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Feedback for Cow & Gate Friends
18/03/2015 18:17
This is where you can leave your feedback for the Cow & Gate Friends Mum Say Trial - we can't wait to hear how you got on.
 
1 post
Feedback for Cow & Gate Friends
07/04/2015 14:51
I am a mum of three who is very familiar with the Cow & Gate brand as I have used the formula milk for all my children and have used the C&G food when weaning the other two and was very pleased to be chosen to try out the new C&G Friends range. The introduction of vegetables is very important to me and find it is a good head start for years to follow. I already started weaning my lo four weeks before starting this trial so my lo already had tried different combinations of vegetables and fruit but this was a new experience for both him and me as we didnt try single vegetables before. When I received the products I was impressed with the packaging and also thought it was a nice idea to name the vegetables on the back of the pouch. So I started my trial on the 25th March and this is my review.
Day 1 - Started with Bella Broccoli - First impression was the strong smell of the broccoli and my instant reaction was that there was nothing else except broccoli and water. I did find it was a little lumpy and watery but when stirred up it was fine - so tried it on my lo. First spoonful he wasn’t sure but after a few spoonfuls he soon finished the pouch.
Day 2 - Chris Cauliflower’s turn - Again same with Broccoli the cauliflower had the strong smell but not as strong as broccoli - now this didn’t go down as well as the broccoli there was a lot of spitting it out but eventually after about five minutes he did finish it.
Day 3 - Claire Carrott - My little boy really loved the taste of this - it tasted a little sweeter than the other two.
Day 4 - Peter Pea - I tried him with several spoons of this and he didn't seem to like it at all. So I didn’t push him and thought I would try again in a few days. The consistency of the peas was very mushy like and thicker.
Days 5 - 8 I kept the routine going but I he started to spit out a lot of the vegetables. So I decided to mix them a little so I tried him with the carrot and peas together and he took more of that and the next day I tried him with the broccoli and cauliflower together, be was not sure of this combination.
Overall I think the trial was a success but I think they work best mixing two together as I think some of the vegetables are a bit strong on their own

Hope you enjoy my review
2 posts
Feedback for Cow & Gate Friends
07/04/2015 23:19
i promised myself on this baby, I'd be more adventurous while weaning. I wasn't on my first boy and now age 3, I'm still having problems with him eating his meals. So my with my 2nd child, my little girl, I was delighted to try the new Cow and Gate Friends range. I liked the packaging but did find I needed a sissors as the slit did not always open the pack. I would have liked a resealabe pouch as well for out and about meals. But at 10 months old, she got off to a great start with the Carrot, Lentils and Pork. She didn't eat it all, but it would be more than she was used to as I hadn't moved on past the 7 month old food as yet. I tried the Peas, Sole and potatoe next, same reaction, loved it. The Cauliflour, potatoe and beef is the one we are still struggling with. I must say I think it defiantly tastes and smells the strongest so that may be it. We are using the repeat routine to see if she gets used to it. Lastly was the broccoli cheese and pasta, she seemed to love the pasta. Delighted with the results so far. I'll update you again next week to see if it continues this well
4 posts
Feedback for Cow & Gate Friends
08/04/2015 15:55
As a new mum, I have often felt pressurised about the choices I make for my little one - particularly with her feeding. When my little one was 3 weeks old I started her on Cow & Gate formula and never looked back - it is amazing!
As the time was approaching to start thinking about introducing solids, I wasn't sure where to start and so was super excited when I seen the opportunity to trial the products with MummyPages.

We were testing the "My First Spoon" range, immediately I loved the convenience of the packaging and the size. They are the perfect size, as when we started - my little one struggled to finish a full packet which meant I was able to re-seal and keep for the following day.
We started with Peter Pea, after a little hesitation/nervousness (from both mum and baby) we finally got the hang of it and she just loved it. We didn't use the full pack this day but I was able to use the next day.

There were days when we struggled with the packs, but I found that by following the technique of "Start, very and repeat"we got around it. When it came to the Broccoli - she just was not that taken with it, I found that by mixing a pouch with another really worked. I tried mixing broccoli with carrot was a great success and one which she really enjoyed.

The texture of the pouches was perfect for starting my little one off on solids.
I loved the fact there was nothing added, except water. This really gives you peace of mind particularly if you don't have time to make your own.

I also really like the guidelines on the back of the packaging telling you what to your baby at 6 months etc - so you know to up the portion size and add meat.
Both mum and baby really loved this product, I will definetly be stocking up on the 6months plus range in the coming weeks.

