The Baby Bistro Box: It’s What’s For Dinner

Posted by Mamanista on Dec 10, 2007 | 112 Comments

How to Feed a ToddlerOnce we left the realm of purees for baby, I was a bit mystified. Is this enough food? How large should the bites be? What sort of quick dishes will appeal to my little one?

Baby has always ate well, but I want to encourage her to continue enjoying her food. My usual favorite references were of little assistance. They would contain some basic information about which veggies to introduce first and remind me to check the temperature of food–but not much else.

Now I have everything I need to know about feeding my kid at my finger tips in the Toddler Bistro Box. Bistro Box Brands also carries the Baby Bistro Box–their original product. Each recipe card contains tips for safe, healthy, and yummy meals for your child. The conversational style is easy to read and understand, just like having your best friend cooking with you–if your best friend is also a nutritionist.

The recipe card format makes it easy to browse. Since each card contains interesting and important information, you’re sure to find out something new every time you look at the box.

The only caveat is there is a lot of information in the box and there is no index. With my active toddler, I have to keep the box out of her reach or the filing system is disrupted. I will probably keep the quick reference tips, recipes, and shopping list in the box and move some of the other cards into a small photo album for when I need more in-depth information.

There are some great suggestions in the box for safely enlisting your toddler as a mini sous-chef, making mealtime an enjoyable experience for all, when and how to address picky eating, and which are the best foods for growing brains and bodies.

While leafing through the cards, I received a much needed reminder: we are our children’s food role model. So, it is probably not a good thing that my 16 month old can show you where Mommy’s chocolate is. The Bistro Box covers not only what we put into their mouths, but also into their minds.

I also appreciate that most of the recipes are incredibly quick and simple–this family of entrepreneurs understands that we want to spend less time in the kitchen, and more time enjoying our own families.

Whether you are completely lost as to how to feed a toddler or just need to add to your toolbox, the Toddler Bistro Box will give you plenty of ideas.

—
WANT IT: Buy the Baby or Toddler Bistro Box and save 10% with coupon code: MWS607

WIN IT: Baby Bistro Brands is offering one lucky Mamanista reader a Toddler Bistro Box. Click HERE to visit Bistro Box Brands and leave a comment by 10 pm EST, Wednesday, December 19, letting us know which section of the Bistro Box you would turn to first (check out “The Menu”). Make sure to either leave a URL or e-mail where we can reach you or use a nickname on your comment and then let us know.

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  • Audra Marie said:

    I’d have to check out the activities first. This looks really neat and something I could definitely use for my little girl. :)

    #1 Dec 10, 2007 at 4:04 pm
  • Brit said:

    I would turn to the entrees first since I need some better ideas than the usual stuff that I feed my little 2 year old. I’m so tired of the same old thing, this would be so helpful!!!

    #2 Dec 10, 2007 at 4:16 pm
  • Danny and Michelle Zamora Family said:

    I would check the entrees first because those to me are the hardest. I would like to add some different ideas and textures of food to my list. This would be an awesome gift.

    #3 Dec 10, 2007 at 4:33 pm
  • Miranda23 said:

    This is seriously the best thing I’ve seen! For 4 months I’ve been so confused about what to give my son (while still keeping it healthy). He can’t live on chicken nuggets and raisins forever… this would be SO amazingly beneficial for us! Thank you for posting about this wonderful product.
    miranda_e19@yahoo.com

    #4 Dec 10, 2007 at 4:33 pm
  • hopingtowin said:

    I would turn to the entrees first. what a great idea!

    #5 Dec 10, 2007 at 5:20 pm
  • Amanda said:

    I would turn to desserts first. we love sweets here and anyway to amke them healthier is awesome!

    #6 Dec 10, 2007 at 5:22 pm
  • The Saunders Family said:

    i would have to check out the entrees first…it is hard to decide what things to try with a new eater!

    #7 Dec 10, 2007 at 5:24 pm
  • stephy800 said:

    Super idea!!

