Breakfast has often been called the most important meal of the day. According to the American Dietetic Association, breakfast intake has been linked with improved academic performance, psychosocial functioning and cognition. Further research has indicated that although breakfast eaters consume more calories, they are less likely to be overweight. In light of the positive evidence supporting breakfast consumption, parents need to instill healthy eating patterns in children from the start. Toddler-friendly breakfast ideas are a step in the right direction.
Finger Foods
Let your toddler eat with his hands, especially if he is going through an independent phase. This will be much less frustrating than utensils in the morning. Offer a variety of bite-size foods cut into ¼-inch pieces. Options include items such as fruits, meat cubes, cheese cubes, whole grain pancakes or waffles, and whole grain cereal. Offer "dips" with items, such as yogurt for the fruit, whenever possible---children enjoy playing with their food. You want eating to be a positive experience.
Drinks
Blend it up if your toddler will not eat in the morning. Much like adults, toddlers are too busy to eat in the morning. If this is the case, try making a smoothie. Use frozen fruit, low-fat milk or juice, or yogurt---the sky is the limit on the possibilities of combinations. Commercial breakfast drink powders can be added to the concoction to increase nutritional value. Give your child a straw and a colorful cup and she will be intrigued.
Forget Breakfast!
Offer your child traditional lunch or dinner foods for breakfast if that is what he prefers. Cut a sandwich into a cool shape using cookie cutters---incorporate meat, cheese and whole grain bread to give him food from three food groups. Let him have that slice of leftover pizza. Just because it is morning does not mean he has to eat breakfast foods.
Tips
Keep in mind that portions for toddlers are much smaller than adults. Her stomach is only the size of her fist. Large portions will only intimidate her, creating frustration at meals. Be aware that certain foods pose hazards to toddlers. Items such as raw vegetables, large chunks of fruit, meat or cheese, and popcorn are choking hazards---be sure to cut these foods into very small pieces. Common allergens include eggs, fish, nuts and milk---your child should be monitored closely when consuming these foods.
References
- "Journal of the American Dietetic Association," Breakfast: A Missed Opportunity, Sandra G. Affenito, 2007
- "Journal of the American Dietetic Association," Position of the American Dietetic Associtation: Nutrition Guidelines for Healthy Children Ages 2 to 11 Years, 2008
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