Thank you for this great opportunity to test the Cow & Gate Friends range! Smiling
12 posts
Feedback for Cow & Gate Friends
08/04/2015 16:40
I have second child, so I’m familiar with Cow & Gate brand. I heard of Cow & Gate friends new range of savoury vegetables pouches before this trial. It is very important for me to introduce vegetables to my childrens diet.I bought new Cow & Gate range before this trial. I tried Carrot, Peas and Broccoli at the very beginning of weaning. I love that the new pouches are filled only with vegetables, water and nothing else. Also, I like the convenient packaging, small, easy opening pouches, perfect for out and about. I followed the 'Start vary and repeat' approach, my baby accepted new tastes after 3-4 times. Best reaction was to Peas, Sweetcorn and Potatoes.I will buy these new products, they are convenient on the go. Especially, when it’s summer time.I would like to create pouches filled with carrots, broccoli and potatoes, or carrots, peas, sweetcorn and green beans.It was more convenient the packages of first stage pouches, than the ones that I tried from 6 months. My baby couldn’t finish it even in two days, so I needed to waste them.Overall I think the trial was a success , it made weaning so much easier. Thank you!
Feedback for Cow & Gate Friends
10/04/2015 13:44
Hi,

I have tried these new pouches on our second child. I am very familiar with Cow & Gate brand and their products. I have used their formulas, cereals and jars for my 1st and second.

I haven't heard of Cow & Gates friends new range until I saw there was a trial and was chosen to try them out which I was very excited to do as I am very happy with all their products they offer.

Introducing vegetables to my kids is very important, with my first I mainly cooked and pureed myself. This became quiet tiring as he was and still is a very fussy eater so I always had to make few different meals and hoped he ate any one of them. With my second it became even more difficult with my toddler around as I had no time to prepare.

I think knowing what I know now that if I ever have another baby I would be more incline to introduce vegetables first and more often.

These pouches are awesome! Not only are they soft, durable, easy to use and reuse package but also the main ingredients which I found no hidden fruits to sweeten the taste.

Before I started this trial my baby had a taste for most things but mostly fruits mixed as it was easier and I knew she would eat it. When I started the trial, it was a little difficult, she did not take straight away the new flavour and texture. I did mix her milk with the pouches and she did take to that but not loads. I carried on a few times a day and found she starting to like it more and more. Her favourite out of the three that we tested was the cauliflower, cheese & pasta. Her second best was the carrot, tomato, beef & pasta and the last which she is having much difficulty liking is the peas, potato and cod. This one she very much dislikes and refuses to eat. I think she does not like the bland flavour and also the texture is too thick and dry. I have tried giving to my toddler and he too will not have it.

I love the packaging, its friendly, happy, and shows what is inside.

If I could create a new flavour it would be sweet potato, beef and broccoli.


I would definitely buy Cow & Gate friends new range as a result of this trial and we will try keep up with the introducing more vegetables than fruits in our baby and toddler's diet.
Thank you again mummypages for choosing us to try out this fantastic new product and hope that this has been useful to someone who is looking to learn more and try out. Thank you Smiling
8 posts
Feedback for Cow & Gate Friends
10/04/2015 14:06
I was so excited to try these products. I wasn’t sure where to start with solid foods for my little fella, there is just so much choice out there now.
However when I heard about these products and that they were purely vegetables with no hidden fruit I could not wait to try them with Tom. Our first try was not a great success, it just took him some time to get the hang of the solid foods and the new flavours. We tried Brocolli first, and he really didn’t seem to enjoy it. As it was our first try, I didn’t force it and just continued with the bottle feed.
Day 2 and we tried again with Carrots today, and he seemed to enjoy it a little more. It was still a little struggle at the start, be he soon got the hang of it. We didn’t use the full pack today, and it was so handy that we could reseal the pouch to use again. As the days continued, he quickly got used to the solids and was finishing a full pouch in no-time. We varied the pouches each day, and some days we even mixed two pouches together which also seemed to be a great success, particularly the peas and carrots mixed.
We really enjoyed this trial, particularly Tom! I have already added the Cow & Gate Friends pouches to my shopping list. I have also picked up some of the next range for 6 months+, so we are good to go with the next stage.

