Feeding a toddler can be very challenging. Toddlers need to get food every day from all of the different food groups: meats and beans, fruits, vegetables, dairy and grains. Yet toddlers are often picky eaters and have trouble using utensils, or chewing tough foods. Making a healthy meal for a toddler just takes a little extra thought and creativity.
Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are one of the easiest meals for a toddler. Parents often don't realize that they can be very healthy, since children love them so much. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are full of protein from the peanut butter. Making them with 100 percent fruit jelly and whole wheat bread adds a serving of fruits and whole grains. KidsHealth.org states that whole grains like whole wheat bread add fiber to the toddler's diet, so that he doesn't get constipated.
Cheese and Crackers with Fruit
It's important that toddler's meals are not only tasty but balanced as well. The website Keep Kids Healthy states that toddlers need to eat about six servings of grains, three vegetables, two fruits, two meat or beans servings and two servings of dairy a day. Preparing a simple meal of cheese and crackers with fruit provides a dairy, a grain and a fruit serving. Cheese is rich in calcium, which your toddler needs to keep his growing bones strong. It's a good idea to cut the pieces of cheese lengthwise so that he doesn't choke on them.
Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese can be a healthy meal for toddlers, when homemade. Instead of using butter and full-fat milk, try making a homemade macaroni and cheese dish using whole wheat elbow noodles, low-fat milk and low-fat cheese. This way the meal has protein, calcium and fiber but not too much fat. Another benefit of this meal for toddlers is that it helps them to learn how to eat with utensils like forks or spoons.
Fish Sticks and Cooked Vegetables
Fish sticks and cooked vegetables is another healthy meal that toddlers can feed to themselves. Fish provides protein that is essential to help children grow. Toddlers need to eat vegetables since they contain essential vitamins and minerals. Yet raw vegetables are sometimes too hard to chew. Soft, cooked carrots, broccoli or green beans are great for toddlers. KidsHealth.org states that the best way to get a toddler to eat vegetables is to offer them often and to set a good example by eating vegetables in front of him.
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