Just Say No to Burnt Veggies
When Violet recently turned 6 months we embarked on the solid food journey. And it's been 10 days notable for cute firsts (first cereal! first yams! first pears!), not the least of which was testing the Béaba Babycook. While I tend to forego lots of baby gear as unnecessary, if you are interested in -- or intimidated by the prospect of -- making baby food, you must consider acquiring this amazing tool. Read on for my thoughts about the Babycook, as well as to learn how to win a Béaba Babycook and multiportion food storage unit!
First, seasoned readers will know that I am a baby food making devotee. I made all of Laurel's purees -- which, I should note, sadly backfired on me during a vacation where I tried to feed her jarred food and she refused it. Anyway, I was committed to making Laurel's baby food but it was always a project -- involving a big pot, an old fashioned steamer basket, and the big, heavy Cuisinart. And because I had to get out these big pieces, I would make and freeze a lot of purees. And a lot of mess. Especially on the occasions where I forgot I was cooking food and burnt the veggies. I still feel a little bad thinking about trying to feed Laurel carrots retrieved from the burning that looked okay, but tasted charred. You should have seen the look on her face -- and mine -- when I tasted them.
This time around we're in a different house, have a smaller freezer, and I have way less patience for more dishes (and burnt veggies). So I have fallen in love (yes, fallen in love) with the Béaba Babycook by Scandinavian Child. Perfect for absurdly easy baby food making, simply measure the water, pour it in the tank, toss your cubed produce in the steamer basket, turn on the steamer, and stop paying attention (no burnt veggies!) -- the unit will turn off when the cook cycle is done (15 minutes or less). When you're ready to blend the produce, use the included spatula to lift out the steamer basket, pour off the reserved water (or leave it in the bowl for thin purees), pour the produce from the steamer basket to the bowl, and blend. The bowl and basket are dishwasher safe and BPA free, as are the multiportion silicone freezing units, which are great for storing. I have one multiportion unit so I freeze then pop the nuggets into small labeled freezer bags.
Given that I tend to take out freezer nuggets in advance, I have yet to use the Babybook as a warmer and defroster but it's an excellent added feature for last minute food prep. However, in my opinion the ease and efficiency of the cook unit alone is worth the investment ($150 retail). In fact, the Babycook is so easy to use that just yesterday -- while I was redeeming myself prepping a batch of non-burnt carrots for Violet -- Laurel asked if she could not only be in charge of filling the multiportion freezer unit (she loves this job), but also be in charge of cooking Violet's fruits and veggies from here on in.
My life just got another step easier.
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Congrats to winner Jane!
+ + + + +
Now, want to win a Béaba Babycook + multiportion food storage unit? Here's how:
Rules:
*One lucky winner (selected using Random.org) will receive a Béaba Babycook + multiportion food storage unit (a $175 value!). Sweet!
Comments
i would love to try the beaba bottle drying rack
Posted by: sandra | September 28, 2011 9:36 AM | Reply to this comment
I would love to try... the Beaba Babycook! (It's not cheating, I really did look through the website.)
Posted by: CM | September 28, 2011 10:09 AM | Reply to this comment
I would love to try the lillebaby EveryWear
Posted by: Rachel K | September 28, 2011 10:12 AM | Reply to this comment
Love Sci Child! I think their Micralite brand is awesome and would love to try out the Toro on my next child!
Posted by: Angelyn Gay | September 28, 2011 10:32 AM | Reply to this comment
Would love to try the beaba babycook for my new baby coming in March!
Posted by: Sarah | September 28, 2011 10:37 AM | Reply to this comment
I would love to try the Beaba Babycook- my son just started eating baby food and this sounds wonderful!
Posted by: Trish C | September 28, 2011 10:37 AM | Reply to this comment
Oh, easy! I can't wait to get the Lillebaby Oslo bag! So chic, so functional!
Posted by: JoLynn E. | September 28, 2011 10:51 AM | Reply to this comment
Ooh I love the Cariboo toddler beds.
Posted by: Autumn | September 28, 2011 11:02 AM | Reply to this comment
I would love to try the Beaba babycook. We've already started to puree some foods for our nearly 6-month-old by first steaming the foods in a pot, then using a mini food processor. A friend of mine is using her babycook for her 2nd child and raves about it. I'd love to try for myself!
