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Original poster

Is Ella's kitchen full of Crap ?

59 replies

davegrohll · 17/02/2023 09:18

Baby is 5 months, has cmpa and is on aptimal pepti 1 for this.
I've started giving her little tastes of carrot and broccoli puréed myself at home. We're waiting for an appointment with the dietician.

Was just in the shop and thought I'd grab a couple of Ella's kitchen pouches to see how she gets on, it says on the back what's in them but just wondering is there anything hidden ? I'm worried about any dairy being in there that isn't stated !

Thanks

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TooSmallForTheMembrane · 17/02/2023 13:18

Makemetry · 17/02/2023 13:13

It’s fine to start weaning earlier than 6 months. It’s been predicted for a while that the advice will change as introducing potential allergens to babies at a younger age is beneficial in preventing long term food allergies. Obviously don’t give your baby dairy if you know she has an issue.

By 6 months babies who are breastfed need the nutrients from food so starting at 6 months is not ideal.

There is evidence that starting your baby on very savoury tastes and bitter vegetables leads to them eating more vegetables in childhood. Don’t be tempted to give lots of very sweet tastes like carrot, parsnip and sweet potato.

Sorry but this is utter nonsense. Breast milk is literally tailored to the individual child. The only additional supplement required is vitamin D. Yes all babies need to start weaning at around 6 months but breastfeeding doesn’t cause nutritional deficiencies ffs.

The First Steps Nutrition website is a really great independent evidence-based resource OP.

Original poster
davegrohll · 17/02/2023 13:20

Thank you for all the advice and links, I will have a read through of them tonight. Her first taste was broccoli! She shuddered 😆 my son absolutely loves his vegetables. Can't remember weaning him to be honest but I know it was from 17 weeks ! Pretty sure I used pouches back then? Hasn't spoilt his appetite for veggies at all though, I do want to do as much fresh stuff as possible this time, I've even brought a new steamer and blender especially

OP posts:
Pirateships · 17/02/2023 13:23

There's conflicting info around weaning earlier than 6 months, generally as many parenting decisions it's a case of people weighing it up for themselves. The main 'argument' is that for some babies their digestive system isn't properly ready, many will be ready before but some not until 6 months so it's erring on the safe side; the long term effects though of this are debated even. Being able to sit up etc is important though as decreases the risk of choking (but of course doesn't eliminate it).

Anyway the pouches are fine, there are some that are primarily veg based but fruit fine too, they don't always eat much anyway.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

3-6 months old Babies & sleep Families General health
Dencar · 17/02/2023 13:23

Annonnimouse · 17/02/2023 09:22

I think in and of themselves they are harmless.and they have their benefits absolutely.

However….. I’ve found that babies who are introduced to purée through pouches etc initially, are less inclined to enjoy homemade purée going forward

Absolutely- I see this time & time again with the families I support.

consideringachange · 17/02/2023 13:24

I'm not sure how scientific the advice is to be honest because it is so varied. I had my third in France this time, and they urged me to start purées at just past 4 months. They said he was ready (this was specific not generic advice, based on observing him.) The actual baby food is totally different here too, lots of thinks like duck and veal which we don't really think of as baby/toddler food in the UK! I would relax and enjoy, that phase of trying things is fun.

Dencar · 17/02/2023 13:28

SolidStarts is a fabulous account/website to follow/read. The first of its kind.

So much amazing information and support.

the story behind its start up is tough but so real. I’m not affiliated with them, just super impressed and direct all my clients with this need to them

#solidstarts
www.solidstarts.com

LegoGoldenDragon · 17/02/2023 13:57

There is generally nothing wrong with the ingredients. It's just that by the time they are peeled, cooked, pureed, processed, sterilised and kept on a shelf for 6 months, there's not that much right left in them either. Better to keep them for occasionally out and about snacks rather than relying on them.

Milky4 · 17/02/2023 13:58

My toddler is CMPA. Ella's kitchen is the only brand I truly trust because it's so easy to see exactly what's in the packets.

Not had any issue what so ever.

We used Ella's Kitchen from 6months to even now still. Of course, they have homecooked too. But the pouches are so useful to have on trips out (because you don't know if there will be dairy free options available).