    #8 Dec 10, 2007 at 5:43 pm
  • sara said:

    I absolutely LOVE the idea of this! I would definitely turn to the Entrees first! I have a hard time with finding both healthy and yummy things for my sometimes picky eater! Thanks for introducing me to this great company…And the awesome chance to win this!
    sblilly14(@)yahoo(.)com

    #9 Dec 10, 2007 at 6:04 pm
  • nor_lou said:

    My girls have a sweet ttoth so Family Sweets first :)

    #10 Dec 10, 2007 at 6:52 pm
  • Naomi said:

    Taming Today’s Trends in the Toddler Bistro Box… I have a chicken nugget addict.

    #11 Dec 10, 2007 at 7:27 pm
  • windycindy said:

    Hi, My first place to check out would be the “Supplements!” Thanks,Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

    #12 Dec 10, 2007 at 7:32 pm
  • Amber Sell said:

    I would definitely flip to Desserts…Savor the Sweetness! Thanks.

    #13 Dec 10, 2007 at 7:45 pm
  • 2migirlsmom said:

    I would check out entertainment as it is hard to keep my daughter in the high chair and happy while everyone else is eating

    #14 Dec 10, 2007 at 8:13 pm
  • Carissa said:

    Entrees

    #15 Dec 10, 2007 at 8:37 pm
  • David said:

    I would turn to the entrees

    #16 Dec 10, 2007 at 8:43 pm
  • Jenna Glatzer said:

    Entrees here, too. I’m always so nervous to figure out what I can and can’t feed my sweetie, so this would help!

    #17 Dec 10, 2007 at 8:51 pm
  • vmkids said:

    yummy desserts

    #18 Dec 10, 2007 at 8:54 pm
  • pancak said:

    I would check out A La Carte first, hoping for some quick-and-easy things to combine in various ways.

    #19 Dec 10, 2007 at 9:01 pm
  • PS said:

    Loved the recipe for the Baked Veggie Crisps! Sounds like something we would all love!

    #20 Dec 10, 2007 at 9:02 pm
  • paryjeja said:

    Family Sweets

    #21 Dec 10, 2007 at 9:51 pm
  • lace said:

    I would check out the entrees first. The girls seem to only want the same things over and over. And it never involves vegetables unless it is mashed potatoes.

    #22 Dec 10, 2007 at 9:59 pm
  • Shari said:

    I would check out “Taming Todays Trends”. It seems everywhere I look sweets are bombarding me and my child! Lets find a way to get healthy snack options out there!

    #23 Dec 10, 2007 at 10:00 pm
  • Kammy said:

    Entrees. I have such a hard time getting my toddler to eat anything it would be great to have new ideas!

    #24 Dec 10, 2007 at 10:07 pm
  • Bree said:

    Entress- they are always the hardest for me!

    #25 Dec 10, 2007 at 10:21 pm
  • Travis & Jenny Kerr said:

    Dessert… definately!

    #26 Dec 10, 2007 at 10:51 pm
  • Stacey Moore said:

    I would love to check out the Family Sweets!! Thanks!!

    #27 Dec 10, 2007 at 11:34 pm
  • gabbygatorsmom said:

    I’d look in A la Carte first!
    what an awesome idea!

    #28 Dec 10, 2007 at 11:52 pm
  • Shannon said:

    What a great giveaway. I would start with the Entrees for 0-4 months. Thanks!

    #29 Dec 11, 2007 at 12:24 am
  • Meg said:

    I’d refresh my nutrition know-how in the A La Carte tab! Thanks for the giveaway! ( meg.wilson@gmail.com )

    #30 Dec 11, 2007 at 12:28 am
  • Amanda said:

    I’d have to sneak a peek at the entertainment section. It’s always a challenge to keep the boys content while I’m cooking.

    #31 Dec 11, 2007 at 12:41 am
  • maddgiggler said:

    I would be looking at the effects my eating habits have on my children. The shopping lists sound helpful too.

    #32 Dec 11, 2007 at 1:16 am
  • ellinghouse said:

    I would start with the entrees for beginners…I have a 5 month old!

    #33 Dec 11, 2007 at 1:20 am
  • Lesley V. said:

    If I was to receive the Toddler Bistro Box as the prize, the first section that I would turn to would be “Starters…Personalities and Palettes”.