Great product, great trial. Thanks for choosing us! :-)
10 posts
Feedback for Cow & Gate Friends
10/04/2015 20:48
I'm a mum of two - 3 year old who I only fed homemade meals prepared by yours truly - unfortunately she now will still only eat foods that I prepared. I also have an 8 month old who I was determined to feed everything to.
I have heard of Cow & Gate brand and use many of their products. I hadn't heard of the Cow & Gate friends range before the trial.
I didn't start weaning my daughter til she was 6 months and yes I feel it is important to introduce vegetables. I started with baby rice then pear and then sweet potato and carrot.
I got the 7+ explorer range - I really liked the packaging and so did my 3 year old she loved stacking them in the self and choosing with one to give to Millie.
I like the way it was in a screw top pouch and could be stored in the fridge for 24 hours after it's been opened.
We started with carrot, tomato, beef & pasta one - there is a too much in the pouch for 1 serving so it's good that you can reseal for the next day. My daughter took to it straight away and had no trouble managing the little bits of pasta.
We tried to give her a new flavour every other day and by the end of the trial I could see she had clear favourites.
I like the way it introduces babies to rice and pastas. I would like to see one with noodles, chicken, tomato and peppers.
I would definitely buy these pouches as I thought they were brilliant for when you're on the go - especially in this warm weather I brought them along to our picnics.
Thank you for the opportunity to trial these products.
 

 
4 posts
Feedback for Cow & Gate Friends
12/04/2015 08:50
I received the Cow & Gate savoury pouches for 10month +. We had started weaning our daughter from 17weeks in order to relieve her reflux. We have progressed from smooth purées, to more textured purées, to mash and now some finger foods that she can feed herself. I found the texture of these pouches very smooth for a 10month old. The contents are quite puréed with only either cubes of potato or carrot adding texture. I've had to mash the cubes to add texture to the purée.
I do like the idea of savoury pouches that do not contain fruit but I feel the 10 month range would be more suitable for 7month onwards. My daughter didn't enjoy the cauliflower, potato & beef flavour but liked the carrot, lentils & pork best. I would recommend the range to other mothers but would suggest buying a pouch of both the 7month and 10month range to see which is more suited to your baby, not necessarily wait until 10 months.
2 posts
Feedback for Cow & Gate Friends
13/04/2015 21:30
I was very pleased to be chosen for the Cow and Gate friends trial. I had begun the weaning process with my son a couple of weeks before the trial so he was used to eating his meals from a spoon. Upon receiving my package in the post I was impressed with the packaging. Like all Cow and Gate products they were colourful and pleasing to look at. I began the trial by offering the pea pouch. I found that the puree was very thick and I had to add a lot of cooled boiled water to get the consistency right. I then tried the brocolli and cauliflower and carrot. My son's favourite was the carrot. At first he was hesitant (as he had already tasted carrots I would have prepared for him) but quickly finished the pouch. The brocolli and cauliflower took a few attempts but we got there. I found that my son preferred to have the purees mixed so I began mixing them with sweet potato to create new meals.
I have found the trial very interesting and my son enjoyed the new tastes. I would be inclined to buy these pouches as they are very handy to mix with other vegetables and for out and about.
1 post
Feedback for Cow & Gate Friends
14/04/2015 10:42
I am quite familiar with the cow and gate brand and although I generally cook Harry's dinners and lunches from scratch it is very handy to have a pouch to hand for emergencies or lazy days! I had not heard of the savoury pouches until this trial.
Having a healthy and nutritional diet is very important to me for Harry. As stated above, I always generally cook all of Harry's meals from scratch so I know exactly what he is getting. When I initially started weaning, I was mindful to try veg first before fruit, so that Harry would hopefully avoid having a sweet tooth!
my overall impression of the packaging was very positive. I like the fact that they are pouches as they are easy and compact for when you are out and about. They were very easy to open also. Ingredients were clearly stated on each pouch.
I think the variety of flavours are great, with a choice of vegetarian (pasta cheese and brocolli), fish (sole with peas and potato), pork (with carrot and lentils) and beef (with cauliflower and potato).
A new flavour I might suggest would be a chicken based pouch, to ensure all forms of meat are introduced.

Harry is a great eater so I had little or no worry as to whether he would like them or not! Right enough, Harry gobbled up each one. I think his favourite was the pasta cheese and broccoli pouch.

