My 18-month-old loves applesauce. She’s been a big fan for months now, though I must say I’m not a big fan of the mess. Even when she lets me feed her (those moments are few and far between these days), it can be a total mess. I don’t dare take snack-cup-size applesauce on the go; I’m just not brave enough for that adventure. And yet all-natural applesauce is a great snack for little ones, especially those still learning that whole chewing thing.

So what’s a mess-fearing mom to do? Well, she can either teach her little one how to slurp applesauce through a straw (been there, done that...just as messy) or she can pick up a case of Smashies, a new line of USDA organic applesauce-filled pouches for kids. Though touted as the perfect lunchbox snack I think these little guys are perfect for infants in the applesauce stage.

First of all, Smashies are healthy with no added water, sugar, high fructose corn syrup or concentrates. Second, they are convenient, portable and though probably not totally mess free, the applesauce splash zone will be a lot smaller than it was before. The applesauce is in a squeeze pouch perfect for small hands. Just unscrew the lid and squeeze - no spoons necessary. The screw cap lid means Smashies are resealable so you can snack on a little now and a little later.

Smashies’ current flavor, Snappy Apple, has only three ingredients: organic apple puree, organic apple flavor and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). They will soon add three new flavors to their line with another three after that. Can’t wait! You can purchase a 10-pack of Snappy Apple Smashies for $10 from Smashies.com. - Emily H.