    Thank you for your time, and for this wonderful offering,

    #34 Dec 11, 2007 at 1:26 am
  • Brooke P. said:

    I’d love to know about Personalities and Palettes!
    Please randomly select me!

    #35 Dec 11, 2007 at 1:28 am
  • Michelle R. said:

    desserts

    #36 Dec 11, 2007 at 1:30 am
  • Opening Pandora said:

    I think personalities and palates would be 1st up for me…

    #37 Dec 11, 2007 at 1:39 am
  • angelaandconnor at gmail.com said:

    I would love to have the toddler box and I’m intrested in taming today’s trends…

    You’ve been blogged :
    http://contestaddict.blogspot.com

    #38 Dec 11, 2007 at 2:43 am
  • heather h said:

    I would check out entrees for 1-2 year olds. My toddler is so picky these days, she hardly eats anything. Baby Bistro, I need your help!

    #39 Dec 11, 2007 at 2:57 am
  • Taryn said:

    desserts….family sweets

    For me! ;)

    #40 Dec 11, 2007 at 3:02 am
  • Andrea said:

    I would check out the entertainment section first…sounds fun!

    #41 Dec 11, 2007 at 3:07 am
  • Melissa said:

    personalities and palates would be first up for me

    #42 Dec 11, 2007 at 3:21 am
  • Ginny said:

    A la carte!

    #43 Dec 11, 2007 at 3:22 am
  • Katie said:

    I’d jump right into “Entrees” so we could get cooking.

    #44 Dec 11, 2007 at 3:51 am
  • Renae said:

    I would flip right to the entrees section! My son is SUCH a picky eater. This would help me tremendously! I always worry that he’s not getting proper nutrition. My hubby works nights, so I don’t fix big dinners for just myself and my son. I need simple meal ideas for a 16 month old. I need the help of Baby Bistro!!

    renae18[at]gmail[dot]com

    #45 Dec 11, 2007 at 4:24 am
  • jbubolz-miller said:

    The activities- love including my toddler whenever I can in meal prep

    #46 Dec 11, 2007 at 5:29 am
  • Anonymous said:

    I would check out the entertainment section first. I need new ideas to entertain the kids.

    #47 Dec 11, 2007 at 7:41 am
  • Jason and Caryn said:

    I would check out Food Safety…I guess that’s the nurse in me

    #48 Dec 11, 2007 at 8:04 am
  • sally said:

    this is great!
    definately the safety and activities as avery is everywhere

    #49 Dec 11, 2007 at 1:14 pm
  • Ryan and Vanessa said:

    Entrees, for sure. I have the sides down, but it feels like I make the same main dish over and over…

    #50 Dec 11, 2007 at 2:25 pm
  • Alexia said:

    Entrees would be my first stop…I am so sick of hot dogs, bologna and PB&J!

    #51 Dec 11, 2007 at 2:48 pm
  • Sarah said:

    I like the Desserts or the Entrees section! This meal plan box looks super!

    Thanks for the giveaway!

    sharvey at connections-etc dot net

    #52 Dec 11, 2007 at 3:24 pm
  • Nissa said:

    That’s a no brainer- desserts first! Although the entrees will soon follow, as that’s what we need help with!

    #53 Dec 11, 2007 at 3:40 pm
  • Jason said:

    I would definitely turn to the Entrees first!

    #54 Dec 11, 2007 at 4:40 pm
  • redron said:

    entrees

    #55 Dec 11, 2007 at 4:44 pm
  • Columbia Thorndale said:

    I would turn to desserts first.I love sweets and so does the rest of my family. Anyway to make them healthier is amazing!

    #56 Dec 11, 2007 at 4:51 pm
  • Cathy I. said:

    I would definitely turn to entrees first. My daughter has no trouble eating dessert!

    #57 Dec 11, 2007 at 5:35 pm
  • Shannon said:

    I would check out the entrees since I am in need of some new ideas for my daughter.

    #58 Dec 11, 2007 at 6:50 pm
  • Heather aka Mom in the Know said:

    entrees … yum!