Posted by: Lily V. | September 28, 2011 11:11 AM | Reply to this comment
Like you, I made most of my older daughter's foods. I just made a batch of sweet potatoes for my 6 month old, just with the microwave and a hand blender. As she increases the food she eats, I'd love to simplify the process, especially since I have 2 kids and a full time job. Thanks for the giveaway!
Posted by: Cathy B | September 28, 2011 11:30 AM | Reply to this comment
I'd love the highchair in almost any finish and the fold up basinet. So functional yet unobtrusive.
Posted by: Elizabeth | September 28, 2011 11:59 AM | Reply to this comment
I love the Anka mini furiture. I have the Babycook but would love to win one for my best friend!
Posted by: Shammi | September 28, 2011 12:16 PM | Reply to this comment
Maybe having the Babycook would encourage my baby to eat solids finally. Or maybe one of the elegant Svan highchairs would help.
Posted by: Trina | September 28, 2011 1:18 PM | Reply to this comment
i would love to try the fastfold superlite stroller.
Posted by: Luella | September 28, 2011 1:44 PM | Reply to this comment
With number three on the way, I would like to try the Babycook book for some fresh new ideas for healthy babyfood.
Posted by: BosTexan | September 28, 2011 1:57 PM | Reply to this comment
I like the Svan highchair that blends in with wooden furniture and adjusts to become an adult chair
Posted by: Aura | September 28, 2011 2:13 PM | Reply to this comment
the evan highchair is so cool. would love to try it!
Posted by: Dave | September 28, 2011 3:52 PM | Reply to this comment
i'd love to try the svan highchair!
Posted by: Emily | September 28, 2011 4:47 PM | Reply to this comment
Besides the Beaba? lillebaby ... We are expecting #2 in March and I feel like I will be wearing him/her much more than I carried our son.
Posted by: Jessica | September 28, 2011 7:09 PM | Reply to this comment
Wish the Babycook was around when I had my first child...but now hoping for a second child. This would be perfect.
Posted by: dee | September 29, 2011 5:51 AM | Reply to this comment
We have tried the Beaba Cooker but not any of the accessories. We would love to try the storage containers and the feeding collection.
Posted by: Emily | September 29, 2011 7:57 AM | Reply to this comment
I'd love to try the lillebaby EveryWear. Love your blog!
Posted by: Julianne MK | September 29, 2011 8:08 AM | Reply to this comment
Would love to try the BabyCook. Heard great things about it!
Posted by: Monica | September 29, 2011 8:38 AM | Reply to this comment
So many cool baby products on their page! I would love the BabyCook for our 2nd who is arriving at the end of October.
Posted by: Amanda | September 29, 2011 8:50 AM | Reply to this comment
love the Svan bouncer!
Posted by: gkcrits | September 29, 2011 10:09 AM | Reply to this comment
This is neat stuff. The Babypote is a fascinating little gadget.
Posted by: Jane | September 29, 2011 10:25 AM | Reply to this comment
We are getting ready to introduce our 5 month old to solid foods and would love to try the Babycook!
Posted by: Jenn T | September 29, 2011 11:24 AM | Reply to this comment
Besides the Beaba Babycook, I'd love to try the lillebaby Nordic Carrier. My 7 month old is in the 90th percentile for height and weight, so the extra padding would make "wearing" him so much easier. The Moby Wrap doesn't support him enough anymore.
Posted by: Jamie | September 29, 2011 8:22 PM | Reply to this comment
The Cariboo Toddler Bed is cute.
louiseb130@aol.com
Posted by: Louise A Brouillette | September 30, 2011 10:20 AM | Reply to this comment
i want the svan bouncer! looks so cool!
Posted by: courtney | September 30, 2011 3:42 PM | Reply to this comment
I would love to try a high chair!
Posted by: kathleen siegle | September 30, 2011 3:44 PM | Reply to this comment
the stroller mverno@roadrunner.com
Posted by: susan varney | September 30, 2011 4:11 PM | Reply to this comment
The Beaba Babycook is the #1 item remaining on my baby registery. I'd also LOVE to add the Svan high chair to our kitchen. I love the solid wood design and chic shape.
Posted by: Kimberly | September 30, 2011 5:01 PM | Reply to this comment
I love the Anka High Chair! Love the design!
Posted by: Michelle Cain | September 30, 2011 5:08 PM | Reply to this comment
I like the toro swtroller.
Posted by: Shannon Baas | September 30, 2011 5:32 PM | Reply to this comment
I'd love to try the Pixie night light! Thanks!
