Lunchtime for your toddler is more than just a way to fill your kid's stomach. Establishing healthy eating habits early in life can put your toddler on a lifelong path of good eating. Packing your tot's lunchbox full of food that is nutritious and appealing to him is key.
Kid Involvement
Getting your child involved in packing his lunch has its own set of benefits, KidsHealth website notes. Not only can it be fun for the kid, but it will get him to think about what he's eating. You can include mini-lessons on nutrition as you both browse the grocery aisles. Explain why the whole wheat wraps are a healthier choice than the buttered rolls, and let him pick from the selection of wraps for the ones he'd like to include.
Ideal Choices
Lean and healthy is the way to go with toddler lunches, KidsHealth and Healthy Children say. Opt for turkey over bologna, whole wheat bread over squishy white, low-fat string cheese over full-fat cheese and crackers. Healthy Children offers a sample packed lunch that contains a sandwich on whole wheat bread topped with some type of vegetable and 2 oz. of meat, one-quarter cup of a dark green or dark yellow veggie and 1/2 cup of low- or nonfat milk. Other ideas include 1/2 cup of fruit like bananas or melon, 1/2 cup yogurt or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Prepackaged Lunches
In addition to being expensive, prepackaged lunches sold at supermarkets are not the healthiest choice, KidsHealth cautions. If your toddler drools over the prepackaged contents, try making your own versions of them. KidsHealth suggests whole grain cracker sandwiches packed with low-fat cream cheese or peanut butter, lean meat and low-fat cheese in a whole wheat wrap or a cold pita pizza with tomato sauce and low-fat mozzarella cheese on a whole wheat pita.
Food Safety
Your toddler's lunch should be healthy and safe to eat, KidsHealth warns. Include a cold pack in the lunchbox if it contains items such as meat, milk, yogurt or other foods that need to stay cold. Pack any hot foods in a thermos so they stay toasty. Wash your kid's lunchbox every day, even if it doesn't appear dirty. Make sure to include a few napkins or pre-moistened hand wipes so your kid can wash his hands before and after his meal.
Considerations
Before you latch that lunchbox closed, KidsHealth and Healthy Children give you a few more things to consider. Check out any food restrictions at your kid's school or day care to ensure you don't inadvertently pack something that is not allowed for some reason. Also note how long your child will be away in case you need to pack any snacks in addition to his lunch so he won't go hungry. Once in a while, even pack a few surprises. The surprise does not have to be candy or cake, but rather a small, inspirational note saying how proud you are of your child or how much you love him.
