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Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Kidco BabySteps 123 Natural Feeding System Review and Giveaway - CLOSED



About a month ago now, we decided (along with Rosemary’s Pediatrician) to make the big girl leap up to solids! She was just over 5 months, pretty tiny and still having trouble with gaining weight. Every Pediatrician is different, but we went with what her Pediatrician thought was best for her. Please consult with your child’s Pediatrician before beginning any new diet with your child.

We first started with oatmeal and after two weeks of that Rosemary started veggies! Now my personal decision was to make my own food for her as I’ve heard it’s cheaper and some babies find it even a bit tastier as well. I was given the opportunity to make my own food using Kidco’s BabySteps 123 Natural Feeding System and was very excited about making Rosemary’s first veggies and fruits. I’ve been using the Feeding System for about three weeks now and I’m of course going to share my journey with my readers!

Kidco was formed in 1992 specializing in child, pet and hearth safety gates. Today, they have branched out to make even more advanced safety gates, a variety of home safety products for baby proofing, bed rails, Peapods (travel beds for infants and children), and BabySteps 123 Natural Feeding System.


(How I received the Natural Feeding System - nice and boxed up)

The Kidco Natural Feeding System consists of three parts, hence the BabySteps 123. The first part is preparation. This includes simple to use anywhere, non electric Food Mill and then the Electric Food Mill which needs to be plugged in to use. The second part is storage. The Feeding System comes with two freezer trays which are divided up into 7, 2 oz sections along with a locking lid preventing spills. The third part is feeding. An included spoon, lid, and feeding dish which has three sections preventing mixing of foods and this is especially great for on the go. When I received the Natural Feeding System from Kidco and it included the food mill, a carrying case for the food mill, electric food mill, BabySteps 123 handbook to preparing healthy baby food, two freezer trays and the Feeding Dish. I really liked how it came packaged as all of the parts come in nice boxes for individual storing if I wanted.

The Handbook consists of an introduction to making homemade food, instructions on preparation, storage and feeding baby, food suggestions and recipes, and some pages to keep a feeding diary. I found this book to be very helpful. Rosemary’s pediatrician gave us a small handout on what foods to start with, but that was pretty much it. I really liked all the recipes listed for different fruits, vegetables, and even some full meals. I’ve only made four vegetables so far, but I look forward to using the other helpful tips on purees this book has to offer. I followed this book, but only did the veggies that my daughter’s pediatrician Okayed for her age of five to six months. From what I read, it was pretty similar to what her doctor recommended, but when it comes to her health and nutrition I always do as the pediatrician says first. The book even says to consult with your child’s doctor along with using the book.

I’m not going to go too into the recipes as that would take up a lot of room and people may or may not already have some they want to use either from a parent or another site, but I found these recipes to be easy and Rosemary seemed to think they were tasty!


(Food Mill)

We did sweet potatoes first and per the book it recommends using the non electric food mill for these. The food mill I have a mixed review on. The food mill consists of the mill body, the cutter, handle, a spoon and a nice carrier. It has simple instructions and was easy to assemble. It took a few rounds for me to figure out how much water to add to the potatoes to get the right consistency, but it was overall very easy to use. I did make a little mess with the mill. It was the water that made the mess, which is why I probably won’t be bringing it on the go until we’re onto not adding the water to purees. It’s fairly easy when cranking the handle to go a little too fast and the water can splash out. The only negative thing I have to say is that I found it difficult to get the handle/crank locked into place and undone when adding more vegetables and water for the next rounds of potatoes. I had to use a toothpick to help me turn the crank into place. I couldn’t get this to do it without making more of a mess unfortunately and it caused water to splash all over. I’m not sure if there’s a trick to getting the crank locked in and out better, but I had difficulty with this. Once Rosemary is on to not even needing water added, this will be fairly mess free in my opinion. This was very easy to clean as I just rinsed and put all parts in the top rack of the dishwasher.


(Electric Food Mill before and after blending. Note how the center comes out for easier access of the pureed veggies.)

