Children's Snack Time

Wholesome Snacks for Your Baby and Toddler

When it is time for snacks we need to treat them as little meals. As your baby grows into toddler-hood they become increasingly interested in the world around them and less interested in eating. Also baby and toddler stomachs are quite small and cannot hold a lot of food at one time, this is often the reason it seems that kids are “grazing” all day long.

It is estimated that a baby 12 mo+ can obtain as many as 25-30% of their daily calories from snacks. This is why it is so very important to make these snacks count and not to view them as fillers and treats.

When thinking about snacks try to create balance between all the macronutrients, wholesome carbohydrates, lean protein and good fats. By balancing your baby’s snacks, it will ensure that each bite is full of required nutrients. Please remember the 4 day wait rule with any new food you are introducing to your baby.

• Whole grain toast with nut butter and sliced bananas
• Humm-Avo (Hummus and Avocado blend) on toast
• Hardboiled egg and fruit slices
• Vegetable nuggets – sweet potato, carrots, spinach, green beans, peas
• Cottage cheese and cubed fruit
• Edamame and whole grain crackers
• Tomato and pretzel lollipops
• Flax Banana Pumpkin Muffins

Diaper-bag Snacks – there are some great “convenience health foods” which are easy to pack and provide the basis of healthy snacks for your baby
• Blueberries and cheerios trail mix
• Berry and cinnamon baked chickpea trail mix
• Individual hummus cups(Tribe brand – I find them at Costco) with crackers
• Almond butter squeeze packs with apple slices, banana or crackers
• Baked chickpeas
• Edamame and whole grain crackers
• Flax Banana Pumpkin Muffins