My only negative comment would be that the foods were very puréed with little or no lumps, which would be more suitable for younger babies. Maybe a lumper consistency would of been better.
Overall, I would buy there's products again, but probably only for back ups if I am out or run out of homemade meals.
11 posts
Feedback for Cow & Gate Friends
14/04/2015 17:41
We began weaning our little one when she was 4 months old, and we had great success. However, like many others, we struggled hugely when it came to introducing the veggies – she was just not interested at all and much preferred the sweet flavours of the fruits. I did persist as the introduction of flavours and foods (particularly vegetables) is just so important; but it was always a struggle.
I was looking forward to trying these pouches as they had a great mix of flavours and contained no fruits or additives. I was a little worried we might face resistance but I was really pleasantly surprised. We started with brocolli, cheese and pasta and although at first she wasn’t so keen, as we persisted – she soon became to enjoy it. I was so delighted (and relieved) as she was finally eating and enjoying vegatables as part of her diet. I wasn’t sure about how the introducion of the beef pouch would go, as beef is something I would not eat myself or cook at all. I couldn’t get over how much she enjoyed it!
I really can’t believe how much she enjoyed these pouches, when I struggled so much previously with vegetables. I think the great mix of veg and meat, and the combinations available really helped and seem to disguise the flavour. I look forward to trying the 10 months range and will definetly be buying this products going forward.
1 post
Feedback for Cow & Gate Friends
15/04/2015 20:57
I have now finished my trial with my 11 month old. I was aware of this new range after seeing it in the supermarket but hadn't tried any. Getting my little one to eat veg is really important to me- especially as I struggle with my 3 yr old on a daily basis!! I usually make me own veg mixes but I must admit to usually adding a little apple or pear to help with the taste.
The trial had mixed results- most successful was the carrott lentil and pork- both my little boy and I felt this tasted nicest- he seemed to have more issues with texture than taste I think. He has had finger food since 7 months and I think he likes to have control of lumpy food rather than it being on a spoon.
Pea and fish and broccolli and pasta varieties faired ok- both being spat out after a few mouthfuls but he refused to eat the potato, cauliflour and beef- it smelt too strong and tasted very watery.
I would be interested to try sweet potato or red pepper options. I also found there was a lot in each pouch and as a result, a good bit went to waste which was a shame.
5 posts
Feedback for Cow & Gate Friends
16/04/2015 19:27
We had decided that we were going to do a mixture of baby led weaning and spoon feeding with our six month old daughter. Initially we had decided we would spoon feed breakfast ( porridge) , however as I got the opportunity to trial cow and gate friends we decided dinner would be spoonfed.

I had not heard of cow and gates new range prior to receiving the samples. The pouches were bright and colourful and very eye catching. Like most parents I was anxious to introduce a good range of vegetables early on. The pouches made this very easy.

On the first day I tried the cauliflower potato and cheese. She didn't really like it. I tried again in five days and added ground black pepper and she loved it.
I tried the chicken , broccoli and potato on the second day. This was a big hit. She kept taking the spoon from my hand and trying to feed herself.

Carrot, potato and beef was hoovered down whilst peas, sweet corn and potato was such a big hit she moaned if you didn't bring the spoon to her quickly enough.

If I were to introduce a new flavour it would be chicken with pesto and pasta. I think kids like bold flavours and this should be encouraged.

I will definitely be keeping some pouches in the fridge for use.
2 posts
Feedback for Cow & Gate Friends
17/04/2015 11:08
I was delighted to receive the cow and gate pouches. We tried them for 14days.

Grace really enjoyed the beef and tomato one the best.

I found them very handy to have while you are on the go as they are easy to carry and lighter than a jar. I usually used half a pouch and then stored the rest in the fridge for later or for the next day. You can refrigerate it for up to 24hrs. I warmed it in a small dish before serving as it tasted and smelt better.

I found the consistency of the pouches varied which was good for anyone starting to wean. I would like to see a salmon , vegetable and potato dish to try.

I would definitely purchase these pouches again and I also recommend them as there are different stages available for various age groups.

Overall I think the trial was a huge success..
5 posts
Feedback for Cow & Gate Friends
18/04/2015 13:43
I am a new mum of 1. I had been getting so much different and varied advice on what food I should be giving my little man and just felt a little over-whelmed by it all. I was delighted when I seen opportunity to trial the new Cow and Gate Friends pouches. The pouches arrived right on time, as I was planning on starting him on solids the following week. Immediately I loved the packaging of the pouches - they were the perfect size, and the resealable lid meant that if we didn't use the entire pouch the first time around - we could use it at another mealtime. On reading the packaging - it was really amazing that there are no additives in the pouches. We started with the carrot pouch and I couldn't get over how much my little fella really enjoyed it. It was so exciting and re-assuring that he enjoyed it so much. Next day, we tried the peas and again this was a great hit. The only pouch which he didn't seem to enjoy was the cauliflower pouch - but he still got half-way through it. (Having read other comments here though, I am going to try mixing it with carrots perhaps and see if it helps!) It was so great to have the opportunity to test these products - my little guy really really enjoyed them - and I had peace of mind knowing that what he was eating was good food with no additives.
I will definitely be trying the "Discoverer" range in months time! :-)


Thanks again for the opportunity to trial these products - they were a real hit and now feature on our weekly shopping list.

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