Little Spoon

What's in the box: A box holds the products you choose for your child's stage, such as fresh purees, finger food meals, toddler plates, pouches, snacks or infant formula.

Little Spoon began as a fresh baby food delivery service. It now sells food for children from birth through the big kid years. The range covers infant formula, Babyblends purees from six months, Biteables finger food meals from nine months, heat-and-eat Plates for kids two and up, organic smoothie and yogurt pouches, rice-free oatmeal cereal, Melty Puffs, pantry snacks and multivitamin gummies for kids. The breadth is the main draw. A family can stay with one service as their child grows instead of changing brands at each stage. The company puts a lot of weight on safety. It says its baby and toddler food is tested for heavy metals and that it was first in the US to set voluntary, EU-inspired standards for more than 500 toxins and contaminants. It also keeps a list of over 100 banned ingredients, including artificial sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup and certified colors. It describes the formula as US and EU organic certified and made with grass-fed whole milk. These are the company's own claims, but it publishes its standards, so parents have something specific to check. The downsides are practical ones. Fresh meals take up fridge or freezer space, and prepared food delivered to your door usually costs more than jars from the shop or cooking at home. The homepage is also crowded with promotions, so read the plan terms before you sign up.