Chow Baby

about the company

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  What's ChowBaby all about, anyway?

  Creating adventurous eaters, of course! And without forcing you to sacrifice quality or convenience. Go figure!

  We understand (first hand) that parents are on a never-ending quest to be the best they can be. That includes helping our kids have a positive relationship with natural foods that will keep them healthy and strong throughout their lifetime. And—lets be honest—that also includes making it easier to feed them here and now with the healthiest available options. Easier said than done, right? Not only can it be hard to figure out which foods are best for our little ones, but it also can take a LOT of time to cook it all from scratch. More than most of us have to spare.

  ChowBaby to the rescue! Our foods are cooked and frozen just like homemade, organic, naturally nutritious, and conveniently packaged in reusable, pthalate- and BPA-free cups. Oh, and did we mention so delicious that even adults chow on them? Yum!

  You can read more about us here. And about what we believe in and how we put our money where our (big) mouths are here.

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  How does ChowBaby deliver on our mission?

  ChowBaby is built on a passionate mission to inspire adventurous eating without asking parents to sacrifice quality or convenience. A big goal. But we tend to think big! Read more about the values that drive everything we do at ChowBaby—from recipe development, to packaging decisions, to internal business practices.

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  How do I contact ChowBaby?

  Head to our Contact Us page for info that will direct you to the right email. (And, thanks in advance for getting in touch. We can't wait to talk to you!)

about the food

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  Why are ChowBaby foods frozen?

  Because frozen is better! Freezing naturally preserves our foods so that they can last without artificial preservatives or nutrient-depleting heat treatment. Here's how it goes:

  Our foods are made from organic ingredients that are minimally processed. We lightly cook our foods and then blast freeze them to lock in the nutrients and natural yumminess that we work so hard to achieve. It's a process that replicates how you would (or do!) make baby, toddler, and big kid food at home.

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  What makes ChowBaby food different from other baby foods?

  There are several types of baby food on the market these days and ChowBaby is different from all of them!

  • ChowBaby vs the jarred stuff

    Jarred baby food can stay good on a shelf for years! This is made possible through a packaging process that applies additional heat to the food. This kind of heat treatment can impact a food's nutritional profile, not to mention the food's natural color, texture, and flavor.

    ChowBaby foods are more like homemade in that they are lightly cooked—without additives or artificial preservatives—and then put straight in the freezer. We do not apply any heat other that that used to cook our foods. It makes for less processed and better tasting foods. Oh yeah, and if you're not already buying an organic brand, we've got that over most jarred foods, too!

  • ChowBaby vs the refrigerated stuff

    While refrigerated baby food is definitely a step in the right direction, it is still treated in order to last for several weeks. Think about it… when you make homemade food, how long does it keep in the fridge before the nutrients, flavor, and freshness degrade? Not long. While it might seem like refrigerated options are coming to you fresh from the kitchen, check the expiration date. That might tell you a different story, making ChowBaby a less processed, more flavorful, and naturally nutritious option.

  • ChowBaby vs other frozen baby foods

    Frozen foods that are minimally processed and without artificial ingredients and preservatives, like ours, are definitely the most nutritious option for your family. So why ChowBaby over the other brands? Because we encourage adventurous eating, helping you lay a foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits and intrepid food experiences.

  ChowBaby tastes better, looks better, smells better, and is more like the homemade foods children eat around the world, with herbs and spices and soul. We encourage you to put ChowBaby to the test and bet you'll get hooked in the process! Think you can resist Pears with Ginger in your yogurt or huevos rancheros with our Cuban Black Beans?! Just try!

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  Are ChowBaby products just for babies?

  We offer spoon foods and finger foods for babies, toddlers, and big kids. And because of our bold and exciting flavors, ChowBaby foods are enjoyed by everyone in the family—not just the littlest ones. If you don't believe us, try our Cuban Black Beans (add a dash of salt for more adult savory flavor) or make a yummy sauce for lamb out of our Peas with Mint (a little chicken stock and dab of butter should do the trick). And we dare you not to eat a whole bag of Banana Date Mini Muffins on your commute to work.