Posted by: amanda h | September 30, 2011 7:15 PM | Reply to this comment
I subscribe to your email and I would love to win this for my son! I also like the Beaba Pixie Night Light! Thanks so much for the great giveaway!
Renee Walters
bored2quickly@hotmail.com
Posted by: renee walters | September 30, 2011 7:52 PM | Reply to this comment
I would love to try the lille baby carrier! I know the perfect person to give this to, crossing my fingers (:
Posted by: Marcela | September 30, 2011 8:28 PM | Reply to this comment
Cariboo toddler bed is sweet
Posted by: Jennifer Wise | September 30, 2011 8:44 PM | Reply to this comment
Have heard amazing things about there products....wanting the Béaba Bib'secondes for baby #2. Fabulous idea! We broke our Keurig heating bottles in the past.
Posted by: Kim C | September 30, 2011 9:13 PM | Reply to this comment
I like the Svan Youth Chair for my granddaughter
Posted by: Jody S | September 30, 2011 9:30 PM | Reply to this comment
The svan bouncer! Cool stuff!
Posted by: Kelly Paquet | September 30, 2011 9:50 PM | Reply to this comment
Beaba Babycook! Heard great things!
Posted by: Pam Cook | September 30, 2011 10:05 PM | Reply to this comment
the Beaba Babycook seems awesome i would not mind trying them out
Posted by: jose benavides | September 30, 2011 10:09 PM | Reply to this comment
The Fastfold Superlite Stroller looks really fun! I like the 3 wheeler strollers.
Thank You so much!
Posted by: Jacqueline Griffin | September 30, 2011 10:26 PM | Reply to this comment
my children are big now but if I had something like this when they were young I would know that they were healthy; it was bad my son at 1month old got ecoli and he was'nt even eating food it was from the formula so you see This item would put me at ease with my grandchildren knowing the food is healty.
Posted by: Liann Daos | September 30, 2011 10:36 PM | Reply to this comment
Last November when I found out I was pregnant, my friend squealed with delight, congratulated me, and told me that I "MUST get a Babycook!" You can imagine my confusion until I secretly googled it and I agree with her, it looks awesome! Now my daughter is two months old and I'm getting antsy about making solids for her while working from home. I don't want to burn the carrots either ;)
Posted by: Allison P | September 30, 2011 10:42 PM | Reply to this comment
I would love the Svan highchair. With number two now eating solids, we're short a highchair.
Posted by: Amanda Bradley | September 30, 2011 11:33 PM | Reply to this comment
My daughter is now beginning to eat solid foods and this machine would save me and my wife a tremendous amount of work.
Posted by: Corey Higgins | September 30, 2011 11:34 PM | Reply to this comment
Loving the Cariboo Kiwi Cot Collection.
Posted by: Jamie | September 30, 2011 11:52 PM | Reply to this comment
Beaba Bib'secondes! Fast heat and correct heat every time? WIN!
Posted by: Ali Elahi | October 1, 2011 1:31 AM | Reply to this comment
I would love to try the Anka High Chair. It looks modern and would fit with our furniture.
http://www.scichild.com/Home/Our-Brands/Anka-High-Chair_2
lajohnson555 at yahoo dot com
Posted by: Laura L. | October 1, 2011 1:51 AM | Reply to this comment
I would also like to try the bottle drying rack.
Posted by: Amber | October 1, 2011 2:25 AM | Reply to this comment
I am pureeing my own baby food as well for my 7 month old son. This would be awesome.
I would also like to try the svan bouncer
Posted by: Melanie B | October 1, 2011 2:48 AM | Reply to this comment
I would like to try the Béaba Bib'secondes.
Posted by: Rebecca Graham | October 1, 2011 2:55 AM | Reply to this comment
Toro Stroller is awesome looking
vmkids3 at msn dot com
Posted by: valerie mabrey | October 1, 2011 3:03 AM | Reply to this comment
I also love the fastfold superlite stroller!
Posted by: tracey c | October 1, 2011 8:25 AM | Reply to this comment
I would love the bottle warmer.
Posted by: Diana O'Hara | October 1, 2011 8:45 AM | Reply to this comment
I would love to try the Babycook but all the products look so clever...the Beaba folded drying rack would save my currently cluttered counter.