For the rest of the vegetables I’ve made (squash, carrots, and zucchini), I have used the electric food mill. I have nothing but great things to say about this mill. It’s so easy to assemble, as soon as you add the top (the motor) it turns on, so it’s really easy to work, and also extremely easy to clean. The electric mill consists of the base, the two cup bowl, the blade, the blending attachment, the lid and then the motor. Like the first mill, very simple to put together and easy to use. For all the food I just left the blending attachment on as Rosemary is just beginning to eat solids and I wanted it fairly smooth for her still. As she begins to eat more lumpy foods, I may leave it off for a thicker consistency. All you do is add the food and add the lid and motor and after a few seconds of blending, the food is ready. Very fast and easy as well as zero mess. One of my favorite parts about this mill is that the blade comes right out of the bowl so you can easily get out all of the food with little waste. If I had used a regular blender, this isn’t the case and I’d be digging around trying to get the food to come out. I really like this feature of the mill. Cleanup after was extremely fast with this too. I rinsed the mill quickly and then put it in the top rack of my dishwasher. For carrots, I hand washed as carrots stain everything I’ve found. The only part that’s unable to go in the dishwasher was the motor and that didn’t get dirty at all. This mill is my favorite and I’m sure when I’m home making food, this will be my go to mill as it’s less mess and faster than the non electric mill.

The storage trays I also love! I used both the included storage trays and regular ice cube trays just so I could compare the two. The storage trays that come with are so much more convenient and easier to use as well. With the ice cube trays I filled it up and covered with both saran wrap and foil as I wanted to keep the food from spilling or things for getting in. The storage trays have a very easy to use lid that locks into place so I didn’t have to waste the saran wrap or foil or worry about spills. After the food was frozen and I went to get the food out, the storage trays won hands down when it comes to ease of getting it out. The ice cube trays were very hard to get all of the pieces out and took me several minutes of twisting and turning them to convince the pieces to come out. The storage trays I maybe had to do it for a minute. Since there’s only two of these included in the feeding system, I’m actually planning to go and buy another set of two of these trays so I can make more food at once.

The feeding dish is nice as well. I mostly used it to bring food out with us so it didn’t blend with Rosemary’s oatmeal. The locking lid didn’t allow any blending, so I was happy with the way it traveled. What’s really nice about it is that the storage tray sections and the dish sections are the same size so I could just add it to the dish and it fit perfectly to thaw. This is also dishwasher safe and cleaned very well.

Overall, I have had a very good experience with BabySteps 123 and look forward to continue to making Rosemary’s food with it! My only complaint was with the crank/handle on the food mill, and that surely isn’t enough for me to not recommend buying this system. I found it very easy to assemble, to use, and to clean.

If you currently make your own baby food or are interested in starting, this is a great product for you! The price of this feeding system at my local Buy Buy Baby is $64.99 but it may vary depending on where you purchase. I think this is a great deal for everything you receive with this feeding system. If you aren’t interested in the whole feeding system, the separate parts are also available for individual purchase. You can check out Kidco’s website here to find out where to purchase either online or in a store near you.

(Home made sweet potatoes were a hit! So unhappy when they're are all gone!)

If you’d like to get this whole feeding system for free, Kidco has generously offered one of my readers the entire BabySteps 123 Natural Feeding System I received!

Main Entry – To be eligible to win the Natural Feeding System from Kidco, you must go to the Kidco website and return here telling me a fact about another product you'd love to check out from Kidco and why (other than the feeding system). That’s it. Leave that in a comment along with your email so I may contact you if you’re the winner.

Extra Entries – These entries are not mandatory, but are for those readers that wish to increase the chances of them winning the BabySteps 123 System. You must do the Main Entry first before these extra entries to be eligible to win. Remember to leave a separate comment for any and all entries and to leave an email address so I can contact you.

1. Follow my blog publicly via Google Connect (over on the right side bar). You must follow publicly in order for this to count. Current followers just have to write that you already follow me. (2 entries, leave two separate comments for this one) Please let me know what email and name you are following under.

