We’ve recently started weaning and I think maybe I’ve actually had too much information on the whole thing, if that makes sense! I seem to have ended up with a list as long as my arm of kitchen items I now “need” when (as I’ve mentioned) I’m trying to de-clutter my life, not fill it with yet more bumpf.

I have a very complicated food processor. It does the job but it’s sodding annoying – to put together, to take apart….to clean. I am very much in the market to buy a new one, it an ideal world it would be good for me and general cooking/baking requirements AND for quickly blending up Mabel’s meals. Most of my NCT friends have suggested a hand blender is easier for the small people’s requirements but then I’ve also heard that the Avent Babyfood Steamer and Blender is super duper. Not sure it would be very useful for whipping up a storm in the general kitchen though?

In every magazine I read (which is um…all of them) I hear about this Vitamix doo dah over and over again, it seems to be the choice of healthy eating types the world over to create the perfect soup/fruity shake with… kale. It looks like a regular smoothie maker to me but yet it’s £450 (!) and the one I’ve linked to, which is £150 more, must literally make you stuff from scratch via remote control and put it into a dish for you itself or something…. £600?! for a blender?!

On a serious note, if it really is THAT spectacular and I’m going to use it most days for the next 7 years (it boasts that length of guarantee) then I would consider it. Price per use/worthwhile investment and all that.

Do you have a vitamix? Know anyone that does? Are they worth it?

As many Mama’s do, I’m planning on batch cooking Mabel’s meals for the week and freezing them. I’m told the silicone muffin cases are great for this portion size wise? So far I just have a couple of pink pots with lids and matching spoons as we’ve only just started the weaning process but I do need to buy some other bits and bobs fairly sharpish.

In terms of convenience for trips out I’m assuming Ella’s Kitchen are hard to beat? perhaps as I’m new to this entire world I’ve been ridiculously impressed that you can essentially purchase completely organic pouches with no preservatives or nasties. I’m not planning on using them frequently – it would work out expensive for a start, but Mabel is very fond of the pear…. Do you folk use Ella’s Kitchen? are there any other brands you would recommend?

Thanks so much for all of your highchair recommendations, I have bought the Ikea Antilop for Mabel’s grandparents house and we are currently considering whether to buy another one for us or the Bjorn model, I’m thinking the latter as it does appear to be that bit more sturdy.