    #59 Dec 11, 2007 at 6:50 pm
  • Shama-Lama Mama said:

    Oh, I really, really need this. We have gotten into such a rut feeding our twin toddlers the same things over and over. I would go straight to the entrees. I love the idea of not having to feed them as many processed foods as I do. Thanks for the chance to win something so helpful!

    #60 Dec 11, 2007 at 7:04 pm
  • aewalls said:

    I would love this. I get stuck on the entree. Basically, my kids get a ham and cheese sandwich or chicken nuggets if they don’t like what my husband and I are eating.

    #61 Dec 11, 2007 at 7:12 pm
  • TheAngelForever said:

    What a great idea! I would look at the entree section first and then activities.

    #62 Dec 11, 2007 at 8:53 pm
  • Laura M.- Editor said:

    I would look at Entrees- I have a picky eater so any new ideas would help!

    -Laura

    #63 Dec 11, 2007 at 9:02 pm
  • Becca said:

    I’ve been having fun making baby food for my little girl, but what’s next? I could really use te Toddler Bistro Box in a few months!

    #64 Dec 11, 2007 at 9:39 pm
  • sarah said:

    entrees

    #65 Dec 11, 2007 at 10:47 pm
  • Laura @ Laura Williams' Musings said:

    I’d head straight for the activities.

    blogged ya:
    http://laurawilliamsmusings.blogspot.com/2007/12/tuesday-edition-of-contests-galore_11.html

    #66 Dec 12, 2007 at 1:01 am
  • lisah123 said:

    Family Sweets, of course!

    #67 Dec 12, 2007 at 2:37 am
  • Anna said:

    The entrees! I am always running out of ideas for what to feed my son.

    #68 Dec 12, 2007 at 2:51 am
  • cme8397 said:

    As much as I love sweets, I would turn to the entrees first. My children, ages 3 and 5 are the pickiest eaters on the planet. I, unfortunately, am just as picky. We need some serious help.

    #69 Dec 12, 2007 at 3:51 am
  • jodi b said:

    I would check into the entrees first and then go to taming today’s trends. With a 15 year old and a 2 year old, there would be something in there I could use for both of them!

    #70 Dec 12, 2007 at 4:13 am
  • Dee said:

    I would check out “entrees.” That seems to be the hardest.

    #71 Dec 12, 2007 at 4:44 am
  • Chief Family Officer said:

    I would definitely start with entrees – I could really use some new meal ideas!

    #72 Dec 12, 2007 at 5:28 am
  • Marlies said:

    I would turn to the entrees first.

    #73 Dec 12, 2007 at 5:44 pm
  • holly K said:

    I would check out the entrees first, then activities, then…Great product!!
    cookiecutter72athotmaildotcom

    #74 Dec 12, 2007 at 7:04 pm
  • maraco said:

    Definitely the entrees…I need to know how to cook for my little boy!
    maraco36@yahoo.com

    #75 Dec 12, 2007 at 7:42 pm
  • Danielle said:

    Id check the Entertainment section first! LOL! I’m all about the FUN!!!
    dansan826 at yahoo dot com

    #76 Dec 13, 2007 at 12:08 am
  • kdkdkd said:

    I would go staight to entrees, my toddler is not big on desserts

    #77 Dec 13, 2007 at 1:30 am
  • Storm said:

    I have to say I’d go straight to the desserts – guilty!

    #78 Dec 13, 2007 at 3:09 am
  • Elizabeth said:

    I would check the Entrees section for 2-3 years old. Thanks for the contest!

    #79 Dec 13, 2007 at 4:41 am
  • Mystra said:

    I would go to the entrees first. My daughter is 15 months old and only wants to self-feed, but doesn’t know how to use a fork or spoon yet, so I would hope that there are some good finger food recipes there.

    #80 Dec 14, 2007 at 8:17 am
  • Mel said:

    I would definately check out the entrees first. My daughter is 19 months old, and is so picky. This looks like a great thing to find easy recipes. LOVE IT!
    meloti2@aol.com

    #81 Dec 14, 2007 at 4:48 pm
  • Heather said:

    Entrees – I’m always looking for ideas!