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  How do I store ChowBaby foods?

  As soon as you arrive home, transfer your ChowBaby foods to your freezer. Check the expiration date on the bottom of each cup to see how long they can stay there. Once thawed, ChowBaby foods should be stored in the refrigerator and used within 3 days.

  The same food safety rules that apply to all foods also apply to your ChowBaby foods. Once you've heated food, it cannot be re-refrigerated or re-frozen—eat leftovers yourself or discard. Never refreeze food that has already been thawed. Do not re-refrigerate or re-freeze food that has come in contact with saliva.

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  How do I thaw and heat ChowBaby foods?

  You have a few options using the refrigerator, microwave, toaster oven, or stove. It's easy. Here's how.

  • Refrigerator

    Transfer ChowBaby cups or Mini Muffins from your freezer to your refrigerator for an overnight thaw. Once thawed, spoon foods can be eaten at any desired temperature, but Mini Muffins should always be warmed through using an oven, toaster oven, or microwave.

  • Microwave

    Remove lid and peelable film from cup or remove muffins from bag. Heat in 10-second intervals on low until the desired (barely warm throughout) temperature is reached. Stir. Test before serving! (Note: Even though our cups are considered safe for microwave use, ChowBaby does not recommend heating food in plastic. We like to transfer ours to a microwave-safe glass or ceramic dish.)

  • Toaster oven

    Remove muffins from bag and heat at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

  • Stove

    Place cup in bowl of hot water for 30-60 seconds. Spoon foods should thaw just enough to slide into a pot. Place over very low heat until desired (barely warm throughout) temperature. Stir. Test before serving!

  • Tips

    Once food has been warmed, it cannot be re-refrigerated or refrozen. Don't forget to stir foods evenly to distribute the heat and always test the temperature before feeding heated foods to your little one. Once heated, try cutting the Mini Muffins in half to make sure the center isn't too hot.

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  How long will ChowBaby foods last?

  Check the expiration date on the bottom of each cup. Once thawed, ChowBaby foods can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

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  Where can I get ChowBaby products?

  ChowBaby foods are coming soon to the freezer section of your grocery store. We're working hard to make our products available across the nation (a big plan for a small company, but we're feisty!). Drop a line if you'd like us to keep you posted.

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  What does organic mean?

  Organic fruits and vegetables are grown without the chemical pesticides, chemical fertilizers, sludge sewage, bioengineering, antibiotics, or ionizing radiation that have no place at our children's high chairs.

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  Why organic?

  Organic farming not only protects the earth and the water supply so our children have a cleaner and safer world to grow up in, but also keeps potentially harmful chemicals out of our babies' especially vulnerable bodies. There are TONS of reasons to choose organic, especially when it comes to small children. Read about them here.

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  Does organic mean healthy?

  Okay. We admit it. We just asked because we want to answer the question! Just because something says it's organic does NOT mean that it's necessarily a healthy option. Surprised? Processed and sugary foods can be made with organic ingredients. Since we know you're concerned about these things too, be sure to read beyond the organic label to the ingredients list.

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  How is what I feed my family important to my child's development?

  The food choices we make when our children are little shape who they are and how they eat for life. Everyone knows that healthy foods create healthy bodies. But food is also a social experience, one way we interact with family, friends, and the world. Encouraging adventurous eating is part of raising open-minded, independent, and environmentally responsible people.

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  Why doesn't ChowBaby use DHA, probiotics, and other supplements that I've heard are good for my child?

  Here at ChowBaby we like to say, "Whole foods for whole people." We are passionate about helping lay the best and most natural foundation for your child's eating adventure. And we think that's best and most honestly done by offering pure, organic, whole food options.

  If you have a healthy, normally developing child who eats a well-balanced diet, chances are they don't need fortified foods to meet their nutritional needs.