2. Follow me on twitter

3. Tweet about this giveaway. Please leave a URL where I can check that you tweeted. This can be done once a day to earn many extra entries. Leave a URL for every tweet please. Copy and paste the following tweet:
"Enter to #win a Kidco BabySteps 123 Natural Feeding System over at @AMamaStorkKnows http://bit.ly/a8AWA6 #giveaway RT"

4. Blog about this giveaway. Please leave a direct URL to the blog entry. (2 entries, leave two separate comments)

5. Join my blogfrog community and comment in the forum.

Giveaway is open to entrants in the U.S. and Canada only, and ends on May 13, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. A comment number will be drawn at random from random.org. Winner will be contacted by email and have 48 hours to respond. If I don't hear back, another winner will be selected.


I was provided with this product free of charge by the highlighted company and/or its PR agency in order to test the product first hand and to provide you with my personal opinion on it. The opinions I have provided are mine and mine alone. I am in no way required to write a positive review and my review was not influenced in any way by monetary means. Please investigate before any and all purchases as I am not liable nor responsible for any losses or damages you may incur. Please read my Terms of Use before entering this contest.

81 comments:

  1. I have been DYING to buy the Kidco Peapod for our camping trips this summer.

    changingtheuniverse at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  2. already follow you on twitter!

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  3. I want to check out the Kidco Peapod as well - I love that it has UV protection.

    info@sugarplumtreasures.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. I already follow your blog

    info@sugarplumtreasures.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I already follow you on twitter

    info@sugarplumtreasures.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I tweeted - not sure how to give you a URL to prove it though.

    info@sugarplumtreasures.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. I blogged - www.sugarplumtreasures.com/index.php/2010/04/solids-maybe/
    entry 1

    info@sugarplumtreasures.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. I blogged - www.sugarplumtreasures.com/index.php/2010/04/solids-maybe/
    entry 2

    info@sugarplumtreasures.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love their CareRails-Rail Mount Kit!
    Thanks!

    sdakin105 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I follow you on Twitter as @sdakin105.
    sdakin105 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  11. I follow you on GFC, entry # 1
    sdakin105 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  12. I follow you on GFC, entry #2
    sdakin105 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  13. My SIL has the PeaPod and I would love to have it for overnight trips.
    badktty007@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. I already follow you with GFC -mommy2chazz
    badktty007@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. I follow on Twitter @mommy2chazz
    badktty@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Following you already
    entry 2

    info@sugarplumtreasures.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. I would like to check out the Peapod, because right now I've had to bring over and set up our pack n play if the baby is being babysat at someone's house. My email is nycalisonxoxo@aol.com :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. The Kidco peapod looks neat! Wonderful for traveling this summer!
    Megan, mkedwards_68 at yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. I am a follower. #1, mkedwards_68 at yahoo.com. Following as Megan

    ReplyDelete
  20. I am a follower of your great blog! #2, mkedwards_68 at yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. I would like to try the Hardware Mount Gates whenever I move in May because I will have stairs in my new house, so that will be helpful when my little one becomes mobile!

    ReplyDelete
  22. I am following your blog now.

    My name is Lauren and the e-mail address is throneofthornes@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. I follow your blog. Lauren, throneofthornes@gmail.com

    Entry 2

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  24. I am following you on twitter. My name is laurenrthorne.

    ReplyDelete
  25. I tweeted about the giveaway.

    http://twitter.com/laurenrthorne

    ReplyDelete
  26. I blogged about the giveaway:

    http://throneofthornes.blogspot.com/2010/04/blog-giveaway.html

    ReplyDelete
  27. I blogged about the giveaway:

    http://throneofthornes.blogspot.com/2010/04/blog-giveaway.html

    Entry 2

    ReplyDelete
  28. You will need baby gates for a variety of reasons, block steps, doorways, fire places- I didn't even think about all of these!

    suparstarz714 ataol.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. I follow your blog publicly (mommy jessica)

    suparstarz714 ataol.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. I follow you on twitter :-) @moneysavingjess

    ReplyDelete
  31. I'd love to check out the peapod to see if that is more convenient for travel (versus taking a pack n play).

    ReplyDelete
  32. I would want to try out the Hearth Gate, we have 2 wood stoves in our home, so when she starts getting mobile, we need to protect her.

