A vegetarian diet includes many foods that toddlers love, but the lack of animal products can lead to nutritional deficiencies in vitamin D, B12, iron, calcium and zinc, according to the website Kid's Health. Feeding your toddler becomes more challenging the stricter your adherence to a vegetarian diet. Lacto-ovo or lacto-vegetarian diets that allow eggs and/or dairy are easier for toddlers. A vegan diet is most challenging. Offer lots of variety and high nutritional quality.
Breakfast
Breakfast probably is the easiest meal for vegetarian toddler food. Hot oatmeal, whole grain muffins made with applesauce, or blueberry pancakes made with canola oil and egg substitutes usually go over well with children. If you allow dairy and eggs, scrambled eggs or yogurt parfaits are tasty, uncomplicated options. Steam cored apples for a few minutes in the microwave to soften them, then fill them with yogurt, peanut butter, chopped coconut or honey for a fun breakfast treat.
Lunch
At lunchtime, try serving your toddler an assortment of dips with soft bread. Hummus, guacamole and black bean dips, made without excessive spice, provide calorie density and high nutrition. Serve a combination of fillings like pinto beans, chopped tomato, cheese, sour cream and sliced avocado for your toddler to assemble his own soft taco. Sun butter, a nut butter made from sunflower seeds that rarely causes allergies, is a good option for a spread on crackers or bread. Cook vegetables like broccoli, carrots and asparagus in vegetable broth, and puree with cooked potato or milk for a creamy soup.
Dinner
Work with your toddler's love of finger food, and serve tofu. Toss diced, firm tofu with soy sauce and a bit of garlic, and bake in the oven until slightly brown and chewy. Serve with steamed vegetables like snap peas and carrot sticks with a peanut butter, honey and soy dressing on the side so your toddler can have the fun of dipping. Pasta with marinara sauce and macaroni and cheese are good standbys for picky eaters. Experiment with new pasta tastes too: Sauté cooked farfalle with white beans and pureed spinach. Risotto made with a sweet potato puree is soft and sweet enough to appeal to young palates. If your child refuses a food, do not immediately cross it off your list. Keep offering it, and your child might eventually try it and love it.