  Always speak to your pediatrician to decide what's best for your child. We believe including supplements is a personal decision and have worked to provide you with the option to stick with whole foods or fortify at your own discretion.

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  My child has outgrown baby food. Does ChowBaby have anything to offer?

  You bet we do! Our foods are created with adult taste buds in mind, too. Because, after all, if you don't want to eat it, why should your baby? That means that even our purees are delicious enough for anyone to eat. Pears with Ginger? Eat them plain, like applesauce, or mix with yogurt. Spinach Nutmeg Yams? Mix in with brown rice for a super wholesome, family-friendly side dish. And our ever-expanding finger food line has great handheld options (like Banana Date Mini Muffins and Cheddar Apple Mini Muffins) for independent eaters. Check out each food’s serving suggestions for ideas that will satisfy even big kids, including the big kid in you!

about the packaging

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  What are ChowBaby foods packaged in?

  ChowBaby packaging is printed with soy ink on paper made with post-consumer recycled fiber that is recyclable and biodegradable. Our reusable, resealable cups are made of #2 HDPE (high density polyethylene), and our snap on lids are made of #4 LDPE (low density polyethylene), both widely considered safe plastics that are phthalate and BPA-free, as well as recyclable. (Both are also on the Healthy Child Health World list of recyclable and "least toxic" plastics.)

  Though we've ended up with "standard" plastic cups, we have to admit to doing tons of research on alternative packaging. We weighed everything from aluminum to glass to bio-resins in an attempt to choose, first and foremost, the safest and, then, most environmentally sound packaging available. And this is it. We're bummed that none of the green packaging alternatives are yet able to handle our production process, in particular blast freezer temps (and we didn't want to sacrifice that since it's key to locking in nutrients and flavor!), but when they are we promise to offer it.

  Learn more about our commitment to the environment and green packaging.

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  Are ChowBaby cups microwave safe?

  Our #4 LDPE snap on lids are NOT microwave safe. Be sure to remove them before using the microwave. Our #2 HDPE cups, on the other hand, are considered by the manufacturer and FDA to be microwave safe. However, when we thaw or heat in the microwave at home, we prefer to pop the food into a non-plastic microwave-safe bowl. (Check out our heating and thawing question above.) Up to you!

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  Can I recycle ChowBaby packaging?

  Our outer boxes, #2 HDPE cups, and #4 LDPE snap on lids are all recyclable. The lidding film that seals our cups and the bags that our muffins come in are not recyclable.

  Please check with your municipality to find out if your local recycle program accepts #2 and #4 plastics. If they do, you'll also need to find out if there are any restrictions on the #2 or #4 items that are included (for example, some cities might only recycle #2 containers where the mouth of the container is smaller than the body, like water bottles).

  In order to recycle (anything) successfully, please wash the item thoroughly. Any food residue (or, in the case of our cups, lidding film residue) will prevent the items from being recycled. And sometimes, it prevents everything else in that batch from being recycled too since food (in this case) is considered a "contaminant." (We know, we were shocked to learn this, too!)

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  How/where do I recycle?

  Check with your local municipality to see if there is a curbside program and, if so, what items are accepted. If your municipality does not offer curbside recycling, find a recycling or reuse location OR (think big!) consider starting your own local program. You can learn more on both of these options at Earth 911.

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  Can I reuse ChowBaby packaging?

  Yes! And you should—please! We considered many packaging options with the goal of packaging our foods in the safest and most environmentally friendly option available to us. One of our environmental considerations was reusability. And it was a big one. Reuse is ranked right up there with reduce as one of the best things we can do for the planet. (Because recycling takes up a whole lot of energy.) So fill those cups with O's and other snacks, beads and other crafts, or treasures that your little one finds in the backyard. Put the lids back on and use them as building blocks. They also make great toys for the bath, sink, and sandbox. And great planters for your windowsill herb garden.

About feeding

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  When do I start feeding my baby solids?

