Hi, I'm Suzy V

Mum of three, founder of Gourmet Baby, and passionate believer that babies deserve real tasty food too.

Like many parents, I quickly discovered that starting solids was one of those parenting milestones that sounded simple in theory but felt far more overwhelming in reality.

Everyone seemed to have an opinion. There were sleep consultants, breastfeeding consultants, baby-wearing consultants, and experts for almost every stage of parenting — yet when it came to starting solids, many parents were often left trying to piece everything together themselves.

At the time, I wanted something better.

I wanted nourishing purées that I would happily eat myself — not bland, lifeless "baby food" that parents pull a face at while still expecting their baby to enjoy it.

To this day, many parents frown at the thought of tasting baby food yet expect their baby to eat it happily.

My philosophy has always been simple:

That belief became the foundation of Gourmet Baby.

I created simple, nourishing purées made from real ingredients that could be offered on their own or easily combined with other foods as baby's palate expanded.

By keeping many of our recipes simple and allergen-free to begin with, parents could confidently introduce new ingredients, mix and match flavours, build variety, and gradually transition from first foods to more complex meals as their baby's confidence and appetite grew.

What began as homemade baby food in my own kitchen eventually grew into a nationwide frozen baby food business, helping feed thousands of babies throughout New Zealand.

Along the way, I was honoured to become a finalist in the NZ Food Awards in 2018 and receive Silver in the Oh Baby Awards in 2022 — and yes, I did manage to knock Wattie's off their perch for a moment there 😉.

Over the years, I scaled recipes from small 1kg homemade batches into 150kg production runs while still maintaining the same philosophy that started everything:

But while Gourmet Baby was feeding babies, I realised something important.

Parents didn't just need baby food.

They needed guidance.

They needed support navigating first foods, allergens, textures, routines, milk feeds, finger foods, constipation, family meals, and all the questions that come with starting solids.

And let's be honest — social media can be brutal.

A parent asks a simple question about starting solids and suddenly finds themselves caught in a debate between purées, BLW, allergens, feeding schedules, finger foods, and twenty different opinions from complete strangers.

It can leave parents feeling more confused than when they started.

One of the reasons I created Gourmet Baby was to cut through the noise and bring things back to what really matters — helping parents feel confident while raising little humans who enjoy real food.

Because there is no perfect solids journey.

There is simply finding what works for your baby, your family, and your lifestyle 🤍

As a mum of three, I've experienced that firsthand.

My first baby taught me how overwhelming starting solids can feel. My second wouldn't eat lumpy textures until around 14 months old. My third was what I'd call a true Gourmet Baby and is now my best eater.

Three children. Three completely different journeys.

That's why I created this space.

Today, Gourmet Baby is no longer just about purees and recipes.

Through practical guidance, real food ideas, preparation systems, cooking methods, and honest support, my goal is to help parents feel more confident and less overwhelmed while raising little humans who enjoy real food and positive mealtimes.

Because starting solids isn't about perfection.

It's about creating positive experiences around food, building confidence one meal at a time, and finding an approach that works for your baby, your family, and your lifestyle.

Thanking you

Suzy V xx