    ReplyDelete
  33. I blogged about this giveaway Comment #1 http://bandrplus1.blogspot.com/2010/04/baby-food-system-giveaway.html

    rachel.hawkins@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. I blogged about this giveaway comment #2
    http://bandrplus1.blogspot.com/2010/04/baby-food-system-giveaway.html

    rachel.hawkins@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. I'm following your blog Comment #1
    Follower name is Rachel.hawkins
    e-mail is rachel.hawkins@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. I'm following your blog Comment #2
    Follower name is Rachel.hawkins
    e-mail is rachel.hawkins@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  38. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  39. So after commenting, then realizing I did it wrong, commenting again and deleting I really hope I haven't mucked up your # of comments :S Sorry! Now, getting back to business!

    I'd love to check out the peapod, which I've had a look at before online. DD likes to sleep in bed-like places, so napping at the park this summer is going to prove challenging.

    ReplyDelete
  40. I follow you
    my3adorablekids@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  41. I follow on twitter!
    my3adorablekids@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. I twittered
    @my3adorablekids
    my3adorablekids@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. I would love to have the Kidco peapod - looks like fum for camping!

    info@sugarplumtreasures.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. I follow your blog
    entry 1

    info@sugarplumtreasures.com

    ReplyDelete
  45. I follow your blog
    entry 2

    info@sugarplumtreasures.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. I follow on twitter


    info@sugarplumtreasures.com

    ReplyDelete
  47. I blogged - www.sugarplumtreasures.com/index.php/2010/04/solids-maybe/

    entry 1

    info@sugarplumtreasures.com

    ReplyDelete
  48. I blogged - www.sugarplumtreasures.com/index.php/2010/04/solids-maybe/

    entry 2

    info@sugarplumtreasures.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. I tweeted but don;t know ow to get you the URL

    info@sugarplumtreasures.com

    ReplyDelete
  50. I've been eyeing the peapod for some time now. A only like to sleep in "beds", so trips to the park this summer are out until I get something like this for her to nap in.
    jrnewhook at hotmail

    ReplyDelete
  51. I already follow you!
    jrnewhook at hotmail

    ReplyDelete
  52. Already follow you on twitter
    jrnewhook at hotmail

    ReplyDelete
  53. I already follow you!
    jrnewhook at hotmail
    entry 2

    ReplyDelete
  54. blogged
    jrnewhook at hotmail
    www.canadianfriendly.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  55. I'm following you on GFC!

    melissa dot e dot hillie at gmail dot com
    (longest email address ever!)

    ReplyDelete
  56. Second entry!

    melissa dot e dot hillie at gmail dot come

    ReplyDelete
  57. I would want to try out the Hearth Gate!
    transamws602(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  58. Follow you on Twitter @lilbabybootie
    transamws602(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  59. google follower
    transamws602(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  60. tweet
    http://twitter.com/lilbabybootie/status/13645648737
    transamws602(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  61. I like their playden with pad for my little grandson because it gives him a safe place to play with his toys without touching things he shouldn't.

    micaela6955 at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  62. blog follower entry 1

    micaela6955 at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  63. blog follower entry 2

    micaela6955 at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  64. your twitter follower @micaela6955

    micaela6955 at msn dot com

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  65. tweeted http://twitter.com/micaela6955/status/13700578839

    micaela6955 at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  66. tweet
    http://twitter.com/lilbabybootie/status/13759877519
    transamws602(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  67. tweet
    http://twitter.com/lilbabybootie/status/13821888544
    transamws602(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  68. The baby gates look great. Kidco was the first manufacturer of baby gates to sell in the US!

    ReplyDelete
  69. tweet
    http://twitter.com/lilbabybootie/status/13864774046
    transamws602(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  70. http://bit.ly/cmDmAN tweeted today

    ReplyDelete
  71. I already follow!
    my3adorablekids@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  72. tweeted cause i really wanna win! http://twitter.com/Sticky41284/statuses/13943047816

    ReplyDelete
  73. I already follow on twitter!
    @my3adorablekids
    my3adorablekids@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  74. I'm in your blog frog community
    my3adorablekids

    ReplyDelete
  75. http://twitter.com/lilbabybootie/status/13947867917
    transamws602(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete