Ella's Kitchen Baby Finger Food Challenge

E has only just turned 9 months old and her favourite thing to do is explore the world around her. She is learning so much every day and growing right before my eyes.

If you're a regular reader, you'll know that both E and I love the Ella's Kitchen pouches. We have been lucky enough to review some and I buy them every weeek! They have recently developed a 'Baby Finger Food' range which is perfect for babies aged 7 months+. The "play and learn" range is a selection of healthy, handy and fun finger foods perfect for little hands.

Ella's Kitchen very kindly sent us some of their range to try out with E alongside some fabulous toys to get her exploring with her hands! We received:

Ella's Kitchen Apple + Ginger Grip Me Baby Biscuits (£1.99 per box of 12)

Babies R Us Textured Ball

Ella's Kitchen Vanilla + Banana Pick Me Melty Hoops (£1.49)

John Crane B Elemenosqueeze Blocks

Ella's Kitchen Strawberry + Banana Grab Me Melty Puffs (69p)

Ella's Kitchen Cheese + Tomato Pick Me Melty Hoops (£1.49)

Ella's Kitchen Tomato + Leek Grab Me Melty Puffs (69p)

When I first opened out our parcel the kids (well, C really!) wanted to play with the blocks. They have quickly become a firm favourite in our house and they are played with every day. C is almost 3 and he likes to build towers. E, at 9 months old, is much more interested in chewing on them!

E loves all of the different textures on the ball too. The bright colours combined with the black and white checkered panel are great for her eyes. The little mirror on the end is a hit too!

When I started weaning E, I did a combination of spoon feeding and baby led weaning. Now that she's getting older, I want to try and get her eating all of her meals on her own.

Firstly I tried the Grip Me Baby Biscuits. These are recommended for 10 months+ but she has had food of a similar shape and texture so I thought she would be alright with them. The large size meant that she was able to lift it directly from her tray on her own. She had a little feel of it to suss out what it was before chomping down on it (like she does with everything!). She loved it and they have come in handy for snacking on whilst out and about as they are all individually wrapped.

Both flavours of the Grab Me Melty Puffs have gone down a treat with E. They are for 7 months+ and are bigger than Wotsits so she has no trouble lifting them. As they are puffs, she loves to clench and unclench her fist whilst holding them. Fun for her, not so fun for me as crumbs are everywhere!

Before we tried the Pick Me Melty Hoops, I did think that they would be a bit small for her plus they are recommended for 10 months+. We gave them a go anyway and I couldn't be more proud. I scattered a few over her tray and after having a little look, she attempted to pick them up. She struggled a bit at the beginning but she soon perfected her pincer grip and was putting them into her mouth like a pro. She has since learned that if she sticks her finger in the hole in the middle she can pick them up that way too. Hilarious!

You can find the full range of Finger Foods at the Ella's Kitchen website and you can also keep up to date on Facebook and Twitter.

(Disclaimer: We received this pack for the purpose of this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

Ella's Kitchen's New 6 month+ Range

Since we started weaning E, we've been lucky enough to work with Ella's Kitchen and try all their gorgeous flavour combinations. 

They recently brought out a brand new range of 6 months+ tastes and of course we wanted to try them out! 

We received Cauliflower Cheese, Tomato & Red Lentil Bake, Bubble & Squeak and Macaroni Cheese (chickpea & sweet potato mash is available to buy too).

The 6 month+ range are perfect for little ones who are inbetween weaning stages. They make the transition from Stage 1 to Stage 2 easier. They introduce your baby to proteins and they are a little thicker than the 4 month+ range. They are still a purée but now your baby has tiny lumps to try too.

E seemed to enjoy all of the flavours - I thought they smelled beautiful too - and although she pulled a bit of a face at the first try of most of them, she couldn't get to the spoon quick enough. Since trying these pouches, I have actually bought more in the supermarket because E liked them so much. Ella's Kitchen are definitely my favourite brand because there are no hidden nasties - I know that everything my child is getting is 100% organic. I love that you can also feed them at room temperature or heated meaning that they are perfect if you are out and about.

You can find the Ella's Kitchen 6 month+ range at all major supermarkets retailing at only £1.29 per pouch. You can also find out more about Ella's Kitchen at their website, Facebook and Twitter.

(Disclaimer: I received these pouches for the purpose of this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

Weaning with Ella's Kitchen Pouches

I've made no secret about the fact that I love Ella's Kitchen. They are my favourite baby food brand on the market. I love everything about them. The packaging is adorable, bright and kid-friendly and their flavour combinations are perfect for weaning babies and toddlers. 

E is now seven months old and she recently received some yummy new pouches to try out - Peas peas peas and The Orange One. 

