Best Toddler Snack Ideas
Once your toddler starts crawling and walking, all parents know play time is about to get way crazier. For busy toddlers on the go, it can be a lifesaver to keep lots of snacks on hand to ensure your child never gets too hungry. Snacks can also be a good way to keep your toddler busy while you are in the car or trying to get things done. Of course, all snacks are not created equal. Here are some of the best snacks of toddlers, sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Vegetable Snacks for Toddlers
Getting kids to enjoy vegetables can be near impossible to do. However, vegetables are such a nutritious toddler snack that it is good to mix a green in once in a while. Some of the most palatable veggies to introduce are carrot sticks. They have a fun crunch, and dipping them in ranch is a good way to disguise the vegetable. Other ideas for more adventurous toddlers include cherry tomatoes or diced cucumbers. Veggies also pair well with hummus on the side.
Fruit for Toddlers
When it comes to fruit, there are a plethora of good toddler friendly snack options. Introduce your toddlers to a wide variety of fresh fruits to figure out what they love. In the summer, watermelon cubes make a delicious refreshing treat. Berries are a great fruit staple to keep in your fridge year round. Try incorporating raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries into snack time to see if your child has a favorite!
Another alternative if you find it hard to keep fresh fruit in the house is dried fruit. Your local grocery store will carry a wide variety of dried bananas, mangoes, and lots of other options. Additionally, if kids are having trouble eating fruit on their own, try dropping fruit into Greek yogurt or blending the fruit up in a healthy smoothie. Your kids won’t even realize they are eating a healthy snack!
Toddler Protein Snacks
Sliced banana is the perfect introductory fruit for young kids, since bananas are soft and easy for little ones to chew. Slice up a few bananas ahead of time, and have the slices in a container ready to go. To elevate this, add a little bit of peanut butter to each of the banana slices for a healthy and filling treat. The extra protein in the peanut butter will keep your kids full for longer!
Toddler Bedtime Snacks
For those toddlers who crave food before bed, try offering a small snack of graham crackers and milk, or granola and yogurt. Avoid foods that will keep them energized such as anything with chocolate or caffeine.
Best Cheese for Toddlers
Cheese is another tasty treat for kids that don’t have any dairy allergies. Some of the best types of cheese for toddlers include mozzarella, Swiss, and cheddar. Look for pre-packaged cheese sticks or cheese rounds that you can easily pack in a lunch bag or put in a diaper bag for an on-the-go snack.
Tips for Taking Toddler Snacks on the Go
The thought of taking snacks on the go might conjure visions of crumbs and a sticky mess, but it is possible to provide snacks on the go that won’t leave behind a disaster. The key here? Dry snacks for toddlers. Make sure that the snacks you are packing are easy to clean up and fairly spill proof. For example, string cheese is a perfect car snack for kids. It’s easy to peel, and won’t ruin an outfit or leave behind a mess. Cereal or veggie straws can be another fairly mess free option as well.
