When it comes to feeding toddlers, finding healthy and easy to prepare snacks can be a real challenge. Toddlers are known for being picky eaters, and parents often struggle to find foods that their little ones will actually eat. On top of that, parents are usually short on time, so the ideal snacks need to be quick and simple to make.
In this article, we’ve listed 8 toddler-approved snacks that are easy to whip up. These snacks are designed to be nutritious, tasty, and perfect for small hands. Whether you need something for a mid-morning snack or an after-nap treat, these options will keep your toddler happy and full. Let’s dive into these delicious and easy-to-make snacks you and your toddler will love.
- Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits
Fruit and yogurt parfaits are a quick, healthy, and colorful snack that toddlers can enjoy. The combination of creamy yogurt and sweet fruit makes it fun to eat, while also providing important nutrients like calcium and vitamins.Serve these parfaits in Baby Feeding Bowl, designed for easy handling, making mealtime fun and mess-free. You can use whatever fruit you have on hand, like strawberries, blueberries, bananas, or even peaches.
To make a simple parfait, just layer some yogurt with small pieces of fruit in a bowl or a cup. For an added crunch, sprinkle a little granola or cereal on top. This snack is also a great way to introduce toddlers to different textures, and you can mix and match fruits to keep it interesting for them. Best of all, this snack requires no cooking and takes just a few minutes to prepare.
- Crescent Rolls
Toddlers love crescent rolls because they’re soft, warm, and fun to eat. Buttery and delicious, they pair wonderfully with pasta or can be enjoyed for breakfast with a little butter and jam. To make these delightful rolls, gently warm some milk in a saucepan and whisk in sugar, yeast, melted butter, and an egg until well combined. Mix flour and salt in a stand mixer bowl, then pour in the milk mixture to form a rough dough. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth, then cover it and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour or until doubled in size.
After rising, roll out the dough, cut it into wedges, and shape each wedge into crescent rolls. Bake them at 400°F for 12 minutes or until they’re puffed and golden brown. These crescent rolls are easy to make and perfect for little hands, making them an ideal treat for your toddler.
- Veggie Sticks with Hummus
Getting toddlers to eat vegetables can be tough, but pairing them with a tasty dip like hummus can make a big difference. Veggie sticks with hummus are a healthy and easy snack for toddlers. You can use colorful veggies like carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers, cut into small sticks that are easy for little fingers to hold. Pair this snack with Proactive Baby’s Silicone Suction Plate, designed to stay in place, making snacking easier and more enjoyable for your little one.
Simply serve the veggie sticks with a small bowl of hummus for dipping. The creamy hummus adds flavor, and the bright, crunchy veggies make this snack more fun to eat. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients and fiber, making it a great midday snack. To save time, you can pre-cut the veggies and store them in the fridge, ready to go whenever snack time hits.
- Mini Quesadillas
Mini quesadillas are a simple, quick snack that toddlers will love. All you need is some tortillas and cheese to make this tasty treat. You can also add other ingredients like shredded chicken, beans, or veggies to make it a bit more filling.
To make mini quesadillas, just sprinkle some shredded cheese on one half of a tortilla, fold it over, and cook in a pan until the cheese melts and the tortilla is lightly browned. Once cooked, cut the quesadilla into small, bite-sized pieces that are easy for toddlers to pick up and eat. The melted cheese and soft tortilla make this snack comforting and fun for little ones.
- Apples and Peanut Butter
Apples and peanut butter are a classic snack combination that many toddlers enjoy. The natural sweetness of the apples pairs perfectly with the creamy peanut butter, creating a satisfying and healthy snack. Apples provide vitamins and fiber, while peanut butter offers protein and healthy fats.
To prepare this snack, simply slice an apple into thin pieces and serve it with a small amount of peanut butter for dipping. If your toddler has a peanut allergy or prefers a nut-free option, you can use sunflower butter or another allergy-friendly spread. This snack is quick, easy, and doesn’t require any cooking, making it a perfect option for busy parents.
- Cheese and Crackers
Cheese and crackers are a simple yet satisfying snack for toddlers. The crunchy crackers and soft cheese make a great combination that little ones love. You can use mild cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella, which are easy for toddlers to eat. You can cut the cheese into small shapes using cookie cutters for fun.
To make this snack even more nutritious, choose whole-grain crackers. Add some sliced fruit or vegetables on the side to make it a more balanced snack. It’s quick, easy, and doesn’t require any cooking, making it a great option for busy days.
- Banana Oat Bites
Banana oat bites are a healthy, sweet snack that’s great for toddlers. They're easy to prepare and perfect for on-the-go snacking. They're made with just mashed bananas, oats, and optional add-ins like chocolate chips or raisins. Simply mix the ingredients together, shape them into small balls, and bake until golden.
These bites are naturally sweet from the bananas, and the oats provide fiber to keep your toddler full. You can make a batch and store them in the fridge for whenever you need a quick snack.
- Smoothie Popsicles
Smoothie popsicles are refreshing for toddlers, especially on a hot day. Just blend some fresh fruit, yogurt, and a little milk or juice, then pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze. These popsicles are a fun way to sneak in some extra fruits and nutrients while keeping snack time exciting.
They’re simple to make and perfect for a cool, nutritious snack after outdoor play or anytime your toddler needs a refreshing treat.
Providing healthy, easy-to-prepare snacks for toddlers doesn’t have to be difficult. With these 8 toddler-approved snacks, you can keep snack time simple and nutritious. From crescent rolls filled with ham and cheese to refreshing smoothie popsicles, these ideas are quick to make and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Try these snacks at home, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your toddler is eating well without the hassle of complicated prep.