    #82 Dec 14, 2007 at 9:25 pm
  • bison61 said:

    I’d have to go to the desserts first!

    #83 Dec 14, 2007 at 9:28 pm
  • mhnice said:

    I’d start with Food Safety!
    melissahopenice[at]yahoo[dot]com

    #84 Dec 15, 2007 at 9:24 am
  • Doreen said:

    This sounds fantastic!! I’d go with Entrees for 0-4 months.

    #85 Dec 15, 2007 at 5:23 pm
  • Sonya said:

    Entrees for sure! I always need new ideas!

    #86 Dec 15, 2007 at 7:06 pm
  • Miranda said:

    PLease enter me thanks

    #87 Dec 16, 2007 at 2:37 am
  • laralin2266 said:

    I would love to learn how to fix nutritious baby food for my little one!

    #88 Dec 16, 2007 at 5:17 am
  • jeske_posse said:

    I’d check out the food safety section to make sure that I’m doing things the right way. Now that I think of it, the last time I took a food info/prep class was in middle school…time for a refresher course!

    #89 Dec 16, 2007 at 1:01 pm
  • Anonymous said:

    entress first

    #90 Dec 16, 2007 at 4:04 pm
  • Tiffany said:

    entree for me:)

    #91 Dec 17, 2007 at 2:23 am
  • agsweeps said:

    What a need idea!!

    #92 Dec 17, 2007 at 2:38 am
  • Shelly said:

    I would turn to a la carte to find some side dishes my two year old will eat!

    #93 Dec 17, 2007 at 6:03 pm
  • Sundi said:

    I would probably turn to the Desserts section first — I would love to make healthy sweets for my toddlers!

    #94 Dec 17, 2007 at 7:26 pm
  • JewelsHud said:

    Hmm – Taming Todays Trends sounds interesting – I’d check that out.

    julieahudson[at]hotmail[dot]com

    #95 Dec 17, 2007 at 8:15 pm
  • bindrid said:

    probably entrees…if i get my 2 yr old to eat anything but chicken or turkey dogs i’ll be thrilled!

    #96 Dec 18, 2007 at 1:30 am
  • cdrury said:

    entrees – getting my grand daughter to eat a variety of foods would be wonderful!!!

    #97 Dec 18, 2007 at 2:43 pm
  • Leenburke said:

    I’d definitely check the entrees first.

    #98 Dec 18, 2007 at 2:56 pm
  • jennifer57 said:

    family sweets

    #99 Dec 18, 2007 at 9:35 pm
  • Anonymous said:

    Entrees

    #100 Dec 18, 2007 at 9:58 pm
  • JONI514 said:

    the entrees would be my first

    #101 Dec 18, 2007 at 10:07 pm
  • RJ said:

    Desserts would be first for me.

    #102 Dec 18, 2007 at 10:14 pm
  • ladypawnbroker@gmail.com said:

    I would turn to desserts first.I love desserts!

    #103 Dec 19, 2007 at 12:18 am
  • Erica G said:

    I would go right to Food Safety.

    #104 Dec 19, 2007 at 1:30 am
  • kiyana said:

    I need the most help with entrees.

    #105 Dec 19, 2007 at 5:17 am
  • purango said:

    First place I would go would be the Entrees to get ideas for serving a main dish

    #106 Dec 19, 2007 at 6:43 am
  • G said:

    Entrees..

    #107 Dec 19, 2007 at 6:49 am
  • peachens1962 said:

    Life goes by too quickly to focus only on entrees. We would focus on desserts first of course!!

    #108 Dec 19, 2007 at 6:56 am
  • lilyk said:

    entrees

    #109 Dec 19, 2007 at 1:58 pm
  • Bakersdozen said:

    I would look through the whole book and focus on recipes that sound good. I think that this book is a great idea and would make a great gift for new parents.

    #110 Dec 19, 2007 at 11:21 pm
  • Deadmonkeys90 said:

    I would check out the desserts first because I love sweets! :p

    #111 Dec 20, 2007 at 1:16 am
  • Andrina said:

    I would turn to desserts first.

    #112 Dec 20, 2007 at 6:52 am