For those of us who don’t always find the time (or energy) to be supermoms who cook for
their babies…there is still hope says 041Baby columnist Odette Parfitt.
041Baby spoke to Anéy Dirker from Bibs and Bowls, a Gqeberha-based business that sells home-cooked, healthy frozen foods for babies on their solids journey.
When did you start your business?
The business was started in 2016, but I took it over in 2023.
Where did the idea for the business come from?
From my experience as a teacher, I have noted how poor nutrition can influence the child on many levels, from behavioural issues all the way to concentration problems. Also, with childhood obesity on the rise it is even more important to introduce healthy food right from the beginning, as early life experiences and exposures have a long-lasting impact. With the limited range of healthy home-cooked options for parents to choose from, my dream is to be able to provide nutritious and balanced meals from when parents start
weaning their babies. All meals are made with care from high-quality ingredients, and the recipes have been developed by a registered dietitian in Gqeberha.
How much has the business grown, between its launch and now?
We are growing very well, and we keep on expanding. We stock Walmer SuperSpar as well as Klinicare Lorraine pharmacy, on top of selling through the business’s website.
What is your secret for juggling the business with a full time job?
Unfortunately because I am a teacher, I am only able to make the food after school – so late nights to keep the little tummies full is what we need to do.
What do you think makes your business unique?
We are using the cube concept – so you as a mother are fully in control of the amount of food your little one is eating and you can control food waste.
What makes you passionate about your business?
As a teacher I see very unhealthy children and lifestyles; that is where my passion came in -to make a difference from a young age.
How do you choose your recipes, or what is your choice of products and the structure of the different product ranges based on?
All my recipes are designed by a registered dietitian. There is really nothing unhealthy about
our products; we only use fresh vegetables and fruit and only free range meat and poultry.
What are some of your goals for the business in the future?
For it to be available in more stores to make it easier for parents to have access to the
products.
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