My toddler will eat anything and loves veggies. Never been a fussy eater and we're making headway with the dairy ladder.

Petit filous dairy free yoghurt are also a huge hit.

We started weaning at exactly 6 months.

Also they do taste nice. I've tried the Ella's kitchen and other brands like Hipp and the Ella's kitchen stuff is just always so much nicer.

Isthisexpected · 17/02/2023 13:59

You're weaning too early for the wrong reasons. You should be following the is my baby ready for weaning guidance FROM six months. My first wasn't ready until nearly 8m.

Milky4 · 17/02/2023 14:00

P.s my only advice would be to always check the back of the pouches before buying. Sometimes they do change the ingredients. Don't blindly buy - I did this once and there was a receipe change which then included milk.

But you get so used to triple checking things, it's just annoying when you've thrown it in the trolley, get home, and then realise.

sexnotgenders · 17/02/2023 14:11

Makemetry · 17/02/2023 13:13

It’s fine to start weaning earlier than 6 months. It’s been predicted for a while that the advice will change as introducing potential allergens to babies at a younger age is beneficial in preventing long term food allergies. Obviously don’t give your baby dairy if you know she has an issue.

By 6 months babies who are breastfed need the nutrients from food so starting at 6 months is not ideal.

There is evidence that starting your baby on very savoury tastes and bitter vegetables leads to them eating more vegetables in childhood. Don’t be tempted to give lots of very sweet tastes like carrot, parsnip and sweet potato.

Utter and complete nonsense. Please can you include a link to all this scientific research on breastfeeding that says babies lack nutrients as you seem to speak with such authority on the topic!

I'm going to save the suspense and tell you that you won't find it

OP - I really wouldn't follow one women's advice on weaning as gospel (a women who is trying to sell products and has no formal qualifications in child health). Follow NHS and WHO guidance as it's impartial and scientifically supported. As others have said, Solid Start is a great resource too. In terms of pouches, as others have said, they're fine in small quantities particularly as baby grows, but not really to start with as they are ridiculously sweet and can turn baby off vegetables. Honestly, taste them, they all taste of apple/generic sweetness.

Bunny2607 · 17/02/2023 14:22

davegrohll · 17/02/2023 09:18

Baby is 5 months, has cmpa and is on aptimal pepti 1 for this.
I've started giving her little tastes of carrot and broccoli puréed myself at home. We're waiting for an appointment with the dietician.

Was just in the shop and thought I'd grab a couple of Ella's kitchen pouches to see how she gets on, it says on the back what's in them but just wondering is there anything hidden ? I'm worried about any dairy being in there that isn't stated !

Thanks

Hi OP
my baby is 1 now and is on pepti junior for CMPA. Milk is definitely stated as an allergen it will be in bold on all packaging. Ellas kitchen do some dairy free pouches for breakfast and their porridge in the red bag is dairy free too. Organix baby stuff is generally dairy free and aldi do some baby food which is also dairy free. Tesco is good for dairy free yoghurts their own brand you get 4 yoghurts for £1.10 and their own brand dairy free choc buttons for when baby is older are 55p. If you need anymore ideas let me know

Whydoitry · 17/02/2023 14:30

sexnotgenders · 17/02/2023 14:11

Utter and complete nonsense. Please can you include a link to all this scientific research on breastfeeding that says babies lack nutrients as you seem to speak with such authority on the topic!

I'm going to save the suspense and tell you that you won't find it

OP - I really wouldn't follow one women's advice on weaning as gospel (a women who is trying to sell products and has no formal qualifications in child health). Follow NHS and WHO guidance as it's impartial and scientifically supported. As others have said, Solid Start is a great resource too. In terms of pouches, as others have said, they're fine in small quantities particularly as baby grows, but not really to start with as they are ridiculously sweet and can turn baby off vegetables. Honestly, taste them, they all taste of apple/generic sweetness.

Show quote history

They need another source of iron.

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5946120/

She's not talking utter nonsense.

Six months is also only a guideline. Nothing magic happens on their six month birthday. Some children are ready earlier or later, just like with sitting or walking or anything else.

