for the baby. Once it is finished, the green light will turn solid to show the milk is ready.


Just to be safe, you will of course need to check the temperature of the formula on your wrist before giving it to your baby, as you would before giving any hot food to your baby!

The Perfect Prep Machine has a dial that allows to select the accurate amount of water needed ranging from 120mls to 330mls, to make consistent and perfect milk formula. And as the range is so large, it is perfect for use from newborns and up to toddlers still on formula.

The Perfect Prep Machine has several brilliant in-built functions including a self-clean function, which simply asks you to re-fill it with water when required.

It also has warning lights for when the filter needs to be changed, when the water tank is hot, the water level is low, when the machine needs to be de-scaled, and when it is cleaning.

I love that the platform for the bottle is can be changed to it is suitable for use with a variety of different baby bottles. Even non-Closer to Nature bottles, if you prefer!

At $250 this is not a cheap machine, but I love that it is so easy and basically fool proof to use – even when you get up in the middle of the night, and you are still half-asleep. And if you use the machine from your baby is newborn and for as long as they are on formula, it is at least for a year until cows milk can be introduced at the age of 1 year, or possibly even longer, so you will get plenty of use out of it, hence justifying the cost.

Closer to nature® is the number one baby feeding accessories brand in the UK and one of the top brands of infant products and accessories in the global market. Loved by parents and little ones, closer to nature® receives numerous awards and accolades year after year globally. The closer to nature® range is available at stockists nationwide, for more information please visit the Closer to Nature Website or Closer to Nature on Facebook

*Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.
 

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Product Review: Native Box – Mum & Bub - Autumn 2014

I’ll be the first to admit that I have not always been mindful of the ingredients in the skincare products that I’ve been slathering my body with. But when I got pregnant, and realised that many of the artificial and harsh chemicals used in many beauty products were simply harmful for my unborn baby, so I made a big effort to ‘clean up my act’ a little. While I also have to be honest and admit that now, after giving birth, I have started using some of my old trusted skincare products again, using natural products was an eye opener, and I did discover so many new favourites along the way, that I continuously reach for. And one area where I always purchase natural skincare, is the products that I buy for our little 8 month old boy.

Back in November 2013 I reviewed the Native Box (you can see my review here), and after request from members, Native Box has now just launched a Mum & Bub box, and here are my thoughts on the very first one;

What They Say:

The Mum & Bub Box is intended to be an educational and informative tool along the journey or parenthood. Native Box work hard to source the very best natural and organic Australian products on the market and introduce them to you to try and experience. The Mum & Bub Box is focused on items for baby and some items to nurture and spoil mum or mum-to-be.

We will send you a different Native box every month with the very best eco-conscious, healthy and safe products to nourish the body, mind and soul. At Native Box we feature Australian brands, big and small, that provide exceptional eco-friendly and sustainable products. We continuously scour the market, making it easier for you to make good shopping decisions that are better for you, your family and our planet…. together with Native Box, these brands help positive change happen!  5-10 products monthly (Full &/or Samples). Note that the Mum & Bub box is a quarterly box.

RRP:

1 month: $24.95 (shipping included)
3 months: $69.90 (shipping included)
12 months: $259.20 (shipping included)
– Available from Native Box

What I Say:

Now on to what was in the very first Native Box Mum & Bub Box;

E-String Bags 100% Cotton Handle Carry Bag – Full size/one net

 

 

This gorgeous net from E-String Bags is 100% biodegradable, reusable, recyclable and compostable. It comes in a selection of colours, and I got a bright pink one!! And it can hold up to 14kgs, yet it weighs a tiny 4grams!!! This net is perfect to pop in your handbag to use in the supermarket, or just to have at hand when you suddenly need an extra carriage bag. I really like the concept of these nets, but as I already received one in the November Native Box, which I by the way have made good use of, but unfortunately receiving another one doesn’t excite me that much, although I know it will be put to good use. I would have loved to see for instance an toy or a piece of baby clothing included in its place. Available from E-String Bags

 

Ayana Organics Baby Butter and Baby Bottom Cream – 2x sachet samples

 

 

I have never heard of this brand before, but I am happy to trial these sachet samples on my little boy, knowing that the products are very gentle, and enriched with organic ingredients such as cocoa butter, calendula oil and lavender oil, and that the products do not contain any ingredients from animal products and no chemicals either. Available from Ayana Organics

 

Bellamy’s Organic Apple & Cinnamon Baby Food – Full size/pouch, 90g

 

 

Currently I am a stay-at-home mum, and while life with a baby, two dogs, and moving house, while designing and building a new one, does keep me a tad busy, I do try to cook food for my little boy from scratch. In saying that, this baby food from Bellamy is made from certified organic ingredients, and ingredients have been sourced from local farmers wherever possible, so it will be handy to have at hand, and on the other hand, it will open his little eyes up to other flavour combinations that I may not have even thought of, so I can’t wait to see what he thinks of it! Available from Bellemy's Organic