  Your first time? Don't be scared. This is the start of a seriously exciting adventure!

  Start by speaking to your pediatrician and getting their go-ahead. Since every baby is different, there is no single right age at which to introduce solids. Most experts agree with the American Academy of Pediatrics and World Health Organization: introduce solids at 6 months if your baby demonstrates readiness. Until then, breast milk or formula provides all the nutrients your child needs and should remain the main source of nourishment throughout their first year.

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  Why should I wait until my baby demonstrates signs of readiness?

  Most experts agree that the baby's digestive system is simply too immature to digest solids until she or he reaches the 6-month mark. This lack of maturity means solids may pass through the system undigested and may increase the risk of your baby developing allergies. Your baby must also be developmentally ready to swallow and to use the tongue to transfer food from the front to the back of the mouth. Sounds easy enough, but it takes a child time to develop this skill. And in order to prevent unintentional force-feeding and encourage your baby's natural ability to self-regulate eating, your child must be able to physically communicate when she is finished.

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  How will I know when my baby is ready?

  Some babies are ready and eager to eat solids at 6 months, while others take a little longer. Your baby will show you when she is ready to move beyond liquid nourishment. Talk to your pediatrician and look for signs of readiness, including:

  • is at least 6 months old
  • can hold head in a steady, upright position and turn head to refuse food
  • has lost the extrusion reflex (the inborn mechanism to prevent choking by using the tongue to push things out of the mouth) and can keep solids in the mouth and then swallow them
  • can sit well with support (even if not quite ready for a highchair) and lean forward to indicate desire for another spoonful and backward to indicate refusal
  • can bring an object in the hand directly to the mouth
  • demonstrates interest in what others are eating
  • has doubled his or her birth weight and weighs about 15 pounds
  • nurses at least 8 to 10 times per 24 hours, empties both breasts, and still wants more
  • drinks at least 32 to 40 ounces of formula per 24 hours and still wants more
  • demands more frequent feedings
  • wakes during the night for a feeding that he or she previously slept straight through
  • demonstrates shorter sleep periods instead of longer ones
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  What solid foods should I introduce first?

  Opinions vary widely, although everyone agrees that first foods should be easily digested and unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, many doctors recommend that the first solid food should be simple cereals. Cereals are bland, which allows you to mix in formula or breast milk for a familiar flavor. We take a more global approach to first foods. If, like us, you want first foods to be a new (but still perfectly safe!) taste adventure to compliment the formula and/or breast milk that baby will continue drinking through at least 12 months, try other popular first food choices like pureed cooked sweet potatoes, avocado, banana, or cooked Pears with Ginger or Peas with Mint.

  Talk to your pediatrician as you consider your options to decide what's best for your child and when.

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  How will I know when my little one is full?

  Your little one's appetite will likely vary from one feeding to the next and one day to the next. Just as a strict accounting of how much to nurse or bottle feed at each meal doesn't take into account a baby's natural ability to self-regulate, so a strict accounting of food amounts isn't always a good way to tell when your child has had enough. If your tot leans back in the chair, turns her head away from the food, refuses to open up for the next bite, gets fussy, or starts playing with the spoon, mealtime is probably over. Never force your baby to continue eating and you'll both look forward to the fun and relaxing bonding opportunity.

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  How much should I feed my baby?

  This is a popular question. And a typical concern for most parents. While there isn't a magic number, there is an easy answer: a healthy baby eating healthy foods will naturally self-regulate. Your healthy child will automatically demonstrate that he is ready to stop eating when full. Likewise, a healthy baby will not starve himself. Don't overfeed your baby when he refuses to eat or put him on a reducing diet because of baby fat concerns. Some days your child may eat like she can't get enough and other days like a bird.

