Snacks for Toddlers: A Right Balance Between Healthy and Yummy

Toddlers are notorious for their picky eating habits, making snack time a crucial opportunity to provide them with essential nutrients while ensuring they enjoy what’s on their plate. Striking the right balance between healthy and tasty snacks is key to promoting their growth and development.

How Many Snacks Does A Toddler Need?

How Many Snacks Should a Toddler Eat in a Day?

Toddlers generally thrive on a routine of three meals and two snacks a day. This helps regulate their energy levels and ensures they receive a variety of nutrients. 

The World Health Organisation recommends that complementary food should be given three to four times a day between the ages of 9 and 11 months. However, individual needs may vary, so paying attention to your toddler’s hunger cues is crucial. Parents can offer nutritious snacks between meals. 

The keyword here is “nutritious” as opposed to junk food or sugary snacks that your toddler might crave.

On average, an 11-month-old baby is ready to eat every two to three hours, and parents can ration out the meals with snacks depending on the child’s activity. The idea is to keep the child full of energy and not full of food at all times.

Here’s a quick chart for your reference.

Following this routine ensures that children engage in more activities throughout the day, and will then come back to the lunch or dinner table after building an appetite.

After all, snacks are supplementary sources of nutrition over a proper meal.

Should I Let My Toddler Snack All Day?

While snacks are essential, allowing toddlers to graze constantly may impact their appetite for nutritious meals. Stick to a schedule, offering snacks in between meals, and avoid sugary or overly processed options. This helps maintain a healthy balance between snacks and meals.

Hunger Vs. Boredom: What’s The Reason My Baby Snacks So Much?

At times, your toddler is craving a snack out of boredom and not hunger. You’ll find them craving a snack soon after a full meal. This is mostly due to boredom as many of them find it tough to transition from one activity to the next. 

The easy way to curb your baby’s immediate and untimely hunger pangs is to let her munch on something quick and healthy. You can offer your baby a banana, an apple or a similar fruit-based snack. Another option is whole-wheat crackers, sweet potato, or sugar-free yoghurt. You can also breastfeed the child or use formula milk, instead. 

Alternatively, this would also be a good time to engage your child in different activities such as:

• Read them a book or play with them during this time.
• It’s also a good idea to have colouring books, building blocks or play sets around to keep them busy.
• If the outdoors look good, take them out for a walk or to the park. This will help them build an appetite for that big meal while diverting attention from an untimely snack. 

It will also be wise to carry a few fruity snacks for toddlers when going outdoors. You can plan your trips to the local grocery store or the supermarket during their snack times and keep the little one engaged. 

Learn How To Set An Eating Pattern

By the age of three years, children develop their eating habits and that’s why you must start adopting a routine for your child right from the age of 11 months.

This is not only important for food habits and tastes but also necessary to create discipline in the long run.

Meals and snacks at unscheduled times will only affect the child’s health as they get older. As we all know, it is a hard cycle to break. It’s as important as sleep and also helps the body identify the right time to feel hungry.

What Snacks Are Good for Toddlers?

If you have access to them, below are a list of ideal snacks for your toddler:

1. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

   • Sliced apples, bananas, and carrots make excellent choices. They are rich in vitamins and fibre, promoting healthy digestion.

2. Dairy Delights

   • Yoghurt and cheese provide a good dose of calcium for growing bones. Opt for low-sugar varieties to keep it nutritious.

3. Whole Grains

   • Whole-grain crackers, rice cakes, or whole-grain toast offer a healthy dose of complex carbohydrates, keeping toddlers energized.

4. Protein-Packed Options

   • Hard-boiled eggs, lean meat slices, or nut butter on whole-grain bread are great sources of protein for muscle development.

5. Dips and Spreads

   • Hummus or guacamole with veggie sticks can turn snack time into a fun and nutritious experience.

What Is a Good Night Snack for Toddlers?

A small, balanced snack before bedtime can help keep hunger at bay and promote better sleep. Opt for options like:

• Banana with a Spoonful of Peanut Butter: Provides a mix of carbohydrates and healthy fats, helping toddlers feel satisfied.
• Yoghurt Parfait: Layer yoghurt with a sprinkle of granola and berries for a tasty and sleep-friendly treat.
• Whole-Grain Crackers with Cheese: Offers a combination of complex carbs and protein, aiding in a more restful night.

ALSO READ:

Where is Sugar Hiding In Your Child’s Staple Foods?

