Miles Outside: A Healthy and Unique Baby Food Alternative

In today’s baby industry, there is more availability and selection when it comes to baby food and products than ever before. For new parents, it’s especially hard to know where to begin when deciding on the right first foods for their infant.

Like many new parents, Courtney and Brett Washmuth of Sarasota were faced with the same challenging decisions. They also realized they had a unique need that soon turned a family dream into a reality.

In 2008, this young, avid hiking and marathoning couple decided to take on a 23-mile adventure on the Appalachian Trail with their 9-month-old infant son, Miles. Preparing for their first backpacking excursion since his birth, they soon realized that there was no baby food available on the market in dehydrated form. Dehydrated food is preferred by hikers for its light weight, portability and easy preparation.  Not wanting to compromise the quality of food that they fed their son at home, the Washmuths set out to create their own dehydrated baby food by purchasing a food dehydrator and experimenting right in their own kitchen. After practicing with several recipes, a successful dehydrated meal was created that Miles loved.  

Thrilled that they could create healthy and natural foods that fit a growing need for many parents, the Washmuths knew they were onto something unique and special. Not just limited to hiking families, dehydrated food is a perfect solution for on-the-go families since it only requires mixing with water, breast milk or formula and it’s ready to eat. Served at room temperature or warmed, it’s also a versatile healthy snack. 

In 2009, the husband and wife team successfully debuted their new certified organic company, Miles Outside, at the annual Sarasota Naturally festival, which features healthy products, services and eco-friendly living.  Next steps for the husband and wife team included working with a licensed nutritionist and dietician to present accurate dietary facts and to elicit ideas on how to make their dehydrated recipes even more nutritionally beneficial. As a result, the main ingredient of their organic baby food is puffed millet, which is naturally packed with vitamins and mineral and makes it a gluten-free product.

Mixed with certified organically grown fruits such as apples and bananas, parents can feel good about what they are feeding their babies. Packaged in recommended 4-ounce servings, each meal is perfectly portioned for babies, providing piece of mind to parents.

To further expand the Miles Outside product line, the company plans to introduce toddler stage bite-size foods, bars and other options in other textures and flavors kids love. The company is also researching the possibility of incorporating biodegradable bags into their packaging in the near future. 

“We are always bouncing ideas off of our friends and other parents for new ways to enhance our company and what we can offer parents and their children,” Courtney Washmuth said.

Referring to how other stores can partner with Miles Outside, Courtney Washmuth explained, "We do an in-store program they could offer that features health and nutritional information on our product and how families can include babies in all of their outdoor activities without jeopardizing the health and well being of their family. Our program emphasizes the importance of being a holistic family, embracing both mental and physical aspects of the family."

Now with 2- year-old son Miles and their 1-year-old son, Ridge, the Washmuths continue to focus on their active lifestyle. They hope it will truly become a family company for generations to come.

You can find this delicious organic and healthy dehydrated baby food at:

Miles Outside

http://www.milesoutsideorganic.com Courtney@milesoutsideorganic.com 

(941) 914-1721

Suncoast Organics 
www.mysuncoastorganics.com

Environeers
 www.environeers.com

And if you're looking to make your own baby food, check out the fresh fruits and vegetables available at the FishHawk Farmers Market this Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The market features about 30 vendors with fresh produce as well as unique food items.

The monthly event takes place at Park Square at FishHawk Ranch, 16144 Churchview Drive.