Toddlers are notoriously picky eaters, often preferring to eat one flavor or texture at a time. Prepare simple foods that your toddler can eat independently, that won't make a mess and that are nutritious. Many foods that are appropriate for toddlers are very simple to prepare and can go from pantry to table in only a few minutes.
Cereal
Cereal is a time-honored staple food for toddlers. Give toddlers unsweetened cereal, as sweetened cereal can prime your toddler's sweet tooth, creating a preference for sweet foods in the future. Avoid cereals with nuts or raisins as these are foods that can pose a choking hazard. Put 1/2 cup of cereal in a plastic baggie to keep with you in the event your toddler gets hungry when you are out of the house running errands.
Smoothie
Blend together milk, yogurt and fruit to make a quick smoothie that provides a boost of calcium along with the antioxidants and fiber that fruit provides. Make sure to blend the smoothie sufficiently so that no chunks of fruit remain. Pour the smoothie into a cup with a lid, and your toddler will have an easy healthy snack that is portable.
Fruit
Cut apples, pears, bananas, mangos and grapes into small pieces, and offer a selection of them to your toddler. Cut bananas lengthwise into quarters and then slice horizontally, as this will make the pieces small enough so that you won't need to be concerned about choking. Grapes should always be cut into quarters, as whole grapes are a common choking hazard.
Cooked Vegetables
Cook a selection of brightly colored vegetables for your toddler to choose from. Once cooked, dice the vegetables into small cubes that are no larger than ½ inch. Carrots, potatoes, green beans and yellow squash are all good choices. Never give toddlers raw vegetables, as this can pose a choking hazard.
Pasta
Cook a variety of pastas--bow-tie, macaroni and small shells work well--and give them to your toddler. Coat them with a bit of butter to add flavor. Consider adding colorful spinach and tomato-flavored pasta for variety. To make this an easy food to prepare, buy several varieties of pasta, mix them together and store in their own container. When you want to prepare the pasta, simply toss a handful in a pot of boiling water for 10 minutes or the time specified on the box for the largest pasta.
Cheese
Cubes of cheese are one of the easiest toddler foods to prepare. Buy blocks of Monterrey jack, provolone, American and other mild cheeses and cut into ¼-inch cubes. Use yellow and white cheeses for visual variety. Serve cheese cubes with pasta and you are serving an easier, less messy version of macaroni and cheese.
Hard-Boiled Egg
Hard-boil an egg, add a dash of salt and slice lengthwise into strips. This food helps a toddler meet her daily protein requirement. Serve with cheese cubes for an extra protein boost, or with some mixed vegetables.