 

WotNot Biodegradable Wipes – Sample pack/20 wipes

 

 

I have used the WotNot baby wipes, and really like them, so these wipes are well received. They are enriched with certified organic aloe vera, and 100% chlorine free as well as free from sulphates, petrochemicals, parabens, caustics, glycols and artificial fragrances. The small size is perfect to have in the handbag or in the car to prevent sticky fingers.  I will definitely be purchasing them again. Available from Eco Direct

 

Motex Eco Nappy – sample/one nappy

 

 

I am lucky that our little boy has never experienced anything in the form of skin irritations of nappy rash, but in saying that, I do like the sound of these eco nappies. They are made from biodegradable material and 100% chlorine free, so it is gentle on both your baby and earth! Unfortunately the sample included was for a newborn, and with my little boy now over 8 months old, we will not be able to try this one out. But I will make sure to check out their website for more information about these nappies. Available from Eco Direct

 

Probiotic Solutions Anywhere Anytime – Sample size/50ml spray bottle

 

 

This is an all-purpose cleaner that is free from chemicals. It is suitable for use on all surfaces, so perfect to clean the kitchen table from those sticky fingers after dinnertime – but the small size is also handy to bring with you to clean up your little ones mess when you’re out and about. It contains lemon myrtle, lemongrass, pink grapefruit and rosemary, and smells amazing – zesty and refreshing, just how I like it! Available from Probiotic Solutions 

 

Hello Fresh - $30 gift voucher

 

 

This is a fantastic concept. You sign up and get all the ingredients delivered to cook your dinner – basically meal planner and a personal shopper in one. Genius. And you can choose between getting three or five meals a week, and a meat or vegetarian option. I have already received one of these vouchers in a beauty subscription box, and plan to make use of it when we’ve moved into our new house early March.  Unfortunately I can only use one voucher per household, so I cannot use this one as well, but I am sure one of my friends will happily make use of it. Available from Hello Fresh

 

Rainforest Remedies Lemon Myrtle Lip Balm – Full size/5g

 

 

This lip balm is made from all natural ingredients, containing a blend of soothing fruit and nut oils as well as organic myrtle to moisturise, protect and smooth the lips. One can never have too many lip balms, and as soon as I saw that it had lemon myrtle included, I was sold. I absolutely love lemon scented products, and this lip balm doesn’t fail to impress. It smells so lovely and refreshing. I am almost due for a new lip balm on my bedside table, so this couldn’t have come at a better time!

 

Care You Love Persian Rose Moisturiser – Sachet Sample

 

 

This cream from Care You Love promises to deeply hydrate the skin with a rich calendula infusion and exquisite rose oils. The cream is infused with cold pressed kernel oil and made in small batches with love! And it is made without parabens, sulfates, glycols, petro-chemicals, artificial colours, and synthetic fragrances.

I got one of these sachets in the November Native Box, and while the cream is really lovely, and has the most beautiful rose scent, and will be used – having already tried it, means that I am not too excited about it, and I would have preferred to trial another product from the Care You Love product range. Available from Care You Love

 

Nourish Our Kids – Free Publication

Finally, the Mum & Bub Box also came with a small magazine called Nourish Our Kids. As the title suggests it has some great articles about nutrition for kids, and includes some yummy sounding recipes, so I will enjoy reading this to pick up any tips and meal ideals, and I will also make sure so check them out on facebook to be kept in the loop. 

So there you have it, this was the contents of the very first Mum & Bub Box from Native box.

As I mentioned in my review of the November Native Box, unfortunately the product info sheet doesn’t specify the RRP of the products, so it is difficult to immediately say how the box performs in terms of value for money. Apart from gift voucher from Hello Fresh, there is only newborn nappy that I won’t be able to use, so in that way at least nothing will go to waste. I am unsure if the Anywhere Anytime cleaner is a full sized product, but otherwise only the baby food and the lip balm and the string bag (which is a part of a pack of five) are full sized products value, and with the remainder of the products including the baby creams, the facial cream and the wipes being relatively budget friendly for even full sized products, as such they do not add the greatest of monetary value to the box, and it would have been lovely to see at least one or two more full sized products added to make sure that the total value of the box far exceeds the $24.95 cost of the box.

But in saying that I think that the box contains a great selection of natural products, and I like being introduced to new products, and in particularly I have high hopes for the Ayana baby creams and the Bellamy’s baby food, and the box gives you an opportunity to trial these products without potentially wasting a lot of money on buying full sized products you may not necessarily like. And if this box can introduce you to just one new favourite you might now otherwise have come across, then it is in my opinion well worth it.

*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

And of course, as always, if you’d like to see an in-depth review of any of products in the box, leave me a comment below..

What do you think of the products in the Native Mum & Bub Box? Have you tried any of these products? Do you buy organic products?