Healthy Toddler Snack Ideas

When it comes to snacks for your toddler, there are definitely a lot of bad choices you could make. So many processed crackers, cookies, and candy are readily available. I try to avoid all of these, and I make it a priority to find very healthy choices for my children. Here are some easy and nutritious snack ideas for your toddler.

Toddler Trail Mix

I like to make a special mix of things that my 2 year old really loves. You can combine a low sugar cereal with some dried fruit, and a very thinly slice nut ( to avoid any choking hazard from nuts). My usual trail mix consists of Cheerios, raisins or dried cranberries, and sliced almonds. It's something that can be eaten when we are on the go, or he can simply sit at our kitchen table and munch on it. My son loves this snack, and I know it's good for him!

Fruit and Cheese Kabob

This snack is so easy to prepare, but it looks fancy enough to even be a party food. Just slice up a few of the fruits you have on hand, and cube up some cheese. Then slide the fruit and cheese onto a kabob stick in a colorful arrangement, and you're done! You can use strawberries, kiwi, banana, apples, pears, pineapples, peaches, plums, raspberries, blackberries, or any other fruit you can think of. You can even use things like tomatoes and avocados! Some good cheeses to use are cheddar, colby jack, mozzarella, or muenster. Be creative, and have fun with it. A couple of my favorite combinations are strawberries, kiwi, pineapple, and colby jack, or avocado, tomato, apple, and mozzarella.

Turkey Roll-Up

A snack with protein in it will help keep your child fuller until the next meal. I like to take a slice of turkey, and lay a slice of cheese with some shredded carrots on top, and roll it up like a wrap. Very easy to do, and full of nutrition that will keep your toddler satisfied. These are also fun to eat, and easy to hold. You can mix this up using ham, or roast beef and adding your own filling. Use what your child likes!

Black Bean and Corn Dip

From what I have seen, kids love to dip anything and everything! This is a fun take on a very mild salsa. Take one can of black beans, and drain and rinse well. Add a can of drained corn. Chop up some fresh tomatoes and mix everything together. Serve this mixture in a small bowl with a few Organic corn chips, and voila! Show your child how to dip the chip in the "salsa" and they will be hooked. As an added bonus, the beans in this snack are full of nutrients that will also help to keep your child full until the next meal.

Nutty Waffle

When I have almost no time to prepare, this is one of my favorite stand by snacks. Find a good quality frozen whole grain waffle. I like to use Kashi. They have several varieties including blueberry, strawberry, and honey oat. Just pop one in the toaster, and then spread on some natural peanut butter or almond butter. Serve with milk. This is delicious! I even have this for breakfast myself quite often.

My son is a VERY big eater, and he just seems to be hungry all the time. He requires some heavy duty snacks just to keep him going. I came up with all of these snack ideas with that in mind. These are very filling. All of these snacks are sure to keep your toddler full until the next meal. They are easy to prepare, and very kid friendly. You might love them too, if you give them a try!