Firstly, I tried her with the pea purée. As expected, she wasn't really a fan at all. She much prefers sweeter flavours. I didn't give up hope though. I left it a couple of weeks and tried her with it again. This time, she couldn't get enough of it! She had me squeeze every last drop out and still wanted more. The purée itself is very smooth so it's perfect for first tastes (4 months +). 

The 120g Peas, peas, peas pouch contains only peas and water - no other nasties! 

The Orange One is a brand new pouch to the Ella's Kitchen range! It boasts a tropical taste with the flavours being apples, mangoes, bananas, coconuts and a dash of lemon juice. All organic and in true Ella's fashion, no hidden nasties! 

This one, I don't think E came up for air. The sweet flavours were a huge hit with her and it is a pouch that I have bought again since trying it out. 

You can find Ella's Kitchen at all major supermarkets. You can also find out more at the Ella's Kitchen website, Facebook or Twitter. 

(Disclaimer: We received these pouches for the purpose of this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.) 

Weaning E with Ella's Kitchen

E turned 6 months old on the 5th of this month so proper weaning had to begin. In the run up, I tried her with a few little tastes to start her off. I have written about Ella's Kitchen quite a few times before as C was a huge fan of their pouches and meals.

Ella's Kitchen very kindly sent both C and E some of their pouches to try out.

As I was trying these out before E was 6 months old, I let C have the ones suitable from 6 months+ (The Red One and The Purple One) and E took the Parsnips and Pears which are suitable from 4 months+   

Caleb had his demolished within about 20 minutes of me opening the parcel! He was able to hold them himself and slurp them up. He even asked me, "mo?" when they were done so I had to promise I'd buy more on our next shop! 

The Red One contains bananas, strawberries, apples, raspberries and a dash of organic lemon juice concentrate. 

The Purple One contains bananas, apples, blackcurrants, blueberries and a dash of lemon juice concentrate. 

I was a bit anxious of trying the purées with E as all she ever knew was the taste of milk but I needn't have worried. She really enjoyed the new tastes of both the parsnips and pears. 

What I love about Ella's Kitchen is that there are no hidden nasties in their pouches. I feel comfortable that I am feeding my children healthily and nutritiously.  The purées can be eaten straight from the pouch at room temperature or you can heat them if you prefer. My two don't mind them at room temperature so they are perfect for both at home or on the go!

(Disclaimer: We received these pouches for the purpose of this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own).

Ella's Kitchen Launch New Christmas Dinner Pouch

We are huge Ella's Kitchen fans and always have been ever since C was little. We will continue to use Ella's Kitchen products when E is weaning too.

This year, for Christmas, Ella's Kitchen have developed a new baby pouch - jingle belly Christmas dinner! The pouch is suitable for babies aged 7 months+ and contains turkey, carrots, parsnips, red cabbage, potatoes, onions, green beans, cranberries and even sprouts!

At least 30p from each pouch purchased will be donated to Kids Company to provide food for disadvantaged children and their families on Christmas Day.

The limited edition Ella's Kitchen jingle belly Christmas dinner pouch is available on the Ella's Kitchen website or at Tesco for £1.40.

For more information on how you can donate to help feed vulnerable children in the UK this Christmas, go to www.ellaskitchen.co.uk or www.kidsco.org.uk

Ella's Kitchen Interactive Weaning Guide

One of our favourite baby food brands - Ella's Kitchen, has recently brought out an interactive weaning guide. Weaning your first child is exciting but it can be a daunting experience but Ella's Kitchen are aiming to help first-time mums and dads with the weaning process. 

To use the interactive weaning guide, all you need to do it visit www.ellaskitchen.co.uk, become a friend of theirs and you will also get a coupon for a free First Stage pouch! 

The Ella's Kitchen weaning guide is accessible from a mobile or tablet which is great as parents aren't likely to have their PC or laptop handing whilst feeding and you can browse their information and tips on the go. It also has How-To's and Foody Fun ideas! You are able to select which stage you are at (Stage 1 - from 4 months, Stage 2 - from 7 months and Stage 3 - from 10 months). I think that the interactive guide is great and it is jam-packed with tips and ideas especially for being free! I'd definitely recommend it to all mums - you'll feel like a pro in no time! I love how colourful and exciting it looks. It isn't boring to read.

Ella's Kitchen very kindly sent C some lovely First Tastes pouches in Prunes, Peaches, Parsnips and Carrots as well as a gorgeous little weaning spoon (it's too cute to use!!) to coincide with the release of the Interactive Weaning Guide. C loved all the flavours (even prunes which I was surprised about!) but he gobbled them up like there was no tomorrow. 

