From a Mother’s Question to Nava Nest: Creating Safer Mealtimes for Little Ones

HerVoice

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to start Nava Nest?

I'm Cheryl Ng, co-founder of Nava Nest and mum to a young daughter.
Nava Nest was inspired by my own experience during her weaning journey. Like many parents, I spent a lot of time researching the food I was giving her, but one day I realised I should also be asking what she was eating from.

When I looked around, I found plenty of baby tableware that was either practical but made from materials I wasn't completely comfortable with, or beautiful but not designed for everyday family life. I wanted something that combined safety, functionality and timeless design without asking parents to compromise. That became the starting point for Nava Nest.

What is Baby-Led Weaning (BLW), and how did you first learn about it?

Baby-Led Weaning is an approach where babies feed themselves appropriately prepared finger foods instead of being spoon-fed purees. It encourages babies to explore different textures, develop motor skills and build confidence around food at their own pace.

I first learned about BLW when preparing my daughter to start solids. As I researched the method, I also became much more aware of the products and materials babies come into contact with during mealtimes. That journey shaped both my parenting approach and the philosophy behind Nava Nest.

Looking Beyond What Is on the Plate

Why do you believe BLW is important for parents and babies?

BLW encourages independence from an early age. Babies learn to explore food through touch, taste and texture while practising important skills like hand-eye coordination and self-feeding.

For parents, it's also an opportunity to enjoy meals together as a family and allow children to build a positive relationship with food naturally. While it can certainly be messy, that mess is often part of the learning process.

What are some common misconceptions about BLW that you encounter?

One common misconception is that BLW is unsafe or that babies are more likely to choke. In reality, when parents follow appropriate safety guidelines and offer age-appropriate foods, BLW can be a safe and enjoyable way to introduce solids.

Another misconception is that the focus should only be on the food itself. In reality, babies spend just as much time chewing on spoons, mouthing bowls, and exploring their tableware. That's why I believe the materials they interact with every day deserve just as much attention.

A child practising self-feeding using Nava Nest's ceramic bowl and stainless steel cutlery as part of the baby-led weaning journey

HerStory

Building Nava Nest from a Mother's Experience

For Cheryl, Nava Nest was never simply about creating another baby product. It was about taking her own experience as a mother and turning the questions she once had into something that could support other families too.

How does Nava Nest ensure the safety and quality of its products for babies?

Everything we create starts with our "Honest Materials" philosophy. We carefully select porcelain, stainless steel, and food-grade silicone because each material serves a specific purpose while offering durability and long-term safety.

Beyond material selection, our products undergo independent third-party testing with SGS against FDA food-grade standards. We also believe in transparency, which is why we make our test reports available rather than asking parents to take our word for it.

Are there any particular safety certifications or standards your products adhere to?

Yes. Our products are independently tested by SGS, one of the world's leading inspection and certification organisations. Our ceramic glazes are tested for leachable heavy metals such as lead and cadmium, while our stainless steel and silicone components are also verified against recognised food-grade standards. Independent testing gives parents greater confidence that the products they're using have been properly assessed.

What challenges have you faced as a founder in the baby product industry, and how have you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges has been introducing a different way of thinking about baby tableware. Many parents naturally focus on convenience or price because that's what the market has traditionally offered.

Instead of competing on price, we've focused on educating parents about material choices, transparency and long-term value. Building awareness takes time, but every conversation with a parent who tells us they've started asking more questions about product safety reminds me why we started.

Can you share a memorable moment or story from your founder journey that stands out to you?

One moment that has stayed with me was hearing from a mother who told us she finally felt at ease during mealtimes after switching to Nava Nest. She wasn't just happy that the suction worked well; she felt reassured knowing exactly what her child was eating from.

That reminded me that we're not simply selling bowls and plates. We're helping parents feel more confident about one of the most important stages of their child's development.

Her Growth

Learning to Trust the Process

Motherhood and entrepreneurship both come with moments of uncertainty.

For Cheryl, navigating Baby-Led Weaning with her own daughter and building Nava Nest has reinforced the importance of asking questions, making informed choices and allowing both parents and children the space to learn along the way.

What advice would you give to parents who are considering BLW or looking for safe baby products?

Trust the process and don't let perfection become the goal. BLW is meant to be messy, and that's completely normal.

When choosing baby products, I'd encourage parents to ask simple questions:

What materials are used? Has the product been independently tested? Can the brand provide evidence of those claims? Those questions can go a long way in helping parents make informed decisions.

Message for all Mothers

I hope parents remember that the products children use every day deserve the same thought and care as the food they eat. Tableware isn't just an accessory. It is a part of a baby's daily learning experience.

At Nava Nest, we believe even the smallest seat at the table deserves thoughtful choices.

More Stories ...

SHARE your story

We believe in the quiet strength of community. In moments when you feel overwhelmed or uncertain, you are never alone - draw comfort and inspiration from the journeys of fellow mothers. If you would like to share your own stories to uplift and support others too, please feel free to get in touch with us!