  Since breast milk or formula provides all the nutrition children need in the first year of life, the most important reason for introducing solids is to teach them how to eat. Recent theories on adult health suggest that life-long eating behaviors start with infant feeding experiences. It is vital we allow our children to listen to their bodies—to stop when they've had enough and to keep eating while they're hungry. By trusting our children to know their nutritional needs, we can build a solid foundation for our children's eating habits for life. As long as you and your pediatrician agree that your child is healthy, happy, and developing well, you're probably right on track.

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  Do I still need to give my baby breast milk or formula?

  Yes. Until your child is a year old, breast milk or formula provides all the nutrients your child needs and should remain the main source of nourishment. Even though solid foods will eventually replace some of your baby's calories, they can't replace all the nutrients that breast milk or formula provides during the critical first year. It is important to remember that solid foods should complement their liquid nutrition, not replace it.

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  Once started, how do I introduce new solid foods?

  Always follow your pediatrician's advice regarding the waiting period after the introduction of each new food. Most experts recommend a 4 to 7 day waiting period. Some suggest 3. Others suggest 5. We'll use 4 days to discuss the theory of the waiting period. But, again, speak to your pediatrician and decide what's best for your child.

  The waiting period means that you only introduce one new food at a time. This is vital since it is possible that your baby has one or more food allergies or sensitivities. Since reactions can be delayed and occur up to several days after the introduction of a new food, you want to be sure you can isolate the allergic culprit.

  After your baby tries a new food, wait at least 4 days before introducing the next new food. This does not mean that you feed your child only that new food during the waiting period or lots of the new food during the waiting period. Instead, it means introducing a small amount of a new food at one feeding each day and then feeding a variety of the other foods your child has already safely experienced.

  Some experts also recommend not waiting any longer than a week before giving your baby another new food. Overfeeding a single food by feeding it for too long a time can also produce a sensitivity to that food.

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  What are signs of an allergic reaction?

  After you introduce a new food, watch your baby during the waiting period for any signs of allergies. Keep in mind that incidence of serious food allergies are rare in healthy children—especially in those for whom solid food introduction occurs after 6 months of age. But it is important that you be alert for signs of allergies (particularly those that my run in the family) so that you can react immediately and consult your pediatrician if necessary.

  Allergic symptoms most commonly occur in the digestive tract, respiratory system, and the skin. They range from mild to severe and can include*:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Gas
  • Diarrhea
  • Frequent stools
  • Abdominal pain
  • Bed wetting
  • Cough
  • Wheezing
  • Breathing difficulty
  • Asthma
  • Runny nose
  • Eye swelling
  • Lip swelling
  • Facial swelling
  • Rash
  • Diaper rash
  • Hives
  • Itching
  • Eczema
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Headache
  • Irritability
  • Fatigue
  • Behavior problems

  *Adapted from Ruth Yaron, Super Baby Food, page 30.

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  What if my baby doesn't like a particular food?

  If your baby turns away from a particular food or expresses obvious displeasure, don't push. Continue to gently and lovingly offer that new food for a number of days. If your child keeps demonstrating an unwillingness to eat it, let it go for now. But try again in a week or so. (It can take up to 10-15 tries for a child's palate to acclimate to a new flavor, so be patient!) Children can be fickle about which foods they prefer. Your child may end up loving this particular food next month. Of course, this also works the other way. Children may suddenly hate a food that they previously couldn't get enough of. As always, follow their lead and continue to reintroduce unloved foods periodically to give them the opportunity to change their minds.

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  What foods should my child avoid?

  There are certain foods that you shouldn't give your baby just yet, depending on her age. See the chart below for a few of the most common potentially toxic, dangerous, or allergenic foods. If allergies run in the family, you'll want to be particularly cautious about those foods. Talk to your pediatrician about this issue.