(Disclaimer: We received these pouches and spoon free of charge in exchange for trying out & posting about the weaning guide. All thoughts and opinions are my own).

Ella's Kitchen's Incredible Edible Forest!

Baby and toddler food experts, Ella’s Kitchen, has today opened the world’s first edible forest for little ones, allowing toddlers to explore their very own mini world of delicious fruit and veg.

The edible forest has been launched by Ella’s Kitchen to celebrate the launch of its new toddler meals range which features six recipes for growing toddlers, each bursting with at least five different fruits and vegetables.

The forest, which stands at just 1.8m high making it perfect for little ones to explore, has been created specifically with adventurous (and hungry) toddlers in mind. Research shows that if little ones play with their food using all their senses, they are more likely to eat their greens at meal times!

Created by food artist Prudence Staite, the edible landscape is made up of over 600 kilos of yummy fruit and vegetables and took a team of six people over 460 hours to create.

Little ones (and their parents) will be able to eat their way through the edible woodland, which features everything from leek palm trees, lentil mushrooms and carrot hedgehogs to bell pepper flowers, a sensory herb garden and a bird bath made of pulses.

Little explorers can help themselves to tasters of the 23 different types of fruit and vegetables on offer as they toddle along the forest’s pathway, adding a whole new level of fun to the eating experience.

Paul Lindley, Ella’s Dad and founder of Ella’s Kitchen comments:

“At Ella’s Kitchen, we think fruit and vegetables are healthy, delicious and most importantly, fun! That’s why we wanted to create an incredible edible experience designed to excite little ones’ senses and encourage them to try a whole host of yummy different tastes and textures.

“Our edible forest captures the excitement and adventure of discovering delicious new flavours, and we hope the mini taste explorers who visit the edible forest enjoy their scrummy healthy eating journey.

Ella’s Kitchen’s edible forest opens to the public today, for one day only, at The Horniman Museum and Gardens, winner of the Telegraph Family Friendly Museum Award and renowned for being one of London’s most child friendly venues, and is free of charge for parents and little ones to explore.

How amazing does it look!? You can even view the 'Making of...' video here.

You're Invited to the Ella's Kitchen Event

To all of my London readers, I just wanted to let you know about a fab public event that baby food company, Ella's Kitchen are hosting on Wednesday 26th February.

Calling all adventurous little ones…

Baby and toddler food experts, Ella’s Kitchen, is creating a totally incredible, edible experience for little taste explorers to enjoy.

Created to celebrate the launch of the ‘my little BIG meals’ range, the super-secret taste adventure is designed to introduce little ones to a world of scrummy fruit and delicious veg, and features a whole host of fun things for little explorers to taste, touch, smell and discover.

The incredible edible event opens to the public at The Horniman Museum and Gardens, London on Wednesday 26^th February from 10.30am – 1pm and is free of charge for parents and little ones to explore.

WHEN? Wednesday 26^th February, 10.30am – 1pm

WHERE? The Horniman Museum and Gardens, Victorian Conservatory

ADDRESS: 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ

CLOSEST TUBE: Forest Hill

If you do end up attending, I hope you have a great time! Living in Northern Ireland sucks some times ;)

Ella's Kitchen & The 1st EVER Mini Queen's Christmas Speech

Whilst the nation enjoys the traditional mid-afternoon Queen’s address after tucking in to Christmas dinner this year, little ones across the country can tune in to enjoy an alternative message created by baby and toddler food experts Ella’s Kitchen.

The very first mini Queen's Christmas speech has been created specifically for tiny tots to enjoy and is set to be broadcast online on Christmas Day.

From the birth of royal baby Prince George to the nation’s favourite subject, the great British weather, the unique speech provides a kids’ perspective on the year’s news stories.

Delivered by mini monarch Grace Dawkins, the Christmas broadcast also contains a selection of special messages and highlights from the Ella’s Kitchen Facebook and Twitter community, celebrating the achievements and tiny triumphs made by little ones across the country.

Paul Lindley, Ella’s Kitchen founder and Ella’s Dad comments: “Christmas is a very exciting time for little ones and we wanted to make it even more memorable by taking a much loved Christmas tradition and giving it our very own Ella’s Kitchen twist.

“We hope little ones across the country – maybe even baby Prince George – enjoy watching our mini Queen’s Christmas speech and who knows, maybe it will even become an annual occurrence!”