20 Healthy and Easy Toddler Meal Ideas That Your Little One Will Love

Homemade Baby Food Or Store-Bought Baby Food, This or That?

What Snacks Should You Avoid?

Ensuring the health and safety of toddlers involves being mindful of the snacks they consume. Steering clear of certain items can help prevent potential hazards and promote a balanced diet. Here’s a short list of snacks to avoid giving your toddler:

Choking Hazards

• Whole Grapes: Cut grapes into small pieces to prevent choking.
• Nuts and Seeds: Opt for nut butter or finely ground versions to minimise choking risks.
• Popcorn: Its small, hard kernels can pose a choking hazard.
• Hard or Raw Vegetables: Cut raw carrot sticks or cherry tomatoes into small, bite-sized pieces to avoid choking hazards.

Sugary Treats

While a sweet tooth may seem nice today, it can lead to other issues in the future. If your child craves something sweet, look at offering fruits that have natural sweeteners.

• Candies and Chocolates: Excessive sugar intake can contribute to dental issues and unhealthy eating habits.
• Sugary Drinks: Avoid sodas and fruit juices with added sugars; opt for water or diluted fruit juices instead.

Highly Processed Snacks

• Chips and Crackers with Excessive Salt: These can contribute to an unhealthy sodium intake.
• Highly Processed Snack Bars: Some may contain added sugars and artificial ingredients.

Hard or Sticky Foods

• Hard Candy and Lollipops: These pose a choking risk and can be harmful to teeth.
• Sticky Candies and Snacks: These can stick to teeth, promoting cavities.

Unpasteurised Dairy and Raw Eggs

• Unpasteurized Cheese or Milk: Opt for pasteurised dairy to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
• Raw Cookie Dough or Batter: The raw eggs in these can carry the risk of salmonella.

Processed Meats with Additives

• Hot Dogs and Sausages with Nitrates: Limit processed meats that may contain additives.

Energy Drinks and Caffeine

• Sodas, Tea, and Coffee: These can be dehydrating and are not suitable for toddlers.

Honey

Avoid giving honey to children under one year old: It may carry the risk of infant botulism.

By being mindful of these snacks to avoid, parents can contribute to the well-being and safety of their toddlers while promoting healthy eating habits.

Reminders for Safe Snacking in Toddlers

Ensuring safe snacking for toddlers goes beyond choosing nutritious options. It involves creating an environment that minimizes risks and encourages healthy eating habits. Here are some crucial reminders for safe snacking:

• Mindful Bite Sizes

Cut snacks into small, manageable pieces to prevent choking hazards. Pay attention to the size of items like grapes, cherry tomatoes, or hot dogs, opting for slices or halves.

• Supervise While Eating

Always supervise toddlers during snack time, especially when they are exploring new foods. This proactive approach helps prevent choking incidents.

• Choose Age-Appropriate Snacks

Select snacks that align with your toddler’s developmental stage. Avoid hard or sticky foods that may pose choking risks.

• Encourage Sitting During Snacks

Discourage eating while walking or playing to reduce the likelihood of choking. Encourage toddlers to sit while enjoying their snacks.

• Rotate Snack Options

Introduce a variety of snacks to prevent monotony and promote a diverse palate. This approach can also discourage picky eating habits by exposing toddlers to different tastes and textures.

• Model Healthy Eating Habits

Children often mimic adults. Demonstrate healthy eating habits by enjoying a variety of nutritious snacks yourself.

• Offer Choices Within Limits

Allow toddlers to make choices within predetermined limits. For example, offer two healthy snack options and let them decide which one they prefer, fostering a sense of independence.

• Be Patient with Picky Eating

Picky eating is a common phase in toddlerhood. Avoid pressure tactics and allow your child to explore new foods at their own pace. Offer a mix of familiar and new items to encourage a well-rounded diet.

• Create a Positive Eating Environment

Make snack time enjoyable by creating a positive atmosphere. Avoid using snacks as rewards or punishments, fostering a healthy relationship with food.

• Stay Informed About Allergies

Be aware of potential allergies and introduce new foods cautiously. Consult with your paediatrician if you have concerns about specific allergens.

By incorporating these reminders into your toddler’s snacking routine, you can create a safe and positive environment that supports their overall well-being.

Don’t forget that snacks are always necessary and should not always be avoided altogether. The key to toddler snacking is variety and moderation. By incorporating a mix of nutritious options and paying attention to your child’s cues, you can make snack time a delightful and health-promoting experience.

Updates from Camille Eusebio

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