Healthy Snack Ideas For Toddlers

You already know that when your toddler gets hungry between meals, a snack is in order. What you may not know is that snacks are a vital part of your child's overall nutrition. Snacks for your toddler should taste good and be healthy at the same time. Fresh foods that you prepare yourself are your best bet as prepackaged foods can contain unhealthy additives and other artificial ingredients.

Dairy

Fat-free yogurt has to be at the top of any dairy list when talking about the best snacks for your toddler. Your toddler can eat it right from the container or you can use it as an ingredient in a healthy smoothie. You can also use it as a dip for your child's favorite fruits and vegetables. For a healthy snack with a crunch, topping the yogurt with some granola is another popular snack idea for toddlers. Additionally, fat-free cheese also makes a good snack option as long as it is an occasional snack. Kids love string cheese and since you tear off pieces to eat it, this snack will last a while. Giving your child dairy provides him with calcium, which helps build strong bones.

Fruit

When your child wants something sweet, satisfy his cravings with fruit instead of other sugary foods. While canned and frozen fruit is acceptable, it is best to provide whole, fresh fruit whenever possible. There are a variety of fruits that children love such as apple slices, oranges and bananas. If your child doesn't care for whole fruit, try serving her some applesauce. If you have to purchase canned fruit, choose the varieties that are packed in water or the natural juices of the fruit, as the syrup used in many canned fruits are simply not healthy.

Whole Wheat Grains

If your child starts eating whole grains at a young age, he will likely develop a taste for them and eat them forever. It's hard to find a child who doesn't enjoy a peanut butter sandwich on whole wheat bread. You can also vary it up a bit by spreading the peanut butter on a whole wheat tortilla and rolling it up to make a peanut butter wrap. A whole wheat bagel drizzled with natural honey is another option. Grains are loaded with good stuff kids need, such as fiber, B vitamins and iron.

Vegetables

When you are short on time and need a quick snack for your child, some sliced raw vegetables are a great option. Simply take some carrots, cucumbers, celery and broccoli and slice them up ahead of time. Place them in a tightly sealed container and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready for them. Many kids balk at the thought of eating vegetables, but if you start them early enough, you'll be helping them build good habits for life.