You can watch the mini Queen’s Christmas speech when it airs on the Ella’s Kitchen Facebook page at 3pm on Christmas Day (25th December): www.facebook.com/ellaskitchen or via YouTube: http://bit.ly/1drsnMh

Baby 'Thrill-o-Meter' Reveals the Most Exciting Foods for Little Ones

FIRST BABY ‘THRILL-O-METER’ CAPTURES THE EXCITEMENT OF DIFFERENT TASTES FOR LITTLE ONES’

- Mango and Cinnamon revealed as the most thrilling tastes for babies in new project masterminded by Ella’s Kitchen -

Ever wondered how exciting the taste of cinnamon, coconut or papaya is for a baby? The world’s first ‘baby thrill-o-meter’ was unveiled today to capture and measure the thrill experienced by little ones when they try new and different foods.  Created by baby and toddler food experts Ella’s Kitchen, in partnership with Thrill Laboratory, the study provides a unique insight into babies’ physiological reactions when they try a variety of different fruits, vegetables and spices. 

The bespoke thrill-o-meter measures babies’ Galvanic Skin Responses to different foods and revealed mango and cinnamon as the ingredients that caused the most excitement amongst little ones, closely followed by lemon and coconut.

The results from the thrill-o-meter also revealed a list of the top 10 most exciting tastes for babies, including red pepper and papaya.

Top 10 most exciting tastes for babies:

1.       Mango

2.       Cinnamon

3.       Lemon

4.       Coconut

5.       Banana

6.       Papaya

7.       Red pepper

8.       Apricot

9.       Sweet potato

10.     Carrot

The results were calculated by analysing increased Galvanic Skin Response from certain foods, combined with facial expression and body language analysis from parents to determine how positive the response was.

When babies become excited in response to a food, or the anticipation of a food, their bodies and minds get ready for action.  Their hearts beat faster, their eyes open wide, and their breathing quickens.  One physiological effect of excitement and sensorial engagement that can’t be seen by parents is the micro-fluctuations in sweat levels, which the thrill-o-meter closely monitored through Galvanic Skin Response.  A rise in Galvanic Skin Response, together with positive facial analysis from parents, expressed just how excited the baby was when tasting the food.

Brendan Walker, Thrill Laboratory comments: “Food can be really exciting for babies – whether it’s a first taste of cinnamon, juicy mango or exotic coconut.  Different foods can stimulate different physiological responses and this innovative study is designed to reveal just how thrilling different foods are for babies and to help Ella’s Kitchen continue to explore and understand babies’ taste buds, both scientifically and creatively.”

Paul Lindley, Ella’s Kitchen founder and Ella’s Dad comments: “To see little ones’ faces light up when they try a food that really excites them is fantastic and we create all of our foods with babies’ taste buds in mind.

From the pinch of spicy cinnamon in seriously comforting Cottage Pie, to Zingy Lamb Cous Cous bursting with exotic mangoes, at Ella’s Kitchen we understand just how important it is to thrill babies with exciting tastes at each and every meal, to ensure they develop healthy eating habits that last a lifetime and grow up to be good little eaters”

You can see exactly how the babies reacted – and just how excited they were – when they tried different fruits, vegetables and spices in an exclusive NEW video from Ella’s Kitchen too: http://youtu.be/T7DvpNYatoo and

http://youtu.be/sij2pdTBSAk

(Disclaimer: This is a press release from Ella's Kitchen. I did not receive financial reward for posting this release, I did however receive some Ella's Kitchen samples.)

Ella's Kitchen My Little Big Meals Review

C was always a fantastic eater...until he started becoming more independent. He will only eat with his hands and will not accept being spoon fed.

With C just turning one, we were sent some Ella's Kitchen Little Big Meals for him to try out.

We received Beefy Beef Stew and Creamy Coconutty Chicken Curry both of which sound delicious! 

First up was the beef stew. To me, it tasted a bit peppery. It smelled and looked amazing though. 

You can really tell that it's packed with vegetables (7 to be exact) and there's a lot more substance to it compared to meals for younger babies. 

C surprised me and actually accepted being fed from the spoon. He ate most of the dish. The portions sizes are great and really seemed to fill him up. 

The chicken curry had a real fragrant coconut scent and taste. I would have happily eaten it myself. 

C preferred this one and gobbled up the entire bowlful! 

I love the childlike packaging, I find it really appealing. I also like how the amount of veggies in each and the fact that they are organic are stated on the front. Both of these dishes can be eaten at room temperature but I preferred to heat them slightly in the microwave. 

The ingredients lists on the back are my favourite ever. It states clearly what is in each dish with no long words or any hidden baddies! 

They also come in other varieties such as:

• Veggie moussaka
• Pork stew
• Chicken Paella
• Bolognese bake

They retail at £2.19 each and you can buy them in stores right now!

(Disclaimer: We received these meals free of charge in exchange for an open and honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)