Quick and Easy Healthy Toddler Snacks

If you have ever had a toddler in your home, you've undoubtedly noticed that they don't eat three square meals per day. Toddlers are grazers. Like little rabbits, they go about their day eating small amounts between their more important activities of exploring, discovering, and experimenting. We moms are more accustomed to eating only three times a day, so living with a little one who prefers seven to ten tiny meals each day can be a challenging adjustment.

Obviously, Mom can't cook seven meals everyday, and toddlers can't (and shouldn't be forced to) eat a large amount in one sitting. The answer is snacks, but a steady stream of potato chips and cookies doesn't make for a very healthy, happy child. Nutritious foods, with a little planning, can be just as convenient as packaged foods.

Snacks Should Include Both Fruits And Vegetables

Fruits:

Invest in a corer/slicer combination for apples and pears. At a moment's notice, you'll have an apple cut into slices that your toddler can handle. For a very young toddler, take an extra minute to remove the peel as it can be a choking hazard.

Raisins kept in a bowl on a low shelf are an enticing snack for little ones. When the urge hits, they just go to the shelf and retrieve the raisins themselves. No work for mom! Except for picking up any dropped bits, of course.



Vegetables:

Carrot sticks, sliced to an easily eaten size, can be kept upright in a mug in the refrigerator. Your toddler will be excited by being able to get into the fridge by himself. Carrots will wilt after a day, though, and new sticks will need to replace the old.

Celery sticks, cut into three inch lengths and spread with peanut butter or cream cheese, can also be kept in the refrigerator on a shallow pan. Be careful with peanut butter and very young toddlers as it does pose a choking risk. Spread the peanut butter thinly until your little one is a bit older. (Note: If your family has a history of allergies, delaying the introduction of peanut butter is a good idea. It is one of the most common allergens.)

Balance Your Toddler Snacks With Dairy

Keep small squares of cheese in the refrigerator and your child can add them to crackers. Toothpicks placed in cubed cheese is something almost no toddler can resist.

Toddlers love dipping their food, and cottage cheese makes a healthy and tasty dip. Keep an open container in the refrigerator for easy access, but replace the lid each evening.

Healthy Toddler Snacks On The Go

When you're out and about, these breadsticks are an excellent choice to take along. The recipe below yields four dozen sticks, which should last a while even with your little snacker around.

Busy Breadsticks

"1 cup whole wheat flour

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 cup butter 1/2 stick)

1/4 cup shredded cheese

1 egg, beaten

1 tablespoon milk

In medium bowl, stir together flour, cinnamon, and soda. Cut in butter and cheese until mixture is crumbly. In separate bowl, beat egg and milk together. Add liquid to dry mixture and stir until dough forms. Roll teaspoons of the dough into small sticks and place one inch apart on ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes until browned.