Toddlers can sometimes have the appetite of a horse and the pickiness of a food critic. And while feeding your little one alone can be a chore, feeding them when they only want that one thing is a whole other thing.
Picky eating is a normal, although maddening, part of toddlerhood. It can make snack time feel like a never-ending reality show challenge. So, how do you win over your mini food critic without giving them the same three things on repeat?
Let’s explore toddler snack ideas that are actually nutritious and, dare we say, picky-eater approved.
What Makes a Good Toddler Snack?
With a picky toddler, a diet consisting of only cheese and that mysterious lint they found on the floor may seem like your only option. But there are ways to satisfy their desires and their nutritional needs together.
A good snack should be:
- Easy to hold
- Not too messy
- Soft enough to chew
- Full of real ingredients
Mini Banana Pancakes
Mash a banana, mix with an egg and a dash of cinnamon, and fry up some toddler-sized pancakes. These toddler snacks are sweet, soft, and packed with proteins – appealing to picky toddlers and easy for you to make.
Cheese and Crackers
This one is a classic. You can cut cheese into fun shapes with mini cookie cutters, pair it with whole-grain crackers, and you’ve got a balanced snack that feels and tastes amazing. Try different types of cheese if your toddler doesn’t like one.
Fruit Kabobs
Get a kid-safe skewer or a popsicle stick, cut strawberries, bananas, and grapes, and put them on the stick one by one. Something about eating off a stick makes it fun, and the presentation with a mix of different colours can attract your toddler.
Mini Quesadillas
Who doesn’t love a melty snack? For toddlers, you can use a small piece of tortilla, add shredded cheese, and maybe sprinkle some finely chopped spinach. Cut into triangles and you’re good to go. The best thing about this snack is how easy it is to make and customise.
Veggie Muffins
If your toddler isn’t a fan of vegetables, you can hide carrots or zucchini in a slightly sweet muffin. Kids love sweets, but usually don’t like the texture of cooked vegetables. With these muffins, you can offer both while disguising the part they dislike. Watch them demolish it none the wiser.
Hard Boiled Egg Stars
Eggs bring protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients to your toddler’s diet. If they don’t like boiled eggs, try using tiny cutters to make fun shapes like stars. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt or nutritional yeast. Sometimes, presentation can help a lot in convincing your child to have a bite.
Tips for Snack Time Success
Even if you make these snacks, the process of actually feeding them can be a bit tricky. And toddlers are known to get overwhelmed easily.
To keep things smooth, try:
- Cutting into small or bite-sized portions.
- Offering variety instead of only one or two ingredients.
- Making it fun and visually appealing.
- Rotating the snacks to avoid boredom.