  
  

  Age	Foods To Avoid
  Newborn - 6 months	All solid foods: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends you feed your baby only breast milk or formula for the first 6 months
  6-12 months	Honey: Honey can harbor spores of Clostridium botulinum that cause botulism. The adult intestinal tract can prevent the growth of these spores, but the baby's can't. In children, the spores can grow and produce life-threatening toxins. Citrus: Citrus fruits and juices before age 1 may provoke an allergic reaction, especially if allergies run in the family. Eggs: Some experts think egg yolks are okay around 9 months, while protein-rich egg whites should be avoided until 12 months because they may provoke an allergic reaction. Other experts suggest avoiding eggs altogether until a year. If you think your baby is at high risk for egg allergies, you may want to delay giving him egg whites until he's 2 years. Talk to your pediatrician to decide what's best for your child. Peanut butter: Peanuts are highly allergenic and peanut butter is tough to swallow. Rather than risk a violent allergic reaction, wait until your child is at 1 year before introducing peanut butter. And if allergies run in the family, wait until your child is at least 3 years. In addition, peanut butter is sticky, which can make it hard for a young child to swallow safely. Wheat or wheat products: Most babies can handle wheat when they're about 6 to 8 months. But if you're particularly concerned about this allergy, it might be a good idea to wait until your baby is 1 year. Shellfish: Because it can be highly allergenic, experts recommend excluding shellfish from your baby's diet until 1 year. If you suspect he's susceptible to allergies, wait until he's between 3 and 4 years. Tree nuts (like pecans and walnuts): If you think your baby is at risk for allergies, you might want to wait until he's 3 or 4 before giving him nuts. Otherwise he can probably handle them when he's 1 year, as long as they're safely pureed in food or in nut butters to prevent choking. Cow's milk: Stick with breast milk or formula until your child is 1 year. Experts suggest your baby can't digest the protein in cow's milk until then, it doesn't have all the nutrients he needs, and it contains minerals in amounts that may damage the kidneys. Chocolate, soy, or anything else that runs in the family: For help making the decision about introducing these foods, talk to your pediatrician. Anything in large chunks: To minimize choking hazards, pea-sized pieces of food are safest. Vegetables like carrots, celery, and green beans should be diced, shredded, or cooked and cut up. Fruits like grapes, cherry tomatoes, and melon balls should be cut into quarters before serving, and meats and cheeses should be cut into very small pieces or shredded. Anything small and hard: Nuts, popcorn, raisins, and other small dried fruit and seeds are potential choking hazards. Certain soft foods: Avoid chewing gum and soft foods like marshmallows and jelly candies that might get lodged in your child's throat.
  12-36 months	Low-fat milk: Your toddler needs the fat and calories of whole milk for growth and development. If his growth and development are on target, you can start giving him lower-fat milk after 2 years if you and your pediatrician decide it is right for your child. Choking hazards: Continue to avoid all the choking hazards above. And do not offer large spoonfuls of peanut butter. Instead, spread it thinly on bread or crackers. You might even want to thin it with applesauce before spreading it.

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  When do I let my child self feed?

  At first, finger foods will provide opportunities for self-feeding. Create finger foods out of foods you're already feeding your child. Roll pureed vegetables, fruit, and cereals into small balls. Offer bits of soft cooked vegetables or fruit—just don't offer anything that is too slippery. Most of it will end up on the floor as your child develops manual dexterity and hand-eye (or hand-mouth!) coordination. Around 10 months, our finger foods (like heat-and-eat Banana Date Mini Muffins and Cheddar Apple Mini Muffins) will come in handy. Truly professional finger-feeding skills may not become completely established until 18-24 months.

  As soon as your child starts showing interest in the spoon, give her one to play with at mealtime. The kind with the bent handles are especially good for preventing children from poking themselves in the eye. By 1 year, she'll start to use the spoon for its real purpose—although it will take another many months before she becomes at all proficient. Most babies can successfully move spoon to mouth around 15 months and become more skilled from 18-24 months. Until then, let her experiment with one spoon while you offer bites with another spoon. And help her out by filling the spoon for her, then letting her guide it to her own mouth.

  Self-feeding is the best way to avoid force-feeding and know that your child is eating exactly how much they want. And it fosters a sense of independence. Yay!