Running out of snack ideas for your on-the-go tot? Seek inspiration from this selection of easy-peasy menu options of foods for toddlers.
Coming up with creative, flavourful snack options for your toddler can be a tiring feat. If you find yourself feverishly trying out new recipes that might entice your toddler’s taste buds, this little serving of inspiration might be just what you need.
Here are 8 fail-proof snack ideas that are sure to have your toddler asking for more.
Sandwiches are easy to make, easy to pack and easy to eat. They’re the crowning glory of all toddler snacks. Buy cookie cutters in various shapes to give your sandwiches unique avatars. Stars on Monday, circles on Tuesday and angels on Wednesday can lend a thematic edge to your snacks and even help your toddler learn shape associations. Pick fillings that are clean and sure to stay inside the sandwich. Cheese spread, butter and veggies, chutney and paneer, and egg and mayo are some healthy options you can consider.
Eggs make for healthy and tasty snacks. Whip up a bull’s eye in a nod to the morning sun or a boiled egg that mirrors the igloos of the Arctic. Tell your little one stories about each egg to fuel their imagination and entice them to polish up their plate. Use egg moulds to give your eggs dramatic shapes and keep things exciting. Serve your little treats with a slice of bread or whole wheat crackers.
Bring Popeye, Olive Oil and Bluto to life in the magical realm of your kitchen, with Popeye-style parathas. Use methi and palak to infuse green tones into your paratha dough, and throw in an assortment of other veggies to amp up the nutrition quotient by several notches. Roll out your parathas in various shapes to conjure some visual variety. Show off your finished work of art to your little tyke before cutting it up into bite-sized pieces.
Bundle sabzi into fresh-cooked chapatis and serve with a dollop of dahi or store-bought dressing. Chapati rolls are nutritious lunch and snack options and can be effortlessly switched up with just a change of filling. If you’re packing rolls for your toddler to take to preschool, wrap them in aluminium foil and secure both ends so the stuffing doesn’t fall out. Alternatively, cut your roll into slender rings and lay them flat in a box for your tot to eat one at a time.
Give veggies a glam spin by cutting them into tasty slivers and serving them with dip or hummus. Veggie sticks can make for filling mid-morning or evening snacks, tiding your toddler over between meals. Consider boiling your veggies to soften them if your toddler has a hard time biting into hard foods. Carrots, cucumber, capsicum and radish, ahoy!
Dosas are nutritious, easy to make and default toddler favourites. From jowar to multigrain to ragi, there are dozens of grains you can use to whip them up. Channel your inner Picasso by using ketchup, jam or chocolate syrup to doodle enchanting smiley faces, landscapes or cartoon characters onto your dosas.
French fries are no doubt, every toddler’s delight. But they aren’t particularly healthy. Instead, serve up delicious slivers of other more nutritious vegetables like sweet potato, zucchini or carrot. Air fry or bake your fries to give them a crispy twist and present your dish as French fries in uniform!
Pasta comes in all colours, shapes and sizes, so you can go all out experimenting with various kinds. Also, bring in variety through sauces. From tomato and pesto to alfredo and marinara, you’ll find each sauce boasting a unique bouquet of nutrients. Bingo!
Appeasing your toddler’s tummy and taste buds is no easy exercise. But with a little imagination and a whole lot of ingredients, you can turn mealtimes into relaxing retreats for you and your little one. All it takes is a little planning.
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