Toddlers need healthy food to fuel their growing bodies, but most kids this age need snacks to fill the caloric and nutrient gaps left by toddler-sized meals. According to KidsHealth from Nemours, toddlers require between 1,000 and 1,300 calories a day. To meet their caloric needs, many toddlers consume two to three snacks during the course of the day in addition to normal meals.
Importance
Because toddlers are always on the go, it can be difficult to make sure they eat enough. Providing healthy snacks throughout the day can ensure that your toddler's nutritional needs are met. Preparing snacks at home produces more nutritious options than prepackaged foods that may be high in sugar, saturated fats, trans fats or sodium.
Nutrition
The main components of healthy, homemade toddler snacks are the same as those for toddler meals. Lean protein, whole grains, fruits, vegetables and high-calcium dairy products should be the prominent foods groups for snacks. Choose whole foods high in fiber instead of juices. A toddler's snack doesn't have to contain all of these components at once, but use snacks to balance out the overall diet and provide things that she might have missed at regular mealtimes. If your child consumed a lot of whole-grain carbohydrates and dairy at breakfast but missed out on protein and fruit or vegetables, some slices of hard-boiled egg and avocado can provide a good snack option later in the day.
Preparation
Fixing healthy, homemade snacks for toddlers doesn't have to be time-consuming. Sliced-up fruit or vegetables can be an excellent option that takes only moments for a busy caregiver to prepare. If your child is reluctant to try new things, consider mixing something new into an old favorite as a snack. Chopped raisins, berries or other fruit in yogurt or cottage cheese adds vitamins and minerals while also giving an otherwise plain snack a different flavor. Consider adding spices, such as a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg, to introduce your toddler to new tastes as well. Clever presentations, such as ants on a log --made from celery with peanut butter or cottage cheese and a sprinkling of raisins -- can make snack time fun for both parent and child.
Concerns
Toddlers who snack on candy or juice tend to have more cavities by the time they reach kindergarten, even if they have their teeth brushed on a regular basis, according to pediatrician Dr. Alan Greene. Some toddlers are picky eaters, but offering a few different options can help them make healthy choices while still allowing them a feeling of control over their own food selections. For example, offer whole grain crackers with sliced cheese, thin slices of apple and a little canned salmon and let your toddler choose which foods he prefers to put on his crackers and how much he wants to eat.
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