CakeCrumbs44 · 17/02/2023 14:35

If your baby has CMPA presumably you have a doctor or dietician or something who has diagnosed it, so they will be able to advise you on weaning.

As far as the pouches go, they have to state the correct ingredients. They may not have as much nutrition as a fresh blended piece of fruit but they're fine, especially if only used occasionally.

Riceball · 17/02/2023 14:44

Not an expert but most babies I know have been ready between 6-8 months. NHS says being ready is sitting up, able to put food into their mouth and chew it. Needing more milk or seeming hungry is not a sign of readiness. Milk is more nutritious for babies, the aim is 3 meals a day by age 1.

Seasonofthewitch83 · 17/02/2023 14:54

I mean....they pretty much all end up just wanting chicken nuggets at one point anyway?

I did everything right. I made food from scratch (lockdown - bored). She started off with single vegetables as tastes and gradually moved up. I did all the research. I had all the equipment to do it properly.

It was disheartening and depressing watching her throw food that had taken time to prepare all over the floor.

She initially loved vegetables, the bitter the better.

Will a single vegetable pass her lips now at 2.5? Nope.

Seasonofthewitch83 · 17/02/2023 14:56

I dont think it really matters between BLW and puree, home cooked or packet.

But they DO need to be ready. My friend has started feeing her baby that cant sit up yet and is in the bouncer chair and I shudder internally when I see pictures. Theres always such a rush to start it when there is no need.

Lcb123 · 17/02/2023 15:01

legally they have to put all ingredients, for anything, not just baby food. I personally think those pouches are very sweet compared to just giving mashed veg. fine to start earlier than 6 months if baby is showing interest, and giving little bits to try.

Makemetry · 17/02/2023 15:50

The problem with saying ‘they need to be ready’ is that’s there’s no correlation between a babies physical development and their need for nutrition from food. Premature babies are weaned according to their actual, not adjusted, age. They are developmentally behind but they still need food. Likewise a baby with disability or health condition that means they can’t sit up at six months. They still need to eat more than milk.

Original poster
davegrohll · 17/02/2023 16:18

She's been eyeing our food up for a while! I've puréed and frozen a shitload of fresh broccoli this afternoon 👍🏻

OP posts:
CoalCraft · 17/02/2023 16:26

Seasonofthewitch83 · 17/02/2023 14:56

I dont think it really matters between BLW and puree, home cooked or packet.

But they DO need to be ready. My friend has started feeing her baby that cant sit up yet and is in the bouncer chair and I shudder internally when I see pictures. Theres always such a rush to start it when there is no need.

I fed my first in a bouncy chair before she could sit up. She was six months but prem and developmentally more like 4.5 months. I was firmly instructed by her doctors and nurses, though, that she needed solids from six months as breast milk / formula were no longer adequate.

It wasn't Ideal but needs must.

MissMaple82 · 17/02/2023 16:50

They don't put stuff in and not state it, why would you think they would?!?

Original poster
davegrohll · 17/02/2023 18:49

MissMaple82 · 17/02/2023 16:50

They don't put stuff in and not state it, why would you think they would?!?

Just my anxiety making me overthink and doubt things all the time !

OP posts:
User1706 · 18/02/2023 14:49

TooSmallForTheMembrane · 17/02/2023 13:18

Sorry but this is utter nonsense. Breast milk is literally tailored to the individual child. The only additional supplement required is vitamin D. Yes all babies need to start weaning at around 6 months but breastfeeding doesn’t cause nutritional deficiencies ffs.

The First Steps Nutrition website is a really great independent evidence-based resource OP.

Show quote history

Completely agree you don't get a more tailored or nutritionally complete food than breastmilk that's why no one has managed to perfect copying yet...

Ever wondered why it's the people at heinz, annabel karmal, Ella's kitchen etc. Pushing weaning, pre made pouches etc. One word - Money.

Apologies for my little rant on this 😅 food/milk marketing is one of my biggest bug bares I hate how these companies play on the anxiety on parents to make money it's completely unethical.

ppure · 18/02/2023 15:44

its not true, they don't state all of the ingredients on the packaging. simply google: baby food + arsenic. law suits are going on right now for this....for organic one ingredient baby pouches.

I would not assume anything in a processed form is safe to eat.