Posted by: RookieMom Heather | October 1, 2011 11:30 AM | Reply to this comment
love to try the beaba babycook
Posted by: tracy davis | October 1, 2011 11:57 AM | Reply to this comment
The Bib'secondes bottle warmer looks handy! I would LOVE to win the babycook because my daughter is due in December. Thanks for the giveaway!!!
Posted by: Kristin B. | October 1, 2011 12:37 PM | Reply to this comment
I wanna try the svan bouncer!
Posted by: Melanie | October 1, 2011 1:17 PM | Reply to this comment
I would like to try the Cariboo toddler bed.
Posted by: Elizabeth K | October 1, 2011 1:37 PM | Reply to this comment
I would also love to try the Micralite FastFold Superlite Stroller. It looks so cool and modern but still very functional!
Posted by: Jessica | October 1, 2011 2:07 PM | Reply to this comment
I like the Svan bouncer too!
Posted by: Erica C. | October 1, 2011 3:14 PM | Reply to this comment
i love the Micralite Toro Newborn System
Posted by: kathy pease | October 1, 2011 7:41 PM | Reply to this comment
I would also love to have the pixie night light sweepmorey a t gmail dot com
Posted by: Jammie | October 1, 2011 8:58 PM | Reply to this comment
Would love to try the Bib 'Secondes.
Posted by: Samantha | October 2, 2011 12:39 AM | Reply to this comment
I love the Anka Mini Furniture
Posted by: Anastasia | October 2, 2011 1:06 AM | Reply to this comment
I love the Svan Youth Chair!
Posted by: Janette | October 2, 2011 1:30 AM | Reply to this comment
I would like to try the bottle drying rack.
Lyndsey.Rullman at hotmail dot com
Posted by: Lyndsey R. | October 2, 2011 10:44 AM | Reply to this comment
i'd love to try the Svan Bouncer, what a great design! Thanks for the giveaway, this looks amazing!
kconklin1028@gmail.com
Posted by: Kellie Conklin | October 2, 2011 2:36 PM | Reply to this comment
I would love to try the Beaba baby food maker
Posted by: Sharon Weatherspoon | October 2, 2011 2:38 PM | Reply to this comment
I'd love to have the Beaba Babycook
Posted by: JoAnn F. | October 2, 2011 2:39 PM | Reply to this comment
I would love to try the líllébaby! Thank you!
Posted by: Sonya | October 2, 2011 3:25 PM | Reply to this comment
I like the Svan Bouncer
Posted by: Breanne | October 2, 2011 4:14 PM | Reply to this comment
I could use the líllébaby™ Accesories - Yucky Stuff™ Bag
Posted by: sarah | October 2, 2011 5:10 PM | Reply to this comment
i love the fastfold superlite stroller, clallen at ntin dot net
Posted by: crystal l allen | October 2, 2011 5:43 PM | Reply to this comment
I would love to have the swan bouncer!!1
Posted by: Derly Foerste | October 2, 2011 6:21 PM | Reply to this comment
I'd like the Svan High Chair
Posted by: Chloe | October 2, 2011 7:25 PM | Reply to this comment
I'd love to try the Svan bouncer! looks cool!
Posted by: Valerie | October 2, 2011 7:34 PM | Reply to this comment
like the Svan bouncer
Posted by: Christine | October 2, 2011 8:55 PM | Reply to this comment
I would love to try the Beaba Babycook, thanks
Posted by: Angela Winesburg | October 2, 2011 8:56 PM | Reply to this comment
The Svan Bouncer looks cool and streamlined.
Posted by: Brandy B | October 2, 2011 9:57 PM | Reply to this comment
like svan youth chair ty
Posted by: vivian | October 2, 2011 10:39 PM | Reply to this comment
So many awesome products! but I really love the beaba babycook!
Posted by: caitlin | October 2, 2011 10:45 PM | Reply to this comment
I also like the Svan bouncer seat
Posted by: Christina | October 2, 2011 10:58 PM | Reply to this comment
I would love to try the Cariboo Folding Bassinet.
Posted by: Sand | October 2, 2011 11:00 PM | Reply to this comment
I like the pixie nightlight.
Thanks for the chance.
mogrill12@gmail.com
Posted by: Monique Rizzo | October 2, 2011 11:19 PM | Reply to this comment
Thanks for the great contest!
bahjeep@aol.com
Posted by: Barbara Hunt | October 2, 2011 11:48